When we practice, each moment of practice is completely new, and at the same time is part of a tradition which is over 2,500 years old. To understand practice, we need to engage with this tradition.
With this in mind, we have extensively studied the writings of Zen Master Dogen, through independent study, study with John’s teacher, Michael Eido Luetchford, and, more recently, through the writings and recordings of Shohaku Okumura.
It is important for us not simply to see Master Dogen – and Zen generally – as ahistorical, and so we have recently broadened the scope of our study to engage with early Chinese Buddhism and the origins of the Mahayana School.
After studying the Lotus Sutra, in Autumn 2020 we discussed Nagarjuna and early Mahayana, including The Heart Sutra, The Diamond Sutra and the Vimalakirti Sutra. From March 2022 the group meets on Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 7.00pm studying the Lankavatara Sutra. From Autumn 2023 we have been studying Master Dogen’s Kajo (“Everyday Life”, or “Everyday activity”) chapter from the Shobogenzo.
Please come and join us – to do this contact us by email for the Zoom details, or for any questions about this group.
