November 21, 2009
UTNE READER

How Zen Found Me

Zen is neither East nor West; it is where you are

May 27, 2004
Janet Abels Cross Currents 
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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

Go there>>How Zen Found Me

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