There is no shortage of things to be angry about these days. I find myself overwhelmed by the violence and instability that characterize our 21st-century life, torn between the desire to be informed about the world and the desire to stay rooted in my local communities. But does it have to be that way? What is my purpose in this chaos, and what can I do? I found a place where I could reflect honestly on these questions at a day-long meditation retreat in the Helen Hills Hills Chapel sponsored by the CRSL and Dharma Gates this winter.
Image of Buddha
In February, Dharma Gates helped bring Shoan Sensei to campus. She has been ordained in the Zen tradition for 11 years and it was such a pleasure to learn from her. She began studying and living in Zen Mountain Monastery shortly after college and shares the gifts of Buddhist practice with others at a critical moment in our species’ evolution. Through her reflections on the Buddhist Path, Shoan articulates that “the chaos and aggression we see around us in the world arises from our fundamental confusion–confusion both about who we are, and about what will bring us satisfaction and happiness.”
Shoan Sensei partnered with the CRSL and students to lead a meditation retreat at Smith.
While acknowledging the violence that we contribute to daily at the whims of markets and political leaders, Shoan provides a message of hope: that through practicing mindful attention, turning to the world in front of us, away from screens and endless news, we can find nourishment that is ever-present and be part of a community of people who want to live differently. Anyone can take refuge in the Buddhist wisdom teachings that remind us “to recognize our deep connection and unity with all beings, and that relating to others from kindness and love is the true path to our happiness and satisfaction.”
(Reflection written by Louisa Goltry ’26)
CRSL thanks Shoan Sensei and student organizer Louisa Goltry for giving newcomers and experienced practitioners the opportunity to learn basic instruction in meditation within the Zen tradition. Students learned to calm the mind, practice mindful attention and cultivate self nourishment. The retreat also included mindful eating, a short talk by Shoan and left room for Q&A. For more information on Dharma Gates, click here: https://www.dharma-gates.org/