August 27, 2008
UTNE READER

How Zen Found Me

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

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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.

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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