Rev. Clairissa considers what it means to give rise to the intention to realize enlightenment – the awakening of our Buddha Heart – amidst all conditions. She approaches through discussion of the term Bodhicitta, which is Sanskrit for “the mind (and/or heart) that seeks the Way.” This encouraging reminder to “Remember Bodhicitta” is inspired by…

In “Sympathy is As the Sea” Rev. Clairissa concludes our exploration of the Four Wisdoms from the Shushōgi chapter “Awakening to the Mind of the Bodhisattva.” She reflects on ways to cultivate our natural sympathetic connection with others in our daily life and practice, and on the meaning of this expression of the Buddha Nature…

In “Benevolence Helps Everyone” Rev. Clairissa speaks further on the Four Wisdoms from “Awakening to the Mind of the Bodhisattva” in the Shushōgi, this week on benevolence. She reflects on many of the ways we may come to live from the fundamental goodness at the heart of all being – which is not separate from…

In “The Power of Tenderness” Rev. Clairissa continues to reflect on the Four Wisdoms from “Awakening to the Mind of the Bodhisattva” in the Shushōgi, this time in the passage on tenderness. She considers what it means to offer friendship to all beings, especially those beings we encounter in the course of ordinary daily life.…

In “Blades of Grass” Rev. Clairissa reflects on how we all may meet the unknown and unfamiliar as it arises, going beyond the mind of the opposites, helping ourselves as well as others, from the heart of generosity (also called “charity”) which all beings share. She looks in particular at the chapter “Awakening to the…

This Sunday is both the Festival of Manjusri Bodhisattva and the 18th anniversary of the death of Reverend Master Daizui MacPhillamy. In “Great Wisdom From Within” Rev. Clairissa considers the bright mind of meditation, as reflected in the figure of Manjusri (embodiment of Great Wisdom), together with a tribute to the example and teaching of…

Rev. Clairissa reflects on nurturing a soft and flexible heart in response to conditions as they arise. In “Flexibility” she considers examples of flow and flexibility in the natural world around us, such as the gradual transition at each day’s dawning, the innate ability of human beings to adapt, and the qualities of bamboo.

It is the occasion of the Spring Equinox, when light and dark are near balance – a good time to let go of past opinions. Rev. Clairissa looks at the Buddha’s teaching on the balanced attitude of mind known as equanimity, and how it relates to being successful in our life of practice, in this…

In “Bright Silence” Rev. Clairissa considers what it may be that draws us to sit still in meditation, and the value of nurturing a habit of silent reflection in ordinary daily life without insisting on conditions of internal or external quiet.

In “Practice” Rev. Clairissa explores some of what it is we actually do that we refer to as our practice of Sōtō Zen Buddhism, as we seek to know our true nature and purpose.