September 30, 2014
An Appropriate Response to Adversity: A Reflection by Keiryu Liên Shutt

When faced with how to respond to events in our lives—perhaps in a local way such as homelessness right outside our doors, or world events such as the Ebola crisis or a Ferguson-type situation—we may be trying to decide what to do.

Lien_ShuttCan anyone really tell each of us what to do?

These days, I am reflecting more on the how and the whereHow am I responding to what’s happening? Am I aware of what’s actually happening? Where is it that I am placing my attention? Am I aware of the quality of my attention?

Bringing effort, time and care to how I’m being with events can assist in coming to a decision which is in alignment with my intentions, abilities, and/or capacity at this point in time.

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Liên invites you to explore these kinds of topics further with her and others in the workshop An Appropriate Response: What Is a Buddhist Response to Adversity? Join her at City Center on Saturday, October 25, from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Follow the link above for a full description and registration.

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On Forgiveness

In this letter to the sangha, Central Abbot Tenzen David Zimmerman writes about forgiveness and repair in his own life, and how SFZC is working with former Abbot Richard Baker to reconcile a difficult past and move forward together.