Thinking About “Response Ability”
Living life from a zazen place—rooted in our bodies, completely present, curious, and open—can help us maintain, and increase, our “response ability.”
Board of Directors Service as a Spiritual Practice
There are many ways to begin a Buddhist practice, such as becoming a greeter, an attendant, or any other type of volunteer at Clouds in Water. Of course, this also includes becoming a member of the Board of Directors.
Why I Do Yoga
Why do I do yoga? Because it saved my life. Because it reminds me every day that I am not broken, but whole. Because it teaches me to stand firmly in my body while softening my heart. Because it prepares me, again and again, to meet the world with openness, courage, and compassion.
Dharma and Dāna
Our dāna (generosity) to Clouds is all of us giving to ourselves, so that we can then give to others.
Practicing as a Parent and Connecting with the Support We Receive
Exploring trauma sensitive practices and loving-kindness meditation as we navigate parenthood and practice.
Throwing the Doors Open to Refuge & Vow
The transmitted teachers decided that we would like to offer jukai to everyone, in a simpler format.
Bodhicitta as Appetite
We are in the midst of confusing, chaotic and terrifying days. How can appetite, bodhicitta, support us to persevere?
Thoughts from the Guiding Teacher on Palestine & Israel
Since October 7, 2023, a number of us at Clouds in Water have grappled with how to be with one another—and how to talk about Gaza, Palestine, and Israel—in a manner that does not cause lasting harm, and does not sever connection.
Gate of Ease and Joy: Zen Beyond the Aesthetics of Rigor
Compulsory zazen has a limited benefit. In the long arc of our spiritual life, we need to develop our own love affair with stillness in order for it to take root in our daily life.
A Truly Accessible Sangha
Our Guiding Teacher reflects on what it would take to make Clouds in Water a truly accessible sangha.
Wisdom from the "Song of Zazen" by Hakuinzen
Boundless and free is the sky of samadhi. Bright the full moon of wisdom! Truly is anything missing now?
Our New Leadership Structure
We've come up with something I think will really support our organization as we move forward into times of deepening uncertainty in our world.
The Moment That It Is
So now I'm asking myself, can I just let each moment be the moment that it is?
Ten Things to Support Us in These Times
Fascism depends on a numb and inattentive populace.
The Buddha's Hopeful Invitation to Our Human Family
The Buddha’s model offers us a balanced self-image and a true hope.
Taking Refuge
Daily, we are witnessing onslaughts on basic human rights and disregard for the safeguards of good democracy. We may wonder, "As a Buddhist, how do I practice with all of this?"
Is Sōtō Zen Practice actually useful right now?
Zen can be a means to build capacity to care for one another while stretching ourselves and the world to transform.