Dear Friends,
When the COVID-19 pandemic first entered our collective consciousness in February of 2020, we likely never imagined that the pandemic would still have a serious impact upon our daily lives two full years later in early 2022. At times we have seen conditions improve enough to resume in-person gatherings and regular events, only to see significant precautions and restrictions implemented again, the most recent example being the Omicron surge. Many of us have undoubtedly suffered a loss of morale amidst these trying circumstances. At Long Beach Meditation (LBM), it has been important to respond to the everchanging circumstances in a supportive and reality based manner. For many of us, online-only just doesn’t match the connection and vitality of face to face practice together. After careful consideration, the LBM board decided to continue with in-person hybrid Sunday meetings to support those who are comfortable gathering, as well as those who prefer to participate remotely, and in recent weeks, we have seen consistent attendance for both in-person and online offerings. There are always challenges, and our practice continues, whatever form these challenges take.
My sense is that we are living in a time of deepening division and polarity in our country. We may see and feel this division politically, socioeconomically, and in a host of other ways. This is not unique to the United States, but it is felt keenly and directly here at home. In times of strife, we are all are prone to fall into dualistic thinking and actions which follow suit. Whether individually or within a group, there is a real tendency to react to adverse situations by adopting simplistic and rigid perspectives. A closer look seems to reveal that fixed ideas and intractable beliefs around what or who is right or wrong result in separation and alienation. Our heartfelt practice at LBM is an antidote to this kind of profound disaffection. At LBM, our diverse lineages and traditions come together to inform and reinvigorate our collective path. The teachings of Buddhism are understood quite differently between the Theravadan and Mahayana schools. The spontaneity of Zen differs from the focused method of Vipassana. These distinctions serve to strengthen the dynamic whole. The dharma body is always evolving, adapting, and aligning with the present reality. The present reality is all-inclusive.
Looking forward into this year and beyond, I hope for a return to a more regular way of life. I’m optimistic that we will again see, smile, and laugh with one another in person. This continues to be a trying time for everyone; certainly, for some more than others. And, of course, all trials and tribulations included, just as it is, this is exactly our life. Perhaps it is not the life we would like, or the one that we would especially choose, but it is unequivocally, clearly the life that we have and the life that we are. Along the Eightfold Path, the Buddha’s prescription for a life of diminished suffering, the first step is Right View, also sometimes translated as Right Understanding—to see things as they truly are, to directly accord with what is real. This sight, this understanding, involves the entirety of our sense perception, thoughts, and feelings, the fullness of who we are, opening out of and into the wider sphere of this mysterious existence. If we continue to practice in this inclusive and straight-forward way together, we help to foster care in a world so sorely in need of the fruits of wisdom—presence of mind and compassionate action. Let us each of us continue to do our very best. It is an honor and a true gift to walk this path with you.
I extend my sincere gratitude to each of you. As always, I welcome your reaching out to me directly at jokai@longbeachmeditation.org. Thank you for your continued presence and support.
I look forward to continuing our journey together.
Bows,
Jokai