#19 The Art of Zen

“The technique, if we have to speak of a technique, is to be in the present moment, to be aware that we are here and now, and the only moment to be alive is the present moment” – TNH

Hello my lovelies,

Today I thought I’d discuss with you a course I undertook called The Art of Zen led my Plum Village UK. Plum Village is the tradition of Buddhism I am now a practitioner of. Plum Village was formed by the Happiness Teacher Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay for teacher). I thought I would highlight for you my journey through this course, it is the first step in three courses to slowly deepen your practice.

My previous experience before the course was watching dharma talks, listening to podcasts, using the guided meditations and reading books. So I had a…fair idea of what the course taught but found I needed invigorating to continue. I love this tradition. It is so accessible, adaptable, there is so much information and many resources. There are plenty of meditations in different forms and has a clearer picture guiding me on how to deepen my practice.

The structure of the course is a six week programme of two hours per week, there are many different days and times available. You are taught online via Zoom. There is some teaching of doctrine. However, true to Thay, there is an emphasis on meditation and mindfulness practice. On the first week I was overwhelmed by the meditation practice but by week three I loved it. There is also plenty of time to reflect and share experiences with the group, but only if you want to share. I have really learned even more about the practice of silence. You are also highly encouraged to meditate during the week to enhance and embed the knowledge you learn.

My experience was so positive. My teacher was, simply put, excellent. He was so knowledgeable, and is the epitome of a calming presence. He listened and acknowledged when I shared, very mindfully. I felt in a safe space to share my practices. He really encouraged us and was very kind. He is an absolute asset to Plum Village. He was peaceful and warm, and inspiring.

I don’t want to spoil the course too much, but it certainly covers the essence of Plum Village. I felt sluggish for sessions two and three, I won’t lie, probably because of poor sleep. But I was determined to continue, and after those two hours, I felt new and whole again. It is of course not a cure for mental illness but I enjoyed the refresh each session brought. In order to keep me motivated, I would do a two-page reflection on the session to embed what I learned, how i wanted to progress, I found that really useful.

There is so much I want to say, but it would become more like a report so here is a summary:

The alternative view of the Four Noble Truths is something I will hold dearly
I learned new meditations with gathas
I gained insights that PV is a way of life alongside a spiritual science and also that I do not have to relinquish my religiosity in Tibetan Buddhism.
The present moment is the most important and most wonderful moment.
Learning Buddhist Psychology is a refreshing view.
Always remember the Five Hindrances!
There is so much I want to accomplish going forward but it will take time and some goal planning, so I shall make a Personal Spirit Plan.
I am grateful to my teachers, they are excellent guides and a magnificent presence.