Dear All...

Dear All,

Greetings.

I am a Catholic, a (student) scientist and a devoted internet troll with a strong - very strong - interest in Zen. I'm here because I do have some previous knowledge about OBC (good and bad) so I'm ever so keen to get closer to the fire and receive some guidance on meditation. At the same time I do know enough about tragedies surrounding OBC to have doubts/disturbing questions.

I want to learn how to meditate. How to sit. I'd love to - as a first step - discover that place of refuge within. However, I would - at any cost - like to avoid getting involved in anything mentally or physically harmful.

Looking forward to speaking with you all,

Ikki

Dear Ikki,
There are a number of Catholic/Christian Zen communities if that is your interest. You might explore connecting with one of them. I've had occasion to practice with Thomas Hand (now deceased), Pat Hawk, and Greg Mayer. Others of whom I am aware are Reuben Habito, Robert Kennedy, and Willigis Jaeger. Most of them come through the Diamond Sangha Yasutani/Yamada line. Depending on where you live there seem to be plenty of options for getting further training in practice. This community is one I've had some history with: www.seventhunders.org

Welcome and best wishes in your search.
Bill Ryan

Hello Ikki, and welcome - thank you for joining us and telling us a bit about yourself.

I would try to talk about meditation if I had the ability . . . but I'm sure someone else here does . . .

Edited to say, I'm reading posts too fast, need to slow down thanks Bill, for that quick response -

Hello Ikki, Yes I agree with Bill. Find someone who is doing it and be physically and verbally shown how. And I think RMJK said, in the begining dont expect to much, later on dont expect anything. Best wishes, John.

Hi Ikki and welcome. I too would agee with Bill. Best if you can find some guidance at least early on otherwise you are in danger of getting a bit lost. Don't expect too much from them, when you learn to drive it is not wise to expect your teacher to be a Formula 1 champion!

If you can't find anyone there are number of books that could help to start you off, that is how I started. I did not meet another person who was interested in meditation for a number of years, let alone someone who taught it. A surprisingly good book is 'Meditation for Dummies' by Stephen Bodian; clear, straightforward and not dogmatic or doctrinaire.

As you go along you can always come back here and ask for advice, or post a PM to someone. There are any number of posters here who will put you right about almost anything under the sun!

Good luck, and persevere.

Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I did not know that there are catholic zen groups and I think that's where I should look first.

Thanks again,

Ikki

Drop in whenever you want to, Ikki, there's always somebody on hand to chat with.

cheers,
Lise

Hi Ikki,

My advice: Make sure you're instructed in good sitting posture, whether you're using a chair or zafu. Also loose clothing, especially around the knees, is absolutely essential. If you don't get that right, you're going to be in miserable, excruciating, horrific, nasty, wicked pain...or maybe just paralysed from the waist down.

Sitting is a good thing!

my best to you,

mokuan

PS Do you know of Bernadette Roberts? She's a former Carmelite and wrote "The Experience of No Self." An exquisite book.