In Zen, words are tools to guide us, but they are not the destination. We will discuss how words can sometimes mislead us in practice, and how we can stay grounded in the direct, lived experience of our true nature rather than getting lost in concepts.
Meeting Fear With Stillness
Eli Brown-Stevenson: We will be discussing a few flavors of fear and the role of zazen (Zen meditation) in overcoming everyday anxieties.
Expectations of Enlightenment
In this week's gathering we will talk about practical application of some of the core Buddhist teachings by bringing inquiry and curiosity to the expectations we hold.
Zazen is Loving Kindness
Portion from The Loving Kindness Meditation, " Let no one deceive another nor despise any being in any state. Let none by anger or hatred wish harm to another. Even as a mother at the risk of her life Watches over and protects her only child, So with a boundless mind should one cherish all living things. Suffusing love over the entire world, Above, below, and all around, without limit, So let one cultivate an infinite good will toward the whole world "
In this week's gathering we will talk about how zazen is a practice of all of the above and more!
Ethical Choices
Eli Brown-Stevenson: Ethical Choices
Gift of Nothing
Eli Brown-Stevenson: After we sit and do nothing. I will be sharing a childhood tale about one of the greatest gifts you can give. "The Gift of Nothing".
Direct Experience of Buddha Nature
Eli Brown-Stevenson — Reflections inspired by our founder Suzuki Roshi’s teaching: the purpose of practice is to have a direct experience of your Buddha nature.
Kindness
Eli Brown-Stevenson ponders the question, “Can you be too kind?”
Belonging
Whatever We Experience at YUZ
This week Eli speaks about “Whatever We Experience at YUZ”
Practice is as Practice Does
This week, Eli shares words about the spirit of practice. As always a cup of tea is welcome!
Beginner's Mind: A Visit from Suzuki Roshi
Sandwiched between some light commentary, Eli Brown-Stevenson hosts a very special guest, Suzuki Roshi time traveling from 1965, who will be giving a lecture on Beginner's Mind. As always a cup of tea is welcome!
Eli is a resident priest at City Center and has lived between City Center and Tassajara since 2012. He currently serves as Zen Center's Corporate Secretary and will be starting a new role as Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging for Zen Center in February. You can find his bio here.
The Gift of Nothing
Eli shares another childhood tale about one of the greatest gifts you can give. "The Gift of Nothing". All are welcome. A cup of tea or a hot beverage is encouraged but not mandatory.
Mistakes in Practice
Eli shares some commentary on a chapter in Zen Mind Beginner's Mind titled Mistakes in Practice. Come one come all, mistakes and all!
A Childhood Tale about the Path of the Bodhisattva
Eli Brown-Stevenson shares a favorite childhood tale of his about the path of the bodhisattva along with an exercise.
Vulnerability & Tenderness
Eli Brown-Stevenson offers a talk on the topic of Vulnerability & Tenderness as bases for Wisdom and Compassion.
Beginner's Mind is the Most Important Thing!
In Zen spaces, particularly at SFZC, it's common to hear about 'Beginner's Mind' but what does that really mean? Just like Buddha-nature, it's something that is inherent to life and we are born with, yet we tend to cover it up. This Tuesday we will be unpacking what this Beginner's Mind is and where it came from.
Karma 101
Eli Brown-Stevenson gives a talk on Karma 101, doing his best to uncomplicate that which is ancient and twisted.
Everything Changes So Why Plan?
Eli Brown-Stevenson leads us on a talk titled “Everything Changes So Why Plan?”
After reflecting on a year that certainly drives home the fundamental point of Buddhism, everything changes, Eli shared and commented on one of Suzuki Roshi's lectures "Nothing Special" expressing the importance of practicing without the expectation of obtaining something.
Don't Harbor Ill Will, Try Love Instead
2020 has been an eventful year to say the least. A year filled with issues that have weighed heavily on many people's core beliefs. During these times when it's easy to find oneself in the midst of contentious topics, many find it hard to practice with the precept "not to harbor ill will." On 10/13, Eli Brown-Stevenson, a resident priest at City Center, shared how he has been practicing with this precept during these recent times.