Third summer camp 2025

Kusen from L.Tenryu Tenbreul

Day two mornings Zazen

To achieve a calm presence in the fullness of the moment, one requires the unification of body and mind, connected to earth and sky. This unification can be achieved through the internalisation of posture and breathing. This unification is a calm energy in which body and mind work together whilst maintaining a deep connection with the surroundings. The eyes see, the ears hear, yet in truth it is the fullness of the moment itself that hears and sees. In some religions, the body was regarded as the cause of evil or as an obstacle. Shakyamuni Buddha, too, practised severe asceticism for a long time until he realised that it led nowhere, and then, simply by sitting in the whole under the Bodhi tree, realised the unity of body and mind and the awakening to the Way. Perhaps this path is humanity’s most universal heritage, a great treasure in which life can awaken to its wholeness. We carry this treasure within us and can cultivate and practise it. Practising this together and passing it on is the most important aspect of the Bodhisattva vows to help all beings, for this helping arises naturally through the wholeness of being. So, when we sit in zazen, dedicating ourselves to the practice, this is in a sense like becoming one with the Bodhisattva vows, and then a strong direction and grounding arises for our lives, and the Buddha Way comes alive.