I found a zen community at Pleasant Hill a few months ago, but I didn’t join this community because I had a class. Happily, I don’t have any classes on Wednesday next quarter, so I thought I would be able to join this community.
“Now is the time to act.” This idea showed up in my mind, so I joined this zen community today. Actually, I have practiced zen meditation for two years, but I have had no teachers and haven’t participated in a community. I have practiced just by myself. Some books were my teachers, so to speak.
I suppose if we practice by ourselves for a long time, we may be able to be a zen expert, but it’s significant that we join a community (Sangha). That is because we can confirm each other’s degree of proficiency and share knowledge and experiences in a Sangha.
This is true in not only a zen community but also in various communities (sports community, learning communities: I think JFKU is the most wonderful “Integral Sangha” in the world). Without doubt, a “healthy” community accelerates our learning.
This community matches my feeling, so I’d like to continue participating in this Sangha. By the way, am I a true Japanese? I learn the Japanese wisdom and practice"zen" from foreigners.
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