As I started to say before...
A couple of weeks ago, I decided to visit the Potomac Zen Sangha.
They have a Beginner's Class on Wednesdays which I thought would be just perfect for me. I didn't really want any philosophy. I get enough of that. Pure meditation was the ticket. I hoped that they could help me develop proper technique. Then, I could continue on with them, or meditate on my own.
As the class day approached, I became both excited and nervous. Excited because I wanted to get back on this path. Nervous because I've been off the path for two decades, and also there was the potential of being reluctantly drawn into an Eastern Philosophy vs. Western Philosophy debate. I find such debates less than stimulating.
On the Wednesday, I showed up about fifteen minutes early. No one else arrived until it was time for the class to start. Quick introductions were made, and then they told me that I was in for a surprise. The Sangha's Master was visiting from Korea, and he was going to give a lecture. I said something along the lines of that being great, but internally I chucked because this was the exact opposite of what I wanted.
I realized that I was going to get all philosophy. Plus, they were going to record his lecture. Which meant that they would be too busy to give me instructions.
However, remembering some old quote along the lines of "desire being the cause of all suffering", I decided to take it all in stride.
The lecture was good. The master even mentioned Socrates.
My meditation was horrendous. Both in walking and sitting meditations, my head was a tornado. But, it's exercise. I'm determined to get back on the path.
My schedule hasn't allowed me to get back to the Sangha since, but I plan on going this Sunday.
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