MWA Newsletter, Observing The World, Zen, -  Feb 06, 2024

Mountains and Waters Alliance Feb 6, 2024: Quick updates and a statement on Gaza

Dear Friends,

I’ve had to modify my schedule because of some medical issues requiring minor surgery. Here’s a reminder of offerings for the next couple of months.

Classes:

In 2024 we’re doing a series of 3-week classes addressing core teachings. The next one begins this Wednesday, February 7, and focuses on the practice and meaning of zazen, or sitting meditation. It’s still possible to register and receive a copy of the text before we begin. Information here.

The March online class begins March 6, and focuses on core Zen teaching through the well-known Genjo Koan – “the matter at hand.”

April class begins April 3, on “Bendowa” or “The wholehearted way.”

The rest of the 2024 schedule is found here.

Talks:

Friday, February 9: It’s still possible to attend the in-person talk in Duluth, Minnesota. Information here.

Sunday, March 10, 10 am: I’m giving a dharma talk at Minnesota Zen Center, both in person and online. Information and link here. Keep clicking until you find “Sunday talk” on March 10.

Sunday March 24 is an online dharma talk at Hokyoji (also in Minnesota, and part of my Zen history). Information and link here.

Retreats:

Sesshin – a silent weekend retreat – will be March 15-17, here at the farm in southern Minnesota. Registration is essential. (Also in August)

Earth Apprentice retreats – combining spiritual relation with land and in meditation – April 19-21, May 17-19, and also July. More information later, feel free to ask.

Other land-based activities (such as work days) will be clarified as my physical recovery progresses.

Call for ceasefire in Gaza

Then I offer this call for a ceasefire in Gaza, Israel, and the Middle East. It became impossible to say nothing, so here it is.

We call for

·       immediate and lasting ceasefire in the Middle East.

·       Immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas or in Israeli prisons, the term hostage including anyone held without charge or with only political charges;

·       A negotiated settlement providing peace, security, human rights, and dignity for all inhabitants of the region known variously as Israel or Palestine, and moving to establish the same on a long-term basis;

·       A Truth and Reconcilition Commission comparable to that of South Africa after apartheid, seeking restorative justice and building a path forward, while not excluding consequences for harmful actions;

·       Reparations to individuals, families, and organizations that have lost people, health, home, livelihood in this region. Reparations for events occurring elsewhere (such as the Nazi holocaust) shall be sought from those who caused them.

And a note: the history is so long and the injustices so many that rather than trying to address them, I choose simply to point toward resolution.