How Zen Found Me
Zen is neither East nor West; it is where you are
May 27, 2004
Janet Abels Cross Currents
Though heavily involved in her New York City Catholic community,
Janet Abels found a kind of peace in a form of meditation called
'sight in.' She built on that experience and eventually found
herself traveling to India, because in a dream, she realized that
her life as a Catholic was not complete and that she must abandon
everything she knew in order pursue her spiritual fulfillment.
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She recalls her 'early years of struggle, sitting (as meditation
is referred to in Zen).' From that struggle, '[sitting] has become
an unquestioned way of life. I sit twice a day, as well as regular
zazenkai (all-day sitting) and sesshin or Zen retreats that last
either a weekend or a week.'
In her story of transformation, the reader gets a chance to
share in her challenges and accomplishments -- a wonderful
exploration of Zen.
-- Sara V. Buckwitz
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