![\"James](\"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/81\/2011\/11\/James-rakusu.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAs many of my friends know I\u2019ve worked principally as a Unitarian Universalist minister for the past quarter of a century. This has supported my family and me as I\u2019ve also studied and then taught Zen. I like to think I\u2019ve been useful.<\/p>\n
And now that I have retired from parish ministry I am devoting myself fully to guiding our Blue Cliff Zen Sangha<\/a>, writing, leading retreats, and supporting a handful of Zen teachers in their early formation. There is no charge for joining our sangha, or that teacher support. My writing makes a little money, but with an emphasis on \u201clittle.\u201d And, frankly, I am lucky if leading a retreat doesn\u2019t cost me more than I make. No complaint. None. I am grateful beyond measure.<\/p>\n However, I still need to do some more work that generates income. And I\u2019ve decided I have a few skills to offer. I am invited to preach at Unitarian Universalist churches, something I love to do. More invitations would be nice. And a couple of other things. If you are not a member of a Zen sangha and are interested in spiritual direction in the Zen spirit, I am available on a fee for service basis. Also, I am available to lead rites of passage. And, lastly, I am available to give talks and lead retreats.<\/p>\n In support of these projects I have set up a website, James Ishmael Ford<\/a>. I hope you\u2019ll take a look at it. And, perhaps you can point it out to someone who might want to take advantage of these services I am providing. Thanks.<\/p>\n