Dear Friends,

Spring greetings to you all! As we welcome this season of growth and renewal it is an opportune time to reflect on the important developments within our community. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each one of you. Thanks to your presence and participation, Long Beach Meditation has emerged from the difficulties of the pandemic era with strengthened bonds and renewed purpose: Our teachers continue to study and deepen their dharma understanding, new staff and board members are sharing fresh energy as we develop exciting plans, and longtime practitioners maintain the heart of the practice. Each week, new faces appear to sit beside us. Our wonderful, welcoming book club is thriving, and daylong events, and multi-week classes are well attended. The new year is off to a good start!

It continues to be a privilege to extend this invaluable offering to our community in Long Beach and beyond. Although the positive benefits of meditation are now more commonly acknowledged in our society, authentic, consistent, full-fledged practice is still rare. The three jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha form the basis of our of work together. Our Sangha (community), can be understood as our shared life, our collective dharma expression—the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings is always evident in relationship. Sitting alone is difficult; sitting in connection with a supportive and kind community is a true blessing.

In our ongoing efforts to share the benefits of meditation widely, we have been working to improve the depth and scope of our online resources. We continue to invest intentionally and thoughtfully in technology which supports our purpose of connecting with one another and sharing the practice of meditation freely and generously. Currently, we are in the process of creating a new and improved website. The new site will feature a wealth of information and useful content, including expanded video resources, which better reflect the essence of Long Beach Meditation’s unique and inclusive gifts. 

This spring season, let’s continue our essential work, fostering wholehearted connections within our community! In doing so, we create a ripple effect; the concentration, insight, and well-being we cultivate together extends far beyond our immediate surroundings.

I encourage you to continue to support one another in your practice and to share the compassionate heart of meditation with those around you. Our world urgently needs the depth of transformative awareness and attention that naturally emerges from a deep and consistent meditation practice. To meditate is to nourish the very ground of our being; to take care of one another and ourselves. It is the way of valuing all for the benefit of all. Let us inhabit the radical understanding that all of life is practice and use every ordinary opportunity to continue this profound work.

As always, I welcome your reaching out to me directly at jokai@longbeachmeditation.org. Thank you for your contributions and continued support. 

Bows,

Jokai

浄
Jo (Pure)

海
Kai (Ocean)