Hiya, If you’ve ever felt held-back by fear, if you’ve ever avoided following your heart, if you’ve ever backed-away from stepping into something new and perhaps a little unknown, then you might be interested in what we have coming up.

The Japanese Zen teacher, Suzuki Shosan (1579-1655), a battle-hardened samurai who became a monk later in life taught his students, ‘True ‘no-thought, no-mind’ zazen is just one thing – to have a fearless mind.’

He developed a unique style of teaching and practice which emphasized fearlessness, freedom and complete engagement with life. He particularly urged his students to squarely face the koan or spiritual problem of death.

In October 12-17 we have a Zen retreat at Anam Cara in Scotland where we will be exploring Shosan’s teachings to transcend your deepest fears so that you can become freely able to shape your most authentic and satisfying life. There are only 12 places available. It’s suitable for new people as well as experienced practitioners. You can register at http://www.anamcara.org/. Please come and join us. Life is short. Let’s really live before time runs out.

Best wishes Daizan

Hope you’re managing to beat this bitter winter. Here are  a couple of firey pictures to help things along. This is Shinzan Roshi conducting a goma, a fire ceremony.

More commonly associated with the esoteric Tendai and Shingon Buddhist schools in Japan, the goma also occurs in Zen.

And this is new year sunrise from Mount Sinai taking on our recent yoga holiday in Egypt.  Keep warm and best wishes  Daizan

Hiya, just a quick note to let you know that I’m doing a talk on Zen in Japan at the London Buddhist Society, 58 Eccleston Square, behind Victoria Station on wednesday September 10th at 6.30pm. The talk is scheduled to last an hour or so and is free.

                See you there,      Cheers D