On Not Having a Headache

water spout gargoyle, Italy

After a couple of weeks of enduring various bouts of illness, including bronchitis caused by a virus that kept moving from one part of the body to another (lungs, sinus, throat) I am noticing the absence of sickness as a most subtle joy.  This feeling is physical, emotional and mental.  It arises as a softness and ease in navigating the world. 

When I'm sick, I often resign myself to feeling tired and miserable forever.  This attitude, while admittedly negative and fairly depressing,  has the positive effect of eliminating the anxiety that comes with wondering when and if I will ever feel good again. 

I've been lucky in my life so far -- my various chronic conditions have very mild or absent symptoms, and it's only when I'm struck down by a bacterial infection, headache or virus that I get to experience what many people know intimately on a daily basis.  I'm reminded, in this tender presence of the absence of illness, of the Vietnamese Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh's description of the return of health as "the feeling of not having a headache."  When we are suffering, we forget what the absence of suffering feels like.  It's so subtle...and so sweet.  I'm planning to enjoy it until it changes once again into something challenging.  The memory of illness acts as a reminder to have empathy for everyone who struggles with ill health, while knowing that at some point I will once again join this noble company of suffering myself. 

Alan Sunhyo Richardson completes Shuso Hossenshiki

David Rynick, Roshi, Alan Richardson, Melissa Blacker, Roshi,
Mike Fieleke, Sensei
photo by Jenny Smith

Our three week Coming and Going Sesshin at Boundless Way Temple ended this morning.  Last night we held our Shuso Hossenshiki (Dharma Combat) ceremony for our shuso, Senior Dharma Teacher Alan Richardson.  He spoke on a koan, which was presented to him moments before he gave an impromptu talk about it, and then answered questions from the sangha.  The talk, and his answers, displayed his wisdom and compassion in equal measure.  Congratulations to Alan and endless gratitude for his service to the Sangha and to the Dharma.

coming and going audio recordings

Ango: Peaceful Dwelling Place

Coming and Going Sesshin 2019

  

Three-week Residential and Non-Residential

Open House Meditation Retreat

  

January 4 - 25, Currently in Progress

If you are unable to attend, you can still take part by listening to the two talks given daily. Recordings are posted at

https://worcesterzen.org/sesshin/audio/

Please visit the Coming and Going Sesshin information pagefor more detailed information.https://worcesterzen.org/cags/

Coming and Going Sesshin is our most flexible opportunity for experiencing a silent meditation retreat in the Zen tradition. There are two options: commuter and residential practice.

Non-Residential (Commuter) Retreat

You can drop in and practice for one or more of the four daily practice periods listed below, on as many days during the sesshin as you like, with no registration required. 

• 6-8 am
• 10 am-12:30 pm
• 2:30 pm-5:30 pm
• 7-9 pm

Donations for any part of a practice period will be gratefully received in the collection bowl in the front hallway. The suggested donation is $5 - $50/day.

 

Residential Retreat

You can come and go at the Temple as your schedule allows during the sesshin. You could stay for just one night, one or more of the three weekends, for the entire three weeks, or any stretch of days in-between.

If you've been curious about residential practice, Coming and Going Sesshin is a good opportunity to try it in a way that works for you.  

Advance registration is required for residential practice. Early registration is encouraged, but you can register up to 24 hours before your arrival. 

https://worcesterzen.org/cags/

the karmic flow

water shapes on the path at Cascade Park, Worcester

The flow of our lives, like the shape of water, is caused by an infinite array of causes and conditions.  Some of these events are known to us, but the vast majority are hidden from conscious awareness.  We barely understand what has already happened, and none of us can know what lies ahead.  Still, we can hope...

May this new year be full of unexpected blessings for you and everyone you love!