Hiya, hope January is going well for you. If this year, you want things to go deeper, this is my new year’s gift: Only two things are necessary in someone who is earnestly seeking the truth of their own being and wants to experience kensho or satori, the enlightenment of Zen.

     The first thing is a determination to go for it. This isn’t a matter of screwing up the will, forcing yourself into something that you think you need to be or become. It’s simpler than that. The best measure of this determination is what you actually do. Are you friends with your meditation cushion or is it gathering dust? Do you make it to sanzen? Are you getting some retreat time in your yearly schedule? Are you doing things which move you towards your goal or not?

     The second essential is a lightness of touch, perhaps a sense of humour about this endevour, an ability to allow that which is arising to actually do so, an ability to flow rather than block.  Again, it’s easy enough to check yourself.

     If you have these two qualities and you maintain your practice for long enough, you will have the satisfaction of achieving the results you seek. It’s that simple.

      A couple of news items – The Sunday Times is reporting our Japan enlightenment trip in its Luxury Travel section – they’ve been asking for pictures too! I’ll let you know when it’s due.

      Secondly, we have an upcoming Yoga Teacher Training course in Devon, starting July 25th. Places are already getting booked and it’s not been advertised yet, so, if you’re interested, email for more details.

       Have a great week, more later.

                                                   Cheers  D