ABOUT DEEP OCEAN ZENDO
We envision a world in which people learn how to identify, acknowledge and affirm their own central truth so that they treat themselves and all |
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Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, an area intimately touched by the Atlantic Ocean, Deep Ocean Zendo takes its name as a literal reference to the ocean and its waters that surround our living space, reminding us that the sea is our original home. The name also points to the basic connection between meditation and Zen. Meditation is not, of course, only practiced in Zen. In the most natural and informal way, sitting on the beach, looking out to the waves and the waters beyond, regardless of season or tide, whether tranquil or turbulent, has been a source of inspiration down through the ages for all peoples everywhere.
What Zen brings to that experience is a way of sustaining and integrating that sense of oneness with the rest of life.
We ask, for example, what are the teachings of the ocean? What can we learn as we sit and absorb the smell, the sounds, the feel of the sea? We may be struck by how constant and unremitting the ocean is, connecting us to infinite times past and times to come, one great chain of being. Or we may think in terms of how each wave comes in and ends, to be followed by another one, so that we may be tuned into the fact that it is not constant, but rather is constantly changing, thus exemplifying the Buddhist principle of impermanence.
What Zen brings to that experience is a way of sustaining and integrating that sense of oneness with the rest of life.
We ask, for example, what are the teachings of the ocean? What can we learn as we sit and absorb the smell, the sounds, the feel of the sea? We may be struck by how constant and unremitting the ocean is, connecting us to infinite times past and times to come, one great chain of being. Or we may think in terms of how each wave comes in and ends, to be followed by another one, so that we may be tuned into the fact that it is not constant, but rather is constantly changing, thus exemplifying the Buddhist principle of impermanence.
As we consider how this particular spot of ocean is in fact connected to every other ocean on the planet, and since oceans define the masses of land, we realize that all lands are connected by their suboceanic grounds, so that entire nations are linked by what surrounds them all, we realize that all things are connected, a demonstration of another Buddhist tenet, that there is no such thing as a separate self. Or we may be simply taken beyond our everyday sense of our lives being separated from each other just by listening to the waves come in, lap the shore, withdraw and return again and again.
What learnings arise within you as you sit and contemplate the ocean?
At the heart of our practice, we realize not only that all things are connected, but because they are, there is an inextricable link between caring for ourselves and caring for our planet. Taking seriously the admonition of one of Buddhism’s most articulate writers on what he calls Ecodharma, author David Loy urges everyone to “practice in nature,” we frequently take our Zen to the Beach.
What learnings arise within you as you sit and contemplate the ocean?
At the heart of our practice, we realize not only that all things are connected, but because they are, there is an inextricable link between caring for ourselves and caring for our planet. Taking seriously the admonition of one of Buddhism’s most articulate writers on what he calls Ecodharma, author David Loy urges everyone to “practice in nature,” we frequently take our Zen to the Beach.
Where we practice:
All Zen events will be at Deep Ocean Zendo, located at 1500 Kindly Court, Suite 202, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
We offer morning and evening meditation, dharma talks, Zen Buddhist services, zazenkais (day-long meditation), sesshins (week long meditation retreats), workshops and study groups. Please see our Schedule for details. Participation is open to all.
All Zen events will be at Deep Ocean Zendo, located at 1500 Kindly Court, Suite 202, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.
We offer morning and evening meditation, dharma talks, Zen Buddhist services, zazenkais (day-long meditation), sesshins (week long meditation retreats), workshops and study groups. Please see our Schedule for details. Participation is open to all.
