Sundry items of updating

I am sorry that I haven't been terribly reliable in writing up this blog on a regular basis. There are 2 main reasons really, one is that my life has been quite full with demand sboth from the parish that I am in charge of and also the fulfilment of my role as a Zen teacher. Aotner reason has been my doubt about whether anyone actually reads the blog. I have recently recived a couple of positive comments which have encouraged me to make the time to send a little more frequently.



A couple of months ago I wrote a simple introduction to Zen practice and a couple in the Wild Goose sangha set it up as a little booklet with the Title Let the Dragon Roar. In it I set our some very simple requirements for those who wished to be as admiited as a serious Zen student of the Wild Goose sangha. It was great that there were 9 who responded to this so we had a very moving admission ceremony to admit them on July 8th. These were all members who meet regularly at the Ashcroft Centre in Cirencester every Thursday evening. Hopefully there will be others who wish to make that more formal comittment but evrybody is welcome to join with us in our oractice and there is no need necessarily to take on the formal role of a student. However this does give some form and definition to those who wish to engage very seriously as a student.

the Catholic church in the UK is now energetically preparing for the Pope's visit. It seems to be a very costly affair with massive security as it is a State visit rather than purely a pastioral one. I must say that I ask to myself the question; "What would Jesus the Carpenter - the one who istructed Peter to put away his sword - say about all that?"

Three books ahve been brought to my attention recently and I think that you may be interested in checking them out especially f you are interested in Contemplative prayer /Zen practice.

The Essence of Zen - the teachings of Harada This is an excellant overview of Zen practice given by a great Japanese Zen Maser from the talks he gave to Western students on his trips to Europe & the USA.

The Flowing Bridge - Guidance on beginning Zen Koans This collection from Sister Elaine MacInnes is a most valuable help for those engaged in Zen practice. Studying Zeb koans of course needs to be done in conjunction with an authentic Zen teacher of course but this is helpful from an experienced Zen Master who is also a Christian Religious Sirts now in her 80's who was one of the first Christain to receive transmission. She is part of the SanboKyodan lineage.

The Wisdom Jesus Cynthia Bourgeault is an Episcopal priest who darws on th Wisdom tradition of a few different religions to look once again at the teachings of Jesus in Scripture to see it in the light of the great wisdom tradition.

I have a Zazenkai (A day of Zen practice) coming up on september 4 at the Ammerdown Centre
and then we have our big weekend Michaelfest at the Parish in Tetbury on September 24 - 26 with a music recital, an art exhibition and our usual masses with Fr. Paul Lyons from St. John's seminary Wonersh as our special homilist. We end with an Ecumenical Vesper service on the Sunday evening led by the choir of St. Mary's Anglican church.

I have a Zen Taster Day in Canterbury on October 9 organised by one of my students Marcus Averback.

From October 25 - 29 I shall be away on my annual retreat with The Stonewater Zen Sangha in Liverpool.

On November 5 7 I have a short Zen Sesshin also at the Ammerdown centre.


Well that's enough of my doings etc. but PLEASE will you send me a note by email to tell me if you've read this so I know if its worth doing it patrick@northwall.plus.com