Sitting Group

[Fugu]

Andy:

When I had my little group going in my tiny apartment, we would sit in the zendo for 20 minutes and then adjourn into the living room. My then paramour was a tubby little Acme Juicer, and I served freshly done green monster juice a la tea ceremony. We would sit, drink the juice and talk about how the meditation had been for each of us and how we were applying it to the rest of our life. Also discussed what books we were reading. Just relaxed commentary, but centered on our meditation.

Gassho,
Lee

[Kokuu]

Lee

That sounds like a lovely relaxed way of doing things. I may well follow a similar pattern.

Gassho
Andy

[Hans]

Hey Andy,

good luck with the group. It's definitely a learning experience!

Gassho,

Hans Chudo Mongen

[Kokuu]

Thank you, Hans. I have facilitated spiritual groups before so know some of the pitfalls but doubtless more will present themselves in time!

Any advice from your own experience?

Gassho
Andy

[Hans]

Hello Andy,

well...try to enjoy the fact when things aren't going as planned and you are challenged. Obviously too much of being challenged and the group will never become a true group...but my limited experience so far has shown me that it is precisely the questions and reactions we don't expect that can teach us the most. Especially complete beginners can bring a freshness and bluntness to one's own well trodden paths, that can act as a great teacher in itself. Buddhas together with Buddhas.

Just enjoy the ride, maybe it works out, maybe it doesn't....be patient and don't try to be popular

Gassho,

Hans Chudo Mongen

[Edward E]

Andy,

Hope all goes well with your group. Keep us posted.

I would love to do the same thing here in Birmingham once I get more established in my practice and get a better grip on what I'm doing/not-doing (Zen noob here - but I'm learning a lot at Treeleaf and hope to get more involved). B'ham area has over 1million people but no Zen group that I'm aware of (oh, the challenges of living in the Bible Belt!).

Gassho,
Eddie