Following the closing ceremony for the day Saturday night Jan & I had to pack up and drive the three hours to Providence so that I could be present for the church’s annual congregational meeting. (Big news out of that: the First Unitarian Church of Providence voted unanimously to become a Welcoming Congregation. A little late, but nonetheless, something I’m enormously glad for and proud of…) I also preached that morning, proof of which may be found a post or two below this one…
There were about forty-three at this sesshin. So, not only are Jan & I missing from the retreat picture taken after the retreat but a couple of others, as well. This picture is a standard thing at Zen retreats, a tradition inherited from our East Asian ancestors…
A good crowd. Looking at the pic I notice how it captures us rather well. Most looking straight into the camera in the way our Japanese and Korean forebearers would expect. But also people looking at each other or other things. Sort of like the experience of zazen…
A pretty typical Zen crowd for the West. A few out of work. Several “under-employed,” that is have a level of formal education beyond that expected for their work. A disproportionate number working as teachers of one kind or another or health professionals.
In addition to the three Zen Buddhist priests present (one of which is me) I believe five of this crowd are ordained ministers in Western* traditions (one of which is me), two in the Unitarian Universalist tradition (why I thought to use “western” rather than “christian.” It can be so complicated), one in the United Church of Christ and two in the Episcopal church. One has had the good sense to get out of that line of work. The rest continue to toil in their traditions trying to do slightly more good than ill along the way…
(Here’s a nice report from someone who had their first sesshin experience. I can’t wait for the promised report on pooping as kensho… And here’s another blog report by a friend and old Zen hand.)
Good people, each following their own trajectory on this hard and beautiful life.
Some real Zen people there, as well…
I’m so grateful.
* yes, yes, Zen Buddhism should now be considered a Western tradition, as well. Geeze…
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