No Gate Zen Center Blog
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No Gate Zen Center is a traditional and not-so-traditional Zen Buddhist sangha. Our lineage is Soto and Rinzai Zen and we engage in Dream-Koan* practice as well as other beautiful and inspirational, diverse Buddhist practices. Our practices are relevant, vibrant, and deeply meaningful in today's world. Read our blog to know more about our practices.
No Gate Zen Center Blog
1M ago
With deep consideration it is clear that the need for taking refuge is greater than ever. Because of this I have decided to return to teaching the Dharma. As the chaos of the dusty world unfolds around us, we take refuge in Zazen practice; in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. It is here ..read more
No Gate Zen Center Blog
4M ago
Cleaning my incense bowl With tweezers from my medical office A sifter from Amazon A reshaped silver spoon gifted from Jitsudo Roshi Removing the unburnt sticks from top to bottom And then re-tamping the powdered mix Of incense and ancestors bones To a mirrorlike smoothness Home for the next stick of incense Burning with unabashed ..read more
No Gate Zen Center Blog
4M ago
Histories of ages past Unenlightened shadows cast Down through all eternity The crying of humanity -Donovan, Hurry Gurdy Man This past week I read of pieces by enlightened writers regarding the election results. Eve Marko, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, Matthew Cheney , and Bhilkkhu Bodhi all wrote about their reactions and feelings. Their expressions spanned the emotional gamut from ..read more
No Gate Zen Center Blog
4M ago
At the time, I had been reading a lot of Dogen and sitting a lot of zazen. (is there such a thing as too much?) Then, one day, riding my bicycle on Snow Road, south of Old Mesilla, NM, looking directly into the horizon at the Organ Mountains I had a realization moment and it ..read more
No Gate Zen Center Blog
5M ago
I am forwarding this invitation from our Dharma sister and brother, Myoshin and Kendo Bruce-Fritz, Roshis, in Colorado Springs. Please join us! Hello Friends:Many of us struggle with how we should contend with the contentious and divisive nature of this year’s election and are anxious about the potential for unrest and violence. We would like ..read more
No Gate Zen Center Blog
5M ago
October 25, 2024: Phil Lesh, legendary Grateful Dead bass player, consummate musical visionary, and family member passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Box of Rain Look out of any windowAny morning, any evening, any dayMaybe the sun is shiningBirds are winging, no rain is falling from a heavy skyWhat do you want ..read more
No Gate Zen Center Blog
5M ago
Waves roil in the earthen pot the wind’s thin wail starts up simmering tea and serving it, offering it to all mankind; a shame no one who comes understands it’s real taste; siting alone I brew for myself a tea beyond compare. This poem is from “The Old Tea Seller” a book of poems by ..read more
No Gate Zen Center Blog
5M ago
Is it possible to move through life with a sense of ease in this stressful world we inhabit? Can we embrace a way of being that is not forced and free from excessive striving, that is true to nature? There is a natural rhythm in nature that is in tune with the rhythm of our ..read more
No Gate Zen Center Blog
5M ago
I’ve been reading Norman Fischer’s book, Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong. It’s a mind training practice on compassion. Fischer has put a Zen spin on this traditionally Tibetan practice. A Dharma brother suggested it. I’ve also had a meaningful encounter with another dharma brother who is deeply engaged with Tea Ceremony, an intentional ..read more
No Gate Zen Center Blog
6M ago
I heard it said: “Don’t let circumstances control your happiness. Let your happiness control your circumstances.” When our perceived needs are not being met we feel unhappy, ill-at-ease. “If only my circumstances (people, place, things) were different…then I could be happy” Clearly, we could say these are expectations. Expectations are premeditated suffering. They are the ..read more