Value of Sangha: Joined Zen Community at Pleasant Hill

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.

Problem of “Who am I?”

Nowadays, I often talk to myself “Who am I?”  This simple but existential question shows up in my mind when I’m aware of myself as an experiencer.  This phenomenon usually appears after meditation or after running.  Of course, an answer to this kind of question is endless, so I often give up answering.  I just surrender myself to the moment… After surrendering, a loving smile wells up in me.

Writing Style: To Be A Writer Like Ken Wilber

Since I stared my master program, I have typed Wilber’s book “The Essential Ken Wilber” in order to be a writer like Wilber paying attention to his word choice, grammatical structures, and transition words.  For a non-native speaker like me, the attempt to become a sophisticated English author may be feckless, but I won’t stop it.  When I stop it, I'll be a great writer (I want to believe so).

Suppose if I acquire a sophisticated writing style, what are contents in my paper or book?  Am I possible to write meaningful contents?  That may be problem…

How The Way We Talk Can Change The Way We Work

I read Kegan’s book “In Over Our Head” in the developmental psychology class at JFKU, but the book was a little bit difficult for me (a little? No, quite difficult).  I couldn’t follow the story in the book, but I really admire Kegan’s amazing storytelling ability.  I’d like somebody to translate this English book into plain English…

Anyway, this book “How The Way We Talk Can Change The Way We Work” is more practical.  I’ll incorporate the knowledge and practices into my integral coaching model.