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Falling
Leaf Zazenkai
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A translation of the Pali
word bhavana, “meditation” originally meant “mental cultivation.” To
practice meditation is to open what is closed, reveal what is hidden,
and balance what is reactive in the body, heart, and mind. The
proven benefits of meditation include the reduction of stress, the
lowering of blood pressure and heart rate, and the enhancement of
clarity and concentration. Over time, authentic practice can also
engender insight, equanimity, and compassionate understanding.
Zen meditation is distinguished by its devotion to the practice of zazen. Literally translated, the word zazen means “to sit in concentration,” and to practice zazen is to examine one’s experience, moment by moment and breath by breath, in a spirit of unmediated inquiry. Although zazen can be profoundly relaxing, it is also a dynamic practice, in which body, breath, and mind reunite in a direct encounter with the present moment. Founded in 1998, the Falling Leaf Zazenkai at Alfred, New York is a Zen sitting group that meets regularly on Sunday evenings to practice seated and walking meditation. Though grounded in Buddhist tradition, this is a non-doctrinal, non-sectarian practice and is open to the general public. Donations are welcome, but there is no charge for participation. All sessions are conducted by Dr. Ben Howard, Professor of English Emeritus, who has practiced meditation in the Zen and Vipassana traditions for more than fifteen years. He has also studied Rinzai Zen with Jiro Osho Fernando Afable, former Vice-Abbot of Dai Bosatsu Zendo, and the Venerable Roko Sherry Chayat, Abbot of the Zen Center of Syracuse. In 2002 he received lay ordination from Jiro Osho at Dai Bosatsu Zendo. The Falling Leaf Zazenkai welcomes visitors to its Sunday sessions, which begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Miller Center, Room 301, and last about an hour. Newcomers are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing and to arrive at 7:15 to receive orientation and instruction. For further information, please contact Ben Howard at fhowardb@alfred.edu. |