Practice across two traditions

[MattN]

Hello everyone,

Since reconnecting with my Zen practice earlier this year, I have been sitting zazen daily (and sit with Shokai's group on Mondays and Fridays in the Treeleaf SSR).

More recently, I found a lovely local sangha very close to where I live that meets twice a month. They practice in the Plum Village tradition and I have great enjoyed joining the meetings there.

Is there anything I should know about practising across multiple traditions like this? I've not seen any contradictions between PM and the Soto Zen practised here; I have also seen posts here suggesting (paraphrasing wildly!!) that as long as one is sitting zazen daily then anything else is a bonus.

(If this has been addressed elsewhere in the forum then please do close this topic!)

SAT/LAH
gassho
Matt

[Jundo]

Hi Matt,

The traditions should be very harmonious, all about Buddhism, gentleness, living in non-violence and peace.

The Plum Village folks don't sit Zazen, and certainly not Shikantaza, as we do. So, when sitting Shikantaza, in the time of sitting, there is just this Sitting, Shikantaza, with nothing more to do, nothing lacking, no other practice. They don't study Dogen, their practice more resembles South Asian VIpassana traditions more than Zen in many ways.

However, when getting up from there, we can do many things. Mow the lawn, buy groceries, learn from the Plum Village tradition, learn from the Soto Zen tradition, etc. There may be times when there is conflict or difference, but I cannot think of many.

Gassho, J
stlah

[MattN]

Thank you Jundo - really appreciate this response!

SAT/LAH
gassho
Matt

[Bion]

What a wonderful opportunity to have a sangha nearby, and in such a closely related tradition. As far as I know, sitting meditation, as well as walking meditation are a part of the Plum Village daily schedule and retreats, so you should be able to both learn some new things and, when appropriate, engage in your own personal practice without standing out too much or being a distraction. I think the emphasis on compassion and mindfulness that Thay's tradition has can add a valuable layer to one's perspective and practice! Enjoy

Gassho
sat lah

[ssalamena]

Hello everyone,

Since reconnecting with my Zen practice earlier this year, I have been sitting zazen daily (and sit with Shokai's group on Mondays and Fridays in the Treeleaf SSR).

More recently, I found a lovely local sangha very close to where I live that meets twice a month. They practice in the Plum Village tradition and I have great enjoyed joining the meetings there.

Is there anything I should know about practising across multiple traditions like this? I've not seen any contradictions between PM and the Soto Zen practised here; I have also seen posts here suggesting (paraphrasing wildly!!) that as long as one is sitting zazen daily then anything else is a bonus.

(If this has been addressed elsewhere in the forum then please do close this topic!)

SAT/LAH
gassho
Matt

Hi Matt,
So nice to hear. I honestly see Thich Nhat Hanh as one of the greatest blessings to the World we live in, his wisdom and compassion have always been a massive inspiration for me. Some of his books, like No Mud No Lotus, have helped me when I was going through difficult times in the past.
Over the years I have met quite a few monastics and lay pratictioners in the Plum Village tradition, and they were lovely.

Gassho
Sat lah