September 2024

Recollection of beginnings never fares well with accuracy.  As Pema says, “There’s never a true story.” 

It was by accident that I came across Daily Zen, and had not a clue what to expect when I visited the website. Living in California there were always myriad zen websites offering any number of opportunities and information.

Easing in at the shallow end of the pool I explored a beginning introduction to Daily Zen. It remained that way until I began to get serious about my practice.  I don’t think I actually noticed or was aware of the quiet influence of Daily Zen.

The importance of sangha was initially a vague concept. The more connected I became to a sangha, the more I came to realize the deep importance of sangha and community. 

This growing realization furthered my interest in strengthening my connection with Daily Zen. Daily Zen has much to offer, and I was so thankful for its quiet, ever-present support.

Now, I look after a loose-knit group of beginners. Daily Zen provides the group a place to check in, and community support to strengthen their practice.

Daily Zen is an excellent example of community and the importance of practitioners looking after one another. The Daily Zen Journal provides a wonderful reminder of the importance of committing to routine reading, to ponder and question one’s practice.

I realize how easy it is to get stale and lose motivation.  I experience how Daily Zen strengthens and enriches daily practice. I can look in the mirror and smile. Joyful moments – so many. 

Rev. Dr. Busshin