Magazine Series Looking for Solid Ground | Michael O'Neill Blog Sep 24, 2023 Michael O'Neil shares his experiences as a long time Zen practitioner navigating through life's tough spots. What's Wrong with Suffering? Blog Sep 3, 2023 Although we suffer during painful experiences, it is not just the pain that causes us to suffer. Michael Haggiag explores what we can do to reduce our own suffering when things go wrong. Living Yogacara by Tagawa Shun’ei Book Review by Martin Goodson Sep 3, 2023 The Yogacara school demystifies many aspects of Zen Buddhism that are often left unsaid. Written from the perspective of the Hossō school of Buddhism, this title is can still be very useful for Zen practitioners. 21. The Morning Star THE BUDDHA BLOG Sep 3, 2023 Why is the Buddha’s birthday the same day as his death, and his enlightenment? Jizo has some interesting ideas about why this might be the case. 20. The Buddha’s Path THE BUDDHA BLOG Aug 6, 2023 Will Dylan understand what Jizo is trying to teach him? Series THE BUDDHA BLOG Books Jul 23, 2023 A teenager's life begins to change in ways he could never have imagined after encountering the teachings of the Buddha. Michael Haggiag makes Zen practice and Buddhism easy to grasp in this coming of age story. 19. Daily Life Practice THE BUDDHA BLOG Jun 25, 2023 Jizo's instructions for daily life practice leave Dylan less than thrilled. The Catalpa Bow: A Study of Shamanistic Practices in Japan... Book Extract Jun 18, 2023 When a Buddhist priest finds out that his kinsman has been reborn into an agonising hell, a yamabushi holds the key to helping his friend 18. The Meditation Hall THE BUDDHA BLOG Jun 18, 2023 Dylan has his first experience of a real Zen-do and it's not what he expected! 17. Enlightenment THE BUDDHA BLOG Jun 11, 2023 Siddhartha faces his final test under the Bodhi tree. Mumonkan: The Gateless Gate by Mumon Ekai, with commentary by Soko... Book Extract Jun 4, 2023 Soko Morinaga Roshi describes what it is like to experience the passions in a state of emptiness. 16. On the terrace THE BUDDHA BLOG Jun 4, 2023 Dylan finds the courage to return to the meditation cushion so Jizo gives him some further instructions on meditation. Faith in the Practice Blog May 28, 2023 Zen practice can’t stop bad things from happening to us but it can help us face them. Michael O’Neill concludes his experience of dealing with disappointment and loss. 15. Shame THE BUDDHA BLOG May 28, 2023 Dylan has a terrifying experience on the meditation cushion. 14. Solo THE BUDDHA BLOG May 20, 2023 A 13 year old girl gives Gautama the final lesson that will lead him to full Buddhahood. Looking for Solid Ground Blog May 14, 2023 With his plans dashed and a big garden in need of some serious attention, all that was left for Michael to do was to get to work. Form THE BUDDHA BLOG May 14, 2023 Dylan finds it difficult to sit still, so Jizo instructs him on the correct form for sitting Zazen (meditation). All At Sea Blog May 7, 2023 No matter how long we have been practicing life can still be disheartening. Michael O’Neill shares his recent experience as a Zen practitioner. 13. The Ascetic THE BUDDHA BLOG May 7, 2023 Jizo explains the Middle Way to Dylan. 12. Learning to bow THE BUDDHA BLOG Apr 30, 2023 Jizo teaches our hyperactive protagonist the secret to finding inner stillness. 11. King Bimbisara THE BUDDHA BLOG Apr 23, 2023 King Bimbisara makes a very tempting offer that will surely test the Buddha's resolve. 10. The Five Disciples THE BUDDHA BLOG Apr 16, 2023 Five friends search for prince Gautama after he flees the palace. 9. The Restaurant THE BUDDHA BLOG Apr 9, 2023 Dylan has an important question for Jizo. 8. Jizo’s Own Story THE BUDDHA BLOG Apr 2, 2023 Jizo faces life and death in his first real test as a Zen monk Studies in the Lankavatara Sutra by D.T. Suzuki Book Extracts Mar 26, 2023 D.T Suzuki on the history and development of Mahayana Buddhism in China. 7. Pondering THE BUDDHA BLOG Mar 26, 2023 Jizo reveals something about his mysterious past... 6. Leaving Home THE BUDDHA BLOG Mar 16, 2023 Having faced the reality of life for the first time, prince Gautama now faces a difficult moral dilemma. Is ChatGPT the name of the next Buddha? Blog Mar 12, 2023 Is this the beginning of an AI revolution that will free humanity or enclave it? Or could it be the next Buddha? Find out in this week’s Blog article. 5. The Third Meeting THE BUDDHA BLOG Mar 12, 2023 Prince Gautama had never thought about old age or sickness before and he's not handling it all that well. How will he take this last revelation? 4. Outside the Palace THE BUDDHA BLOG Mar 5, 2023 Prince Gautama, encountering old age and sickness for the first time, finds his world beginning to crumble. Seated Buddha, Java/Sumatra 9th Century Images of Truth Feb 26, 2023 A 9th Century Buddha from Sumatra, with an accompanying verse explaining how to directly see the Dharma. 3. Prince Siddhartha Gautama THE BUDDHA BLOG Feb 26, 2023 How did prince Guatama become the Buddha? 2. Buddha the Pointer THE BUDDHA BLOG Feb 17, 2023 Even a 15 year old with ADHD can understand the teachings of the Buddha when Jizo explains it! Maitreya: Sumatra 9th Century Images of Truth Feb 12, 2023 The bodhisattva Maitreya is the Buddha in waiting who will teach the Buddha’s way once the Dharma has been forgotten again. 1. Call me Dylan THE BUDDHA BLOG Feb 12, 2023 A hyperactive teenager strikes an unlikely friendship with a Japanese gardener who seems to know more than he lets on. Frieze fragment of figures beside a chakra (wheel) Images of Truth Feb 5, 2023 A fragment relief from Southeast India, accompanied by an excerpt from Setting in Motion the Wheel of the Dhamma Monkey | Chapter 15 Stories Retold: Journey to the West Jan 22, 2023 Everyone is blaming Monkey for their misfortune again but surely this time it isn’t his fault? Curse of the Werewolf The Alchemy of Transformation Jan 22, 2023 Martin takes a look at how spiritual power can turn humans into monsters. Monkey | Chapter 14 Stories Retold: Journey to the West Jan 15, 2023 In this episode, the monk Tripitaka stumbles across a particular Monkey who has been trapped under a mountain… Extract | The Four Noble Truths by Ajahn Sumedho II Book Extracts Jan 15, 2023 Ajahn Sumedoh remembers discovering the reason he could not wholeheartedly give himself into life and its tasks. Monkey | Chapter 13 Stories Retold: Journey to the West Jan 8, 2023 In this episode the monk Tripitaka sets out on his long journey to retrieve the lost Buddhist texts but what will the naïve monk do when he comes face to face with the horrible dangers he was warned about? Extract | C.G. Jung Letters, vol. 1 Book Extracts Jan 8, 2023 Psychologist C.G.Jung writes about with the ‘shadow’ personality, which has much in common with the Bull (emotional energies) that Zen practitioners also work with. The Zen Gateway Review for 2022 Jan 2, 2023 We've gathered together the most popular articles this year for our annual review Monkey | Chapter 12 Stories Retold: Journey to the West Dec 23, 2022 In this chapter, the unfortunate couple Liu and his wife Blue lotus, who having being returned to the land of the living, finds that her soul has been placed in the recently deceased Princess Jade Bud's body. Extract | Modern Man In Search of a Soul by C.G. Book Extract Dec 23, 2022 Influential Swiss Psychologist Carl Yung on life death and finding a purpose. Review |To Meet The Real Dragon by by Gudo Wafu Nishijima Book Review by Adrian Matthews Dec 17, 2022 Adrian Mathews recounts his personal experience reading this book as a young man and then returning to it 10 years later. Monkey | Chapter 11 Stories Retold: Journey to the West Dec 17, 2022 In this Episode, the Emperor faces a trial by the Judges of Death for killing the Dragon King in his dream. Monkey | Chapter 10 Stories Retold: Journey to the West Dec 11, 2022 In this Episode, the Dragon King makes a bet with a fortune teller unaware that his bet is against Fate itself. Extract | Bankei Zen: translations from the Record of Bankei Book Extracts Dec 11, 2022 Zen Master Bankei points out how to spot the Buddha Nature by becoming aware of the traces it leaves from moment to moment. Monkey | Chapter 9 Stories Retold: Journey to the West Dec 4, 2022 We take a break from the fantastical misadventures of Monkey to tell a story of love, betrayal and redemption. Extract | Poems of the Japanese Zen Masters Book Extracts Dec 4, 2022 The Zen masters reveal some of the secrets of Zen practice through poetry. Daito Kokushi's Admonition Book Extracts Nov 22, 2022 Shūhō Myōchō known as Daito Kokushi (1283-1338) founded the great training monastery of Daitokuji in Kyoto. His memorial day is on 22nd November. Monkey | Chapter 8 Stories Retold: Journey to the West Nov 20, 2022 Monkey has now been imprisoned under a mountain by the Buddha but a Bodhisattva who’s on a mission, may be able to get this monkey out of its cage. Extract | Zen at Daitokuji by Dr. Jon Covell & Abbot Book Extracts Nov 20, 2022 A historic debate takes place between the Zen school and one hundred monks representing all the other Buddhist sects from the local area. Monkey | Chapter 7 Stories Retold: Journey to the West Nov 13, 2022 Although the God's have managed to capture Monkey but he has become so strong the Gods have no way of actually getting rid of him. With no one else left to turn to, the western Buddha is called. Extract | Joseph Campbell, Myths to Live By Book Extracts Nov 13, 2022 Religious scholar Joseph Campbell, on the power that myths have in shaping the individual and his or her place within society. Monkey | Chapter 6 Journey to the West Retold Nov 5, 2022 With no one able to defeat the monkey king the great magician Erh-lang comes up with a cunning plan... Extract | The Secret Oral Teachings in Tibetan Buddhist Sects by Alexandra... Book Extracts Nov 5, 2022 In this Book Extract, a Tibetan Lama explains why even when secret teachings are freely given they still remain a secret to the listener. Series The Stories of Monkey Oct 30, 2022 The magical stories of Monkey, from the novel Journey to the West, are retold by The Zen Gateway. Monkey | Chapter 5 Journey to the West Retold Oct 30, 2022 Monkey, now the Great Sage and Equal of Heaven, has become so powerful that even the emperor of heaven is scared of him, after all he’s still a monkey. Extract | The Zen Koan: Its History and Use Book Extracts Oct 30, 2022 Isshū Miura explains the secret to inducing kensho (sudden awakening) through development of the ‘great ball of doubt’. Monkey | Chapter 4 Journey to the West Retold Oct 23, 2022 In this Episode the Jade Emperor of heaven, the planet Venus and multi limbed transforming warriors all attempt to get the precocious monkey under control. Extract | The Shadow Book of Ji Yun - Imperial librarian and Investigator of... Book Extracts Oct 23, 2022 A strange dancing creature appears every night on a family's estate. Bewildered and afraid, the family investigates in this Book Extract. Monkey | Chapter 3 Journey to the West Retold Oct 16, 2022 In this episode, Monkey ransoms one of the four dragons of creation and gets kidnapped and dragged down into the underworld. Extract | The Four Noble Truths by Ajahn Sumedho Book extracts Oct 9, 2022 "when I first started meditating, I had the idea that meditation would make me kinder and happier... But during the first two months, I never felt so much hatred and anger in my life." Monkey | Chapter 2 Journey to the West Retold Oct 1, 2022 Monkey learns the secrets of immortality from a Daoist mystic, but how long will his teacher’s patience last? Extract | The Year of my Life; A translation of Issa’s Oraga Haru Book Extracts Oct 1, 2022 Issa was not only a Buddhist priest but also one of Japan’s greatest Haiku poets. His verses featured in this extract are quite mysterious… Monkey | Chapter 1 Journey to the West Retold Sep 25, 2022 A precocious monkey seeks out the secrets to immortality in this retelling of the Chinese classic Journey to the West. Extract | The Eye and Treasury of the True Law by Dōgen Zenji Book Extracts Sep 25, 2022 Zen Master Dōgen Zenji on the correct form and practice for sitting Zazen (meditation). Introduction to the Stories of Monkey | With illustrations by... Stories Retold Sep 17, 2022 Born from a rock, possessing magical powers to rival the Gods and imprisoned under a mountain by the Buddha, the Character of Monkey has been the subject of TV shows, films and Operas. Extract | The Thousand-foot Cliff Book Extracts Sep 11, 2022 If I could only have that one thing, then I will be happy – when these kinds of feelings come up we have a prime opportunity for awakening. Extract | Arresting the Stone Buddha Book Extracts Sep 3, 2022 A judge has a stone Buddha arrested for theft in this book extract. Attracting without Asking The Hidden Art of Spiritual Transformation Sep 3, 2022 If there is ‘no-one’ to realise enlightenment then who are we doing this practice for? The ancient Romans and Greeks may give us a clue. The Power of Non-Intentional Spiritual Relations The Hidden Art of Spiritual Transformation Aug 27, 2022 How do magical ideas around manifesting and attracting the things you want in life relate to Buddhist practice and Bodhisattvas? Extract | The Daily Devotional Chants of the Zen Centre | Part II Book extracts Aug 20, 2022 Zen master Daiyu explains what taking refuge in the Buddha really means Extract | The Wisdom of the Zen Masters by Irmgard Schloegl Book Extracts Aug 13, 2022 If there is still an ‘I’ (or ego) then there is no point in trying to deny it. What then, is the correct approach to empty the heart of ‘me’? Bargaining with Spiritual Powers The Hidden Art of Spiritual Transformation Aug 13, 2022 While the spiritual world may or may not be real, the way humans have bargained with these powers have many common features. Extract | Bankei Zen: Translations from the Record of Bankei by... Book Extracts Aug 3, 2022 After pushing his body too far in the pursuit of insight, a young Master Bankei finds himself on the verge of death when something miraculous suddenly happens. The Limits of Human Will The Hidden Art of Spiritual Transformation Jul 31, 2022 In the quest to rid the culture of old superstitions, we may have lost an important way of interacting with the unconscious. News Round Up for w/e 31st July 2022 News & snippets from Zen Cyber-Space Jul 31, 2022 The latest news and snippets from across Zen Cyber-Space Extract | The Five Houses of Zen by Thomas Cleary Book Extracts Jul 31, 2022 This Book Extract looks at the history of early Buddhism in China and it’s symbiotic development with Chinese spiritual traditions of the time. Review | ‘Jewels from the Indra Net’ by Trevor Leggett Book reviews Jul 24, 2022 Published fourteen years after Trevor Leggett’s death, is this posthumous release worth picking up? Hillary Tucker reviews. News Round Up for w/e 24th July 2022 News & snippets from Zen Cyber-Space Jul 24, 2022 The latest news and snippets from across Zen Cyber-Space The Most Important Thing is Vitality Interview with calligrapher – Michiko Imai Jul 17, 2022 Japanese calligrapher Michiko Imai explains how to apply 'The Way of Zen' to all your creative endeavors. A First Zen Reader: compiled and translated by Trevor Leggett Book Extract Jul 17, 2022 In this extract from Trevor Leggett, we have a description of what the state of realisation feels like, and the next step that has to be taken afterwards. News Round Up for w/e 7th July 2022 News & snippets from Zen Cyber-Space Jul 10, 2022 The latest News and snippets from Zen Cyber-Space GRACEFUL EXITS How Great Beings Die: Death stories of Hindu, Tibetan Buddhist... Book review Jul 10, 2022 On the eve of her death, Sushila Blakman brought together a remarkable collection of stories of how spiritual masters die. Michael Haggiag reviews News Round Up for w/e 3rd July 2022 News & snippets from Zen Cyber-Space The latest from Zen Cyber-Space Jul 3, 2022 The latest news in Buddhism from across the web. As Above, So Below The Alchemy of Transformation Jul 3, 2022 The mysterious Emerald tablet is as enigmatic as it is short, but what does it have in common with the Buddha's teachings? The Wheel of Truth by Ajahn Sumedho | IV Book Extracts Jun 27, 2022 Ven. Ajahn Sumedho explains how our relationship to everything we experience can produce (or not produce) an awakened mind. News Round Up for w/e 26th June 2022 News & snippets from Zen Cyber-Space The latest from Zen Cyber-Space Jun 27, 2022 The latest news about Buddhism from across the internet. The Wheel of Truth by Ajahn Sumedho | III Book Extracts Jun 19, 2022 Ven. Ajahn Sumedho teaches us how to become aware of the ‘no-thing’. News Round Up for w/e 19th June 2022 News & snippets from Zen Cyber-Space Jun 19, 2022 The latest from Zen Cyber-Space News Round Up for w/e 12th June 2022 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Jun 12, 2022 Was the violent martial arts 'Wing Chun' originally created as a non-lethal art that mirrors the six parmitas? The Wheel of Truth by Ajahn Sumedho | II Book Extracts Jun 10, 2022 Venerable Ajhan Sumdeo on the difference between trying to be a ‘good’ person and being a ‘whole’ person. News Round Up for w/e 5th June 2022 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Jun 5, 2022 This week, Filmmaker Dan Coplan writes about his experience of turning an ancient Buddhist parable into a political thriller. Mon Buddha Head, 7/8th Century, Burma/Myanmar Images of Truth Jun 4, 2022 Let go of the past, let go of the future, let go of the present, and cross over to the farther shore of existence. With mind wholly liberated, you shall come no more to birth and death. News Round Up for w/e 29th May 2022 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space May 29, 2022 This week, the link between Shakspear's 'dust' and Buddhism's dukkha. The Wheel of Truth by Ajahn Sumedho Book Extracts May 27, 2022 Ven. Ajahn Sumedho recounts his experience as an 'arrogant', 'stubborn' and 'rebellious' foreigner, starting life as a monastic in very harsh conditions in the north of Thailand. The Characteristics of the Pure Land That are Always Available by... Blog May 27, 2022 Is Heaven really a far off place, or is it something much closer to home? You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone! Blog May 21, 2022 After (begrudgingly) starting a gratitude journal, Rachel Hilton discovered things about herself which had remained hidden for years. News Round Up for w/e 21st May 2022 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space May 21, 2022 This Week from Zen Cyber space, The white house celebrates Buddhist holiday Vesak for the second year in a row and investigations into when meditation can become dangerous. News Round Up for w/e 16th May 2022 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space May 16, 2022 This week from Zen cyberspace, celebration of the Buddha’s birth, death and enlightenment and a talk from meditation master Ajahn Sumedho. News Round Up for w/e 7th May 2022 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space May 7, 2022 This week from Zen Cyber Space, redefining the relationship between science and religion plus an interview with John Daio Loori, Abbot of abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery Summer Reading List by Michael Haggiag Book Review Apr 30, 2022 In this warm and and often very funny autobiography, Zen Master Soko Morinaga encapsulates our the inherent comedy of attempting to rid ourselves of our egos. News Round Up for w/e 30th April 2022 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Apr 30, 2022 This week from Zen Cyber Space... News Round Up for w/e 17th April 2022 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Apr 17, 2022 This week on the Zen gateway, new laws on Animal sentience passed and a gravid novel about a Hindu practitioner’s conversion to buddhism. News Round Up for w/e 10th April 2022 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Apr 10, 2022 This week from Zen Cyber-Space, Buddhist monk goes Viral with Chant set to guitar and how Indian monks influenced the development of Buddhism in China Drama, the most important lesson on a School Timetable… Blog Apr 10, 2022 Nick Julius argues that the teaching of Drama in our secondary schools may be more important than the teaching of ‘hard’ subjects like Mathematics and Science Psychopaths, altruists and the persuasive power of the podcast Blog Apr 3, 2022 Rachel Hilton takes a look at what Psychopaths can teach us about compassion. News Round Up for w/e 3rd April 2022 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Apr 3, 2022 This week from Zen Cyber Space the insights Buddhism may be able to provide to Physics and where to find the great floating Buddha of Ikebukuro. News Round Up for w/e 27th March 2022 News and Snippets from Zen Cyber Space Mar 27, 2022 Zen 'Methodists' and The Force Blog Mar 19, 2022 Nick Julius takes a look at the influence of Zen Buddhism on one of the most enduring cinematic franchises, Star Wars. News Round Up for w/e 19th March 2022 News and Snippets from Zen Cyber Space Mar 19, 2022 This week, an interview with Jōkō Shibata and Japanese university develops exoskeleton for pilgrims. News Round Up for w/e 13th March 2022 News and Snippets from Zen Cyber Space Mar 13, 2022 This week from Zen Cybersapce, the world largest Buddha statue is to opened in 2022 and one news paper asks its readers whether you can be Buddhist and Christian at the same time The Breakthrough by Ajahn Amaro Book Extracts Mar 10, 2022 While meditating we can get so wrapped up in the mind that we forget the body. Meditation master Ajahn Amaro gives us a method for reintroducing the body back into the meditation. Avalokiteshvara Padmapani Images of Truth Mar 4, 2022 Padmapani means the one who holds the lotus, a symbol of emptiness, is a form of the great bodhisattva of compassion - Avalokitesvara. What Do Ancient Greek Theatre & Zazen Have in Common? Blog Feb 25, 2022 Zen practice and the ancient Greeks, have a lot more in common than you may think… What Do Ancient Greek Theatre & Zazen Have in Common? Blog Feb 25, 2022 Zen practice and the ancient Greeks, have a lot more in common than you may think… News Round Up for w/e 25th February 2022 News and Snippets from Zen Cyber Space Feb 25, 2022 This week from Zen Cyberspace, 5 ways meditation enriched the creative life of artist Ivan Cash and using self compassion as means to ease depression Mindfulness: The Path to the Deathless by Ajahn Sumedho Book Extracts Feb 23, 2022 Ajahn Sumedho reveals the secret to mindfulness of breath in this book extract. News Round Up for w/e 20th February 2022 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Feb 20, 2022 Chögyam Trungpa: Working with negativity Book Extracts Feb 20, 2022 Chugyum Trungpa examines how using the negative emotions lead the way to liberation, and at what point this ‘negativity’ actually becomes a ‘negative’ influence in our lives. The Parinirvana of the Buddha Images of Truth Feb 18, 2022 Before the Buddha died he gave one last sermon. The 15th of February marks the passing of the Buddha into Parinirvana celebrated by as celebrated by the Zen school. News Round Up for w/e 13th February 2022 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Feb 13, 2022 This week from Zen cyber space, oldest known Buddhist temple discovered in Pakistan and well known buddhist teachers talk discuss the benefits of yoga for spiritual training. News Round Up for w/e 2nd February 2022 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Feb 2, 2022 This week from Zen Cyber Space, the Kung fu nuns of Tibet and how food can effect your mental health. News Round Up for w/e 28th January 2022 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jan 28, 2022 This week from Zen cyberspace: exorcisms and calls to boycott the new Matrix: Resurrections film. Forward from 'The Daily Devotional Chants of The Zen Centre' Book Extracts Jan 28, 2022 Given that Buddhism is so concerned with self inquiry and self realisation, why is Buddhism also so devotional? The Zen Koan by Isshū Miura & Ruther Fuller Book Extracts Jan 24, 2022 In this Book Extract, Zen Master Hakuin tells us how to find the Buddha, urging us not to seek it in the sutras or words of men. News Round Up for w/e 22nd January 2022 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jan 22, 2022 This week from Zen Cyberspace, figures pay their respects to beloved Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh and the Buddhist Society’s fee online Buddhism course begins this week. Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu; pub. Penguin Classics 1963 Book Extracts Jan 17, 2022 In this extract from the Tao Te Ching, we can see the overlap in wisdom between Taosim and Buddhism. The Zen Community Launch: 1st February 2022 Jan 15, 2022 We are delighted to announce details of our new project - an online Dharma Centre - The Zen Gateway Community site, which will be opening on 1st February 2022. Please click the link for further details. The Tiger’s Cave and Translations of Other Zen Writings by Trevor Leggett Book Extracts Jan 14, 2022 When it is attained in Zazen, the result is called Satori or realization. Zazen is, practice of infinity, conforming to the infinity which is the principle of the universe. News Round Up for w/e 12th January 2022 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jan 12, 2022 This week from Zen cyberspace, university develops exoskeleton to aid Buddhist pilgrims and Japanese Buddhist monk combines electronic music and prayer a choreographed dance. News Round Up for w/e 9th January 2022 news and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jan 8, 2022 This week, mindfulness for kids - what to try and how much? Also composer Philip Glass to create music for a Smithsonian exhibition of Tibetan art. Standing Buddha: Images of Truth Jan 6, 2022 In this extract from a Zen text from the Dun Huang caves, Master Nyuri explains the supernormal powers of The Buddha. On What Does Our Dignity Stand?: A Policy for Disaster (part III) Blog Jan 6, 2022 Is the way we think making us sick? Martin Goodson continues his blog series examining the mythic forms that underpin Western thinking and asks if, despite their contribution to our success, they are not exacerbating our problems? News Round Up for w/e 2nd January 2022 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jan 2, 2022 This week from Zen cyberspace, New York's Rubin museum praised for its immersive Buddhist exhibition and the Dalai Lama speaks out about the death of Desmond Tutu. A Year in View 2021 The Zen Gateway Review Dec 31, 2021 The Zen Gateway wishes you a Happy New Year! Our annual Year in View returns with a selection of some of our most popular articles and podcasts from 2021. The Zen Gateway Christmas Essay 2021 Dec 26, 2021 As with the birth of Jesus, Buddhism and Zen Buddhism also have stories of major figures having emerged from a miraculous birth. Martin Goodson explores what this might point too, and the role of consciousness in Buddhism. News Round Up for w/e 26th December 2021 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Dec 26, 2021 This week on the Zen cyberspace, discovering the Dharma in the frog and the toad and an ancient temple discovered in Pakistan. News Round Up for w/e 17th December 2021 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Dec 17, 2021 This week from Zen Cyberspace, Archeologists uncover the oldest known sculpture of the Buddha and what to do when if you see a dragon in your bedroom. Extract from: Wheel of Great Compassion: The Practice of the Prayer Wheel in... Book Extract Dec 15, 2021 In this book about Tibetan prayer wheels, Lorne Ladner gives a moving account of his experience with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, teacher to the Dalai Lama. News Round Up for w/e 12th December 2021 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Dec 12, 2021 This week from Zen Cyberspace, the revival of Japan’s ancient mountain ascetic tradition and experiencing the uncertainty of COVID from the perspective of a Zen priest. Extract of 'The Record of Rinzai' PART 2 Book Extracts Dec 10, 2021 Master Rinzai points directly towards the true nature of mind in this powerful excerpt of The Record of Rinzai’ . News Round Up for w/e 5th December 2021 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Dec 5, 2021 Silent Illumination: A Chan Buddhist Path to Natural Awakening by Guo Gu Book Extract Dec 1, 2021 Chan meditation master Guo Gu explains how to become the master of our own minds in this Book Extract News Round Up for w/e 28th November 2021 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Nov 28, 2021 This week from Zen Cyberspace, scientist working towards a theory of enlightenment and online dating advice from a buddhist teacher. Padmapāni Images of Truth Nov 26, 2021 Those who call upon this Buddha at the moment of death are promised rebirth in Amitābha’s Lotus Land where they will attain Buddhahood. The Embossed Tea Kettle & other stories by Hakuin Zenji Nov 20, 2021 Following a life-threatening sickness Hakuin was advised to take up a new practice by a mountain mystic. This practice not only cured his sickness but, so Hakuin claimed, gave him great health benefits. As a result Hakuin advocated this for his students so that they could practice more intensely. News Round Up for w/e 20th November 2021 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Nov 20, 2021 This week, a website sells 14-foot-tall ‘Trump Buddha’ statue and 5 steps to wind down and fall asleep. News Round Up for w/e 14th November 2021 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Nov 14, 2021 This week, kung-fu nuns talks climate crisis and a new app gives instant access to 84000 teachings of the Buddha. Heian Buddha (11th Century) Images of Truth Nov 11, 2021 The Heian Period (794-1185) saw a number of schools of Buddhism developing in Japan - Tendai, Shingon and Pure Land. Zen arrived in Japan in the 12th Century at the end of this fruitful period. Dragon-Slaying: A Policy for Disaster (part II) Blog Nov 9, 2021 How does the world look through the lens of the Buddha's teaching of 'dependent origination' as opposed to the Western conviction in the 'myth of continual progress'? The Zen Gateway's co-founder, Martin Goodson, continues his exploration of this theme and wonders how this might impact... News Round Up for w/e 7th November 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Nov 7, 2021 Dragon Slaying: A Policy For Disaster? Blog Nov 7, 2021 Martin Goodson examines how the myths that have shaped our culture are molding our perceptions of the crises we face today. Bodhisattva (fragment) Gandhara 4th Century Images of Truth Nov 2, 2021 The Bodhisattvas vow to stay in this world of Samsara until every last sentient being is saved. While such ideals may seem distant from our own lives, at it’s core, the Bodhisattva vow has much to offer us in our own practice. Carving the Divine: Buddhist Sculptors of Japan Film Review Oct 31, 2021 A documentary on the training of wood sculptors who create Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and deities for the thousands of shrines throughout Japan. News Round Up for w/e 28th October 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Oct 28, 2021 This week from Zen cyber space, the Dalai Lama talks about what is often forgotten by westerners practicing Buddhism, an interreligious dialogue on faith and science ahead of the COP26 and how love is not all we need. Four Men Shaking by Lawrence Shainberg Book Review Oct 28, 2021 Michael Haggiag reviews this highly personal account of a writer struggling to come to terms with Zen training, his search for awakening and himself. News Round Up for w/e 23rd October 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Oct 23, 2021 This week from Zen Cyberspace, overworked and overwhelmed, how Buddhism can inform AI and how to encourage your teenager to meditate. News Round Up for w/e 17th October 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Oct 17, 2021 Weaponised Psychology How Facebook turns your demons against you - and what you can do about it. Oct 9, 2021 A whistleblower gives an insight into how big tech uses emotional triggers to increase clicks. Developing emotional intelligence can give us a bulwark against being manipulated in this way. News Round Up for w/e 10th October 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Oct 9, 2021 This week we commemorate Bodhidharma Day with a recorded service from Daifukuji Temple and visit the grottos of Huashi Temple in China which are over 1,200 years old. News Round Up for w/e 3rd October 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber space Oct 3, 2021 Is Buddhism’s bottom line the oft-quoted “Be a lamp unto yourselves?” This may be a lovely, liberating thought when we are casting off reliance upon external authority. But sometimes being our own illumination can feel lonely indeed. News Round Up for w/e 26th September 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber space Sep 26, 2021 Environmentalist Stephanie Kaza invites us to consider how Buddhist principles can help us nurse the planet back to health. Series Peaks and Lamas by Marco Pallis Book Extracts Sep 24, 2021 Marco Pallis (1895-1989) was a member of the Traditionalists, a group of writers who believed in the ‘Perennial Wisdom’ of all religions. In later life he worked for the Tibet Society housing many refugees in his London flat witnessing the strange and magic culture of the Tibetan refugees News Round Up for w/e 19th September 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber space Sep 19, 2021 If you’re not trying to get somewhere, says Judy Lief, nothing can stop you. The Water of Life The Alchemy of Transformation Sep 15, 2021 Martin examines the mythical imagery of water. From folk tales to Arthurian legends; we look at how water has been used to convey the mystical workings of the inner world, it’s powers for healing and what it can tell us about our own practice. News Round Up for w/e 12th September 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber space Sep 12, 2021 This week from Zen cyberspace, Myanmar releases vitriolic monk responsible for religious violence, why mindfulness on its own is not enough and choosing to be healthy. In Ghostly Japan by Lafcadio Hearn Book Extracts Sep 10, 2021 When the famous Chinese fortune teller Shōko Setsu threw a tile at a rat, the shattered pieces contained an impossible message that would change his life. News Round Up for w/e 4th September 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber space Sep 7, 2021 How do the sangha cope with negative feelings and the threat to Afghanistan's Buddhist heritage under threat from mining operation. Three-Hundred-Mile Tiger: The Record of Lin-Chi Translation and Commentary... Book Review Sep 2, 2021 This version of the Record of Lin-Chi (founder of Rinzai school of Zen) comes with a hefty commentary that bridges the gap between East and West. Sokei-an's commentary is suitable for both beginners and advanced students - reviewed by Mark Bush News Round Up w/e 27th August 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Aug 29, 2021 The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Project Aug 23, 2021 From the archive, we present an article with images from the work of Roberta Mansell who spent many years illuminating perhaps the most famous Mahayana sutra - The Lotus Sutra. Series Men, Masculinity and Mindfulness Blog Aug 23, 2021 Whether it’s toxic masculinity or the infantilisation of men, what masculinity should be remains a contentious issue within the cultural dialogue. Martin Goodson looks at whether the Buddha's teachings can offer any guidance on this issue. News Round Up w/e 21st August 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Aug 21, 2021 This week from Zen cyberspace, a gentle movement practice for mindfulness, breaking through cynicism and how to deal with an increasingly overwhelming news cycle. Series The Narrow Road To The Deep North ...by Matsuo Bashō Book Extracts Aug 20, 2021 Matsuo Bashō (1644-94) was on of the greatest of the Japanese haiku poets. The vitality and flexibility his genius gave to the strict 17 syllable form brought haiku to a level of immaculate perfection. When You Greet Me, I Bow: Notes and Reflections from A Life In Zen, by... Book Review Aug 12, 2021 Michael Haggiag reviews this title by Norman Fischer, former abbot of the San Fransisco Zen Center, whose writings are marked by a deep insight into issues that Westerners face with Buddhist practice. News Round Up w/e 12th August 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Aug 12, 2021 This week from Zen cyberspace, an award winning short film available for free, are we in a simulation? And the marking of the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima. News Round Up w/e 8th August 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Aug 8, 2021 This week from Zen Cyber space, how mindfulness is showing up at the Olympic Games, podcast debut from the Dalai Lama and Buddhists monks help join the effort against Covid. Magic and Mystery in Tibet by Alexandra David-Neel Book Extracts Aug 7, 2021 In 1924 when Tibet was closed to foreigners, Alexandra David-Neel gave the west a unique glimpse into a land shrouded in mystery. News Round Up w/e 1st August 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Aug 1, 2021 C. G. Jung - Forward to D.T. Suzuki’s Introduction to Zen Buddhism Book Extracts Jul 30, 2021 In this book extract Carl Jung, a pioneer of western psychology, writes a forward for D.T. Suzuki, a pioneering Buddhist teacher for the west. News Round Up w/e 25th July 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jul 25, 2021 This week from Zen Cyberspace... Zen is Right Now: More Teaching Stories and Anecdotes of Shunryu Suzuki Book Review Jul 23, 2021 This collection of short stories about the life and teachings Shunryu Suzuki has a the feel of a modern day writings of the Zen Masters - reviewed by Michael O'Neill. News Round Up w/e 16th July 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jul 16, 2021 This week from Zen cyber space, how meditation informed the great Jaxx musician John Coltrane’s work, how pets can help us practice the Dharma and how monkeys revered by Buddhists in Thailand have ended up taking over an entire city. The Spirituality of Place The Alchemy of Transformation Jul 14, 2021 From the ‘Genius Loci’ of the Roman era to the psychogeographists of the 20th Century, the effects that places have on the human psyche and the effect that the human psyche has had on different places, has been a constant source of fascination across different cultures. News Round Up w/e 11th July 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jul 11, 2021 This week from Zen cyber space, a scroll of esoteric Buddhist texts from Japan, Indonesia plans to make 9th Century temple a worldwide centre for Buddhist, and the Buddhist monks who stopped eating to become mummified. The Record of Empty Hall: One Hundred Classic Koans - tr. Dosho Port Book Review Jul 7, 2021 Having completed his Koan training in 2015, Dosho Port provides an excellent translation, with commentary and historical context, to these often misunderstood texts. News Round Up w/e 2nd July 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jul 2, 2021 This week from Zen cyber space, using ultrasound to induce mindfulness, an artist paints 10,000 Buddha's across the world and the many meanings of the word Dharma. News Round Up w/e 26th June 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jun 26, 2021 This week from Zen cyber space, tips for going on a media diet, scientific evidence on how the breath controls the brain’s cognitive function and how to read the Sutra’s (and enjoy yourself). Buddhist Theophany Images of Truth Jun 25, 2021 When the godhead or deity appears this is known as a theophany. Although the Buddha was a man, was it the Buddha or the man that incarnated all those years ago? Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chögyam Trungpa Book extracts Jun 23, 2021 Chögyam Trungpa's spent many years living and teaching in the west. His seminal work ‘Cutting through Spiritual Materialism’ was an attempt to address the cultural and practical difficulties that westerners experienced with Buddhist practice. News Round Up w/e 18th June 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jun 18, 2021 This week from Zen cyber space, a practice to help prevent gossiping, what are the historically verifiable facts about the Buddha and insights gained from recovering from COVID 19. The Book of Five Rings by Myamoto Musashi Book Extracts Jun 11, 2021 Considered a classic by modern martial artists, the book of 5 rings extends far beyond the art of fighting and into the realms of the transcendental. News Round Up w/e 11th June 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jun 11, 2021 This week from Zen cyberspace, centuries old Buddhist monastery discovered in Bangladesh, a Buddhist monk gets trapped in a cave while meditating and how the Buddha Dharma can help create a sustainable society for the future. PRAJNAPARAMITA Cambodia - 12th Century Images of Truth Jun 8, 2021 Prajnaparamita, the mother of the Buddhas, is a living embodiment of the Great Wisdom Sutras, which point the way to the nameless insight of the Buddha. News Round Up w/e 6th June 2021 A round-up of news & snippets from Zen cyber-space Jun 6, 2021 This week from Zen cyber space: renowned poet Alan Ginsberg narrates his spiritual journey, an online meditation event for beginners at the London Zen Centre and a firefighter's 'Zen' wisdom. Extract of The Record of Rinzai Book Extracts Jun 4, 2021 A collection of stories and teachings by Rinzai Gigen, the father of Rinzai Zen, this record captures the essence of Zen training and practice. News Round Up w/e 30th May 2021 A round-up of news & snippets from Zen cyber-space May 30, 2021 The 17th Karmapa faces lawsuit and The White House celebrates Wesak the Buddha's birthday, Enlightenment and Parinirvana. Transfer of Merit: A Short History of its Practice Blog May 29, 2021 Why do we dedicate merit at the end of meditation or chanting? What is its significance and do we really need to do it? THE DHAMMAPADA Introduced and translated by Eknath Easwaran Book Review May 26, 2021 The Zen Gateway's co-founder, Michael Haggiag, reviews a beautiful translation of the classic Dhammapada by author, and translator of many Indian spiritual works, Eknath Easwaran News Round Up w/e 23rd May 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space May 23, 2021 This week from Zen cyber space, an online event from the Buddhist Society introducing Zen practice (from the same lineage as The Zen Gateway), research into how meditation affects gene regulation, and seeing the Buddha nature in those on the opposing side of the political spectrum. What is Wrong with Mindfulness? (and what isn’t?) Book Review May 14, 2021 Is secular mindfulness an innovation on Buddhist teachings, or has something been lost in translation? Michael O’Neill, a Zen meditation teacher, gives his thoughts on this on going debate within the Buddhist community. News Round Up w/e 14th May 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space May 14, 2021 This week from Zen Cyber space, restoring lost Buddhist texts back into their original language, the brain science of attention and young Zen monk deals with imposter syndrome. 6th Century Gandharan Buddha Images of Truth May 14, 2021 One of the earliest iconographic depictions of the Buddha was Afghanistan, depicted in the Hellenic style of the Ancient Greeks. News Round Up w/e 9th May 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space May 9, 2021 This week from Zen Cyber space, the London Zen center will be holding regular online events for anyone interested learning Zen Buddhism, a historian goes to India in search of revolutionary Buddhist ideas, and the power of sound. Book Extracts: The Three Pillars of Zen Book extracts May 6, 2021 At Hosshin-ji, noted for its severe sesshin, there is a unique discipline for combatting the fatigued, faltering mind. News Round Up w/e 1st May 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space May 1, 2021 This week on the Zen gateway, a Buddhist temple plans to open a branch in space, the story behind the Shri Lankan Buddhist revival, and an re-examination of the question: do Buddhists proselytize? News Round Up w/e 24th April 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Apr 23, 2021 Thai Buddhist monks attempt to get into Guinness Book of Records and does the re-starting of a clock in a Japanese temple signal the re-birth of an area devastated by an earthquake? Portrait of a Lama: Tibet 15/16th Century Images of Truth Apr 22, 2021 This meditative Lama's portrait illustrates a wonderful story of a monk who is frightened by a giant spider that disturbs his meditation. His teacher devises a clever method to open his eyes to the true source of his fear. A Plague on Both Your Houses The Alchemy of Transformation Apr 21, 2021 It has been over a year since the start of the COVID19 pandemic. At the time we published a series of articles around the spiritual implications of 'disease', 'contagion' and 'lockdown' exploring themes this time has evoked. As we now see light at the end of this tunnel and begin to... News Round Up w/e 17th April 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Apr 17, 2021 The interwoven story of Buddhism and martial arts; science-backed ways to calm an anxious mind and the story of how monks from Bhutan built a stupa in the wilds of Yorkshire. A Sermon on the Original Face Book Extracts Apr 14, 2021 The 'Original Face' sometimes called 'True Face' is the typical name in Zen for 'Buddha-nature', the ground of all Being, which is the primary insight necessary for all Zen trainees. News Round Up w/e 11 April 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Apr 10, 2021 This week from Zen cyberspace: How to unleash your creativity through the profound teachings of Dzogchen, an interview with Artist and Writer Susan MacLeod, and becoming a Dakini; a writer embraces a dance of the sacred feminine. Book Extracts: ‘Discourse on the Inexhaustible Lamp' Torei Enji Zenji, comments Daibi Zenji pub. The Zen Centre London 1989 Apr 9, 2021 The sword of Shiya is so sharp that it cuts through a hair blown across it. Twenty years of honing it! The arm that cuts down Buddhas and patriarchs. Kanzan snatched that sword. News Round Up w/e 2nd April 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Apr 2, 2021 This week from Zen cyberspace: Making bread as a tool for mediation, the space where western psychology converges with Buddhism and a Zen Master answers questions from Children. Blog: Can We Ever Truly Leave Omelas? Blog Apr 2, 2021 At a time when the price paid for western prosperity is being held under the microscope, it may be worth asking, can we ever truly separate ourselves from the society into which we were born? Maitreya Buddha: Thailand c. 8th century C.E Images of Truth Mar 30, 2021 On the border of Thailand and Cambodia, bodhisattvas rather than Buddhas seem to have been the focus of worship during the 7th-9th century CE. News Round Up w/e 26 March 2021 News Mar 26, 2021 This week from Zen cyberspace: an ancient mystery uncovered, meditation tips for parents during COVID and what happens when we take on a holy attitude to the practice. News Round Up w/e 19 March 2021 News Mar 19, 2021 In this week’s news from Zen Cyberspace; practicing Zen through ‘the way’ of tidying, Tibetan Lamas reincarnated as western children and using mindfulness to improve sleep. Standing Buddha - Afghanistan c. 6th Century CE Images of Truth Mar 17, 2021 This serene figure of the Buddha is a definitive image of Gandharan sculpture. News Round Up w/e 12 March 2021 News Mar 12, 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Book Review: Zen Seeds 60 Essential Teachings on Effort, Gratitude and Happiness by Shundo Aoyama Mar 9, 2021 With the Covid-19 lockdown intensifying Michael O'Neill finally decided to dive into this inspiring title, finding it a rewarding and comforting experience. News Round Up w/e 06 March 2021 News Mar 6, 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Images of Truth: The Goddess Vasundhara, 11th century Nepal Images of Truth Mar 3, 2021 Magical powers, Devas and bodhisattvas expound the Dharma in this week's images of truth News Round Up w/e 25th February 2021 News Feb 26, 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space ‘A Pilgrim’s Guide to Forty-Six Temples' by Shiro Usui Book Extracts Feb 24, 2021 In this book extract we look at the history of Daitokuji temple, a sometimes controversial yet prolific Zen temple. News Round Up w/e 20th February 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Feb 20, 2021 Images of Truth: Buddha Head Images of Truth Feb 20, 2021 The surviving fragment of a statue of the Buddha reveals a serene face, apparently in a state of deep introspection. Blog: “Tell me then, where do you go after you have died?” Blog Feb 18, 2021 Do the Buddhist scriptures really give us a definitive answer to the question of life and death? News Round Up w/e 13th February 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Feb 13, 2021 Images of Truth: The Buddha Listens to Bavari Images of Truth Feb 9, 2021 The Buddha spent much of his teaching life in discourse with those who sought Truth. Some asked questions, others sought to refute his teachings. Whatever they came for the Buddha showed them all the same courtesy of listening carefully to what they were asking and then replying from the depth of his wisdom... News Round Up w/e 6th February 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Feb 6, 2021 News Round Up w/e 30th January 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jan 30, 2021 The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Chapter 4 Extract 5 Jan 29, 2021 The son inherits his father's wealth. The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Chapter 4 Extract 4 Jan 29, 2021 The son slowly becomes accustomed to his new surroundings. The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Chapter 4 Extract 3 Jan 29, 2021 The father recognises his lost son. The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Chapter 4 Extract 2 Jan 29, 2021 The parable of a lost son. The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Chapter 4 Extract 1 Jan 29, 2021 The disciples lament their age and weariness but are inspired by the prospect of supreme enlightenment. Amida Buddha - Muromachi period Images of Buddha Jan 27, 2021 Amida Buddha is the Buddha of the Western Paradise who has vowed to rescue anyone who calls upon his name. It is one of the most popular Buddhist schools amongst the laity. The school originally arose in China but has spread throughout SE Asia. News Round Up w/e 23rd January 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jan 23, 2021 The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Chapter 3 Extract 6 Jan 19, 2021 The Buddha encourages Sariputra to commit himself to the Three Vehicles. News Round Up w/e 16th January 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jan 16, 2021 News Round Up w/e 9th January 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Jan 9, 2021 The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Chapter 3 Extract 5 Jan 8, 2021 The Buddha explains to Sariputra the full meaning of the parable of the burning house. The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Chapter 3 Extract 4 Jan 8, 2021 The Buddha continues to tell Sariputra the parable of the burning house. The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Chapter 3 Extract 3 Jan 8, 2021 Sariputra is concerned about the doubts his disciples now have so the Buddha tells him the parable of the burning house. Epiphany: The Cult of the 3 Magi The Alchemy of Transformation Jan 6, 2021 The Feast of Epiphany in the Christian calendar celebrates the arrival of the 3 Kings to the nativity. The idea of the spiritual journey is also found in Buddhism, this article looks at some of the reasons why a person may undertake such a journey. Your browser does not support the audio element. Podcast: An Interview with Meido Moore The Zen Gateway Interview Jan 5, 2021 An interview and discussion with Meido Moore Roshi, Abbot of Korinji Training Temple and author of Hidden Zen: Practices for Sudden Awakening and Embodied Realization. The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Chapter 3 Extract 2 Jan 3, 2021 The Buddha describes the marvellous consequences of Sariputra's awakening. The Illuminated Lotus Sutra Chapter 3 Extract 1 Jan 3, 2021 The Buddha predicts Sariputra's awakening. News Round Up w/e 2nd January 2021 Jan 2, 2021 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space A Year in View 2020 The Zen Gateway Review Dec 31, 2020 Not everything in 2020 was grim at least not on The Zen Gateway. Take a look at what we did over the past 12 months in our regular review. Staying at Home Dec 28, 2020 Co-founder Michael Haggiag discusses the mind-made qualities of 'detention' and 'opportunity' from his personal experience of incarceration. Book Review: Awakened Cosmos The mind of Classical Chinese poetry by David Hilton Dec 28, 2020 Jeremy Frank reviews a book of poems by Tu Fu which charts the poet's spiritual understanding. Poetry is often used to give a sense of the 'ineffable' and the translator, David Hilton also supplies a useful commentary on Tu Fu's succinct insights. William Blake and the Mind-made Worlds of Mahayana Buddhism The Alchemy of Transformation Dec 27, 2020 Parallels to the Yogacara teaching on 'Mind-only' or 'consciousness-only' as the basis of reality exist in the writings of William Blake as well as in some of the 'New Thought' movement; although directed to quite different ends. News Round Up w/e 26th December 2020 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Dec 26, 2020 Images of Truth: Emaciated Buddha Frieze 3rd Century Dec 24, 2020 The high holidays can be a time of excess. This frieze of the Great Bodhisattva during his time of asceticism reminds us of the superhuman efforts he made to reach Enlightenment. News Round Up w/e 18th December 2020 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Dec 17, 2020 Series The Xmas List 2020: Books & Films The Zen Gateway Suggestion List Dec 16, 2020 If you are looking for a late gift for a 'spiritually-inclined' friend (or even yourself), try taking a look at our suggestion list for the festive season. News Round Up w/e 12th December 2020 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Dec 12, 2020 Jātaka Tales: The Carpenter's Boar pt. 2 Dec 12, 2020 The final part of this Jātaka tale sees the Boar defeat the tiger and the sham ascetic, liberating the boars from danger, whilst the tree sprite reveals the details of who each character is in this birth. Review: In China Root: Taoism, Ch’an, and Original Zen by David Hinton Dec 8, 2020 Rachel Hilton assesses David Hinton's new book which argues that Zen schools have a greater debt to Taoism than previously realised in the West. The author yakes a philological journey into the problem of translating Chinese characters into Western languages. News Round Up w/e 5th December 2020 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Dec 5, 2020 Jātaka Tales: The Carpenter's Boar Part One Dec 3, 2020 Artist Roberta Mansell illustrated some of the stories of the Buddha's previous births (Jātakas), for her children. She has kindly allowed The Zen Gateway to feature some of them. We present some here with extracts of text from the original story. Book Review:Entangled Life How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds, and Shape Our Futures” by... Dec 1, 2020 Peter Glynne Jones reviews this book from biologist Merlin Sheldrake (son of Rupert), on the fascinating world of fungi. A book that challenges our sense of who we are and what we think our role in this life may be. News Round Up w/e 28th November 2020 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Nov 28, 2020 News Round Up w/e 22nd November 2020 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space Nov 21, 2020 Review: My Octopus Teacher A Netflix documentary Nov 18, 2020 Craig Foster spent a year following and learning from a wild octopus. It became a relationship that changed his life forever. News Round Up w/e 14th November 2020 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Nov 14, 2020 Images of Truth: Bodhisattva - Central Tibet 13th/early 14th century Nov 11, 2020 Tibet became a refuge for Tantric teachings once persecution took hold in India. Bodhisattvas came to represent the function of the Buddha nature in the world and devotional images began to be formed in this Himalayan kingdom. News Round Up w/e 7th November 2020 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Nov 7, 2020 Book Review: Hidden Zen Practices for Sudden Awakening & Embodied Realization by Meido Moore Nov 4, 2020 A collection of breath-based energetic (ki) exercises to awaken body awareness, normally handed down teacher to student, is revealed in this new book from the Abbot of Korinji Zen Monastery in Wisconsin. News Round up w/e 31st October 2020 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Oct 31, 2020 Images of Truth: Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) Japan 12th Century Oct 29, 2020 The Buddha is called the Great Physician and his teachings medicine for body and mind. These Buddhas dispense medicine to alleviate the 'dis-ease' of the human condition. Series Words without Music Oct 28, 2020 Review; Buddhism - The British Library Exhibition Oct 28, 2020 Review of ''The Epic of the Buddha'' Oct 28, 2020 Hail Satan. Film review Oct 28, 2020 The role of Satan as 'opposer' is used for political ends in this documentary tale about the struggle for religious plurality in the U.S. Every day is a Good Day Oct 28, 2020 An Interview with Shoukei Matsumoto, author of ''A Monk's Guide to a Clean... Oct 28, 2020 An interview with Jeff Shore Oct 27, 2020 Jeff Shore is an American lay Zen teacher currently living in Japan. He discusses the health of present-day Zen teaching and practise. News Round up w/e 24th October 2020 News and snippets from Zen Cyber Space Oct 24, 2020 GRACEFUL EXITS How Great Beings Die: Death stories of Hindu, Tibetan Buddhist... Book review Oct 22, 2020 Michael Haggiag reviews a remarkable book about how spiritual masters die a good death. From Familiars to Zombies: The Horror of Bodily Invasion in Folklore and Films Oct 22, 2020 From the archive - The stronger the sense of a separate self, the greater the horror of bodily invasion. An Illustrated Jātaka:Mahāmora-jātaka (part 2) The Tale of the Golden Peacock illustrated by Roberta Mansell Oct 22, 2020 News Round up w/e 16th October 2020 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Oct 15, 2020 The Gateway Interviews: Dr Sam van Schaik Head of The Endangered Archive Programme at The British Library, London Oct 14, 2020 We discuss Dr Schaik's new book Buddhist Magic and take in along the way, the history of the Dunhuang complex, its library and the prevalence of Zen in Tibet up to the late medieval period. Images of Truth: Seated Buddha (Cambodia) 6-8th Century Oct 14, 2020 The hard sandstone used to create this elegant Buddha rupa makes its formation an act of arduous devotion that accumulated great merit for sculptor and donor alike. Series The Illustrated Jātakas or Stories of the Buddha's Former Births Illustrated by Roberta Mansell Oct 13, 2020 These stories tell the tales of how the Great Bodhisattva, who would one day become Shakyamuni Buddha, developed the virtues that would lead to his Complete and Perfect Enlightenment. An Illustrated Jātaka:Mahāmora-jātaka (part 1) The Tale of the Golden Peacock illustrated by Roberta Mansell Oct 13, 2020 These tales tell of the previous births of Shakyamuni Buddha and appear throughout the scriptures. They tell how the Great Being (Bodhisattva), developed the virtues which in turn led to his final re-birth and attainment of Complete and Perfect Enlightenment. News Round up w/e 10th October 2020 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Oct 10, 2020 Images of Truth: Seated Buddha (Tibet) 13th Century Oct 8, 2020 The golden body of the Buddha shines a spiritual light that points to the fact that the teachings must be realised in this very body, if they are to be understood completely. Interview: Paul Baswick - Running A Māra-thon The samādhi of running Oct 7, 2020 Zen Practitioner Paul Baswick talks to The Zen Gateway about incorporating running into Buddhist practice as he prepares for a charity marathon. News Round Up w/e 3rd October 2020 Oct 3, 2020 News and snippets from Zen cyber-space Interview: Zen and the Art of Influencing Culture A conversation with the author of Zen in Japanese Culture, Gavin Blair. Sep 30, 2020 Review: Mindfulness Apps The next turning of the Wheel or a shallow gimmick? Sep 29, 2020 Images of Truth: Gandaran Bust of Buddha 3rd Century Sep 29, 2020 The familiar image of the standing Buddha probably originated in Gandhara in the 1st/2nd century CE; from that region, straddling the present-day nations of Afghanistan and Pakistan, the form spread to every region permeated by Buddhism. Series Images of Truth Buddhist art and iconography Sep 29, 2020 Buddhist art has always been more than just decorative, it is also used for reflection and contemplation. This series features images and a short text that may be used for personal reflection, a perfuming of Heart & Mind to quieten & uplift consciousness. News Round Up w/e 26th September 2020 Sep 26, 2020 News & snippets from Zen cyber-space. Blog: The ‘Dharmafication’ of Science Sep 26, 2020 Is science being infiltrated by estoeric ideas from Eastern religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism? What are the ramifications for Western cultural understanding and how we see ourselves in the world? The Round Table of King Arthur Sep 24, 2020 Our spiritual and moral values arise from ancestral influences. The process of adaptation develops wisdom that is recognised and eventually codified as moral strength. Our traditions and legends preserve this wisdom to be handed down for posterity. Series The Zen Gateway Blog Dharma, Culture, Philosophy & Life-ways Sep 23, 2020 Here you will find blogs, curated videos and podcasts, books, musings and resources for new ways of living and relating in and through the world. Series The Zen Gateway Interviews Sep 22, 2020 A collection of written and audio interviews with people of interest for those walking the Buddha's Way. Book Extract: Hidden Zen by Meido Moore Practices for Sudden Awakening & Embodied Realization Sep 20, 2020 In his latest book the abbot of Korinji monastery in Wisconsin introduces us to the less-well known (at least in the West), Rinzai practices of internal energy cultivation and mantra practices. News Round Up w/e 19 September 2020 Sep 19, 2020 A round up of news and snippets from Zen cyber-space. News Round Up w/e 13th September 2020 Sep 13, 2020 Clippings from Zen Cyber Space Book Extract: The Embossed Tea Kettle by Hakuin Ekaku Sep 12, 2020 Following a life-threatening sickness Master Hakuin was advised to take up a new practice by a mountain mystic. This practice not only cured his sickness but, so Hakuin claimed, gave him great health benefits. News Round Up w/e 5th September 2020 Sep 4, 2020 Book Extract: Contemplative Science: Where Buddhism and Neuroscience Converge by B. Alan Wallace Sep 4, 2020 In this extract Alan Wallace explores the question, why Western science is disposed against a science of introspective investigation. This lack, he argues, means that complementary epistemologies are not open for examination. News Round Up 29th August 2020 Aug 29, 2020 Tibetan Zen by Sam van Schaik Discovering a Lost Tradition Aug 26, 2020 Michael O'Neill reviews a book about a forgotten history of Zen in Tibet by the Head of Endangered Manuscripts at The British Library. Series Reviews Books, films, exhibitions and assorted media. Aug 26, 2020 Welcome to our review page where we review books and other media that we hope will be of interest to our readers. Book Review: Buddhist Magic by Sam van Schaik Divination, Healing, and Enchantment through the Ages Aug 26, 2020 How did the practice of magic help with the spread of Buddhism through SE Asia? A new translation of a book of spells from the Dunhuang caves may help answer this question. Atlantis Aug 25, 2020 The myth of Atlantis, the city that sank beneath the waves, is a tale of pride before a fall. A civilisation that grew so strong that the gods feared them and destroyed the city overnight sending it to the bottom of the ocean that still bears its name. News Round Up 22nd August 2020 Aug 22, 2020 Book Extract:The Myth of Redemptive Violence by Walter Wink Aug 19, 2020 The story that the rulers of domination societies told each other and their subordinates is what we today might call the Myth of Redemptive Violence. It enshrines the belief that violence saves, that war brings peace, that might makes right. It is one of the oldest continuously repeated stories in the world. Here... The Gateway Interview: Tim Barlow An interview with actor Tim Barlow Aug 18, 2020 Tim Barlow is an actor of stage, film and TV. He has worked in Hollywood and the UK from 'Hot Fuzz' to 'Dr Who'. He is also a Zen Buddhist practitioner. In this interview he discusses the spiritual side of life and lessons that he has learned over the years in this frank and... Series Book Extracts: Aug 18, 2020 Curated book extracts for people interested in the Dharma, Zen and Buddhist culture who might be looking for additions to their bookshelf. News Round Up 15th August 2020 Aug 15, 2020 The Heart Sutra: The Swiss Army Knife of Mahayana Buddhism Aug 14, 2020 One of the best known sutras, chanted throughout Asia and the Far East, has multiple uses and seems to evolve through time and place. Buddhist Magic Divination, Healing, and Enchantment through the Ages, By Sam van Schaik Aug 9, 2020 Sam van Schaik is head of the Endangered Archives Programme at the British Library. In this book he shows how the use of magic has been used to help spread the influence of Buddhism in Asia. His previous books include Tibetan Zen & The Spirit of Zen. News Round Up 8th August 2020 Aug 8, 2020 News Round Up 1st August 2020 Aug 1, 2020 Monkey By Wu Ch’êng-ên, tr. Arthur Waley Jul 28, 2020 This classic of Chinese literature from the 16th century was a satire on courtly life at the imperial palace as well as a political statement on the rivalries between Taoism and Buddhism. It also contains deep truths about human nature and shows the author's own sincere faith. News Round Up 25th July 2020 Jul 25, 2020 The Stoppered Vessel Jul 22, 2020 The transformation of energies from poison to medicine takes place using containment a magical process that is mirrored in the uses of the magic vessel. The Blindness of the Calculating Self Jul 22, 2020 The classic motif of the youngest child as hero(ine), can be a metaphor for a certain say of being in the world that opens the heart. Spiritual Medicine Begins as Poison Jul 22, 2020 The restraint of behaviour whilst suffering out the energies of the passions in the body leads to a lasting change and old outmoded forms of behaviour are purged. Buddhism & Folklore - The Naive Heart Jul 22, 2020 We begin a series of articles looking at the transformative process of individual psychology through folk stories and look at how the motifs contained therein shed a light on those described by Buddhist practice formulae A Crooked Heart Misses the Target Jul 22, 2020 The contrasted effects of a calculating versus a non-grasping attitude are demonstrated in Eugen Herrigel’s book, Zen in the Art of Archery. In Light of Asia: Georgia O'Keeffe & Mark Rothko Jul 16, 2020 In this final essay, Michael O'Neill looks at the influence of Buddhism and Zen on Western abstract and surreal artists. Climate – A New Story By Charles Eisenstein, 2018 Jul 16, 2020 Peter Glynne-Jones reviews this different 'take' on the climate problem. Charles Eisenstein uses Thich Nhat Hanh's term 'interbeing' to explore how humankind needs a radically different relationship with the world around us. OBITUARY- Dr Garry Gelade Jul 14, 2020 The Zen Gateway Co-founder, Michael Haggiag, says 'farewell' to a much loved and respected dharma teacher. In Light of Asia: Paul Gaugin & Vincent van Gogh Jul 14, 2020 Although known for their 'hell-raising' lifestyles both Gaugin and van Gogh were deeply touched by the teachings of Buddhism as well as by the styles of Japanese art. In Light of Asia: Marcel Duchamp Jul 14, 2020 Marcel Duchamp was reluctant to 'explain' his art but there is evidence that he was deeply influenced by Buddhist symbols and conceptions of 'No-I' and impermanence. In Light of Asia: Claude Monet Jul 14, 2020 Claude Monet, inspired by the Buddha's teaching of impermanence created works of contemplative art, using impressionism to give a fleeting quality to his work. The Emergence of Artistic Interest Towards the Orient. Jul 7, 2020 The first in a series of articles about the influence of Oriental and specifically Buddhist ideas on Western art. The Story of the Four Harmonious Friends Jul 2, 2020 This Jataka Tale (previous life-story of the Buddha), is illustrated by Roberta Mansell. Book Extract: Hua-Yen Buddhism: The Jewel Net of Indra by Francis H. Cook Jul 2, 2020 The Chinese Huayen school is said to provide the philosophical basis for the Zen school. Book Extract: How to Read Buddhist Art by Kurt Behrendt Jul 2, 2020 A lavishly illustrated art book from The Met in New York details the development of artistic styles and iconography through the countries of Asia that Buddhism reached. Setting up a Meditation Practice (Zazen) Jun 10, 2020 The physical and mental components of sitting meditation. How to establish a meditation practice at home. Series The Alchemy of Transformation Jun 1, 2020 Martin Goodson takes a fascinating look at the parallels between western Alchemy and the Buddhist tradition. Records of the Transmission of the Lamp vol. 7 May 25, 2020 In this extract the translator discusses the thorny problem of history, truth and fiction and asks what 'truth' can mean when history is made up of the accumulated fictions of those who record it. Noor Inayat Khan: Princess, Spy & Author of a book on the Jataka Tales May 18, 2020 The British Spy who published the Buddhist Jataka Tales for English Readers who died fighting fascism and of whom you've probably never heard. Karmic Dreams May 18, 2020 The Zen stories of 'awakening' links this inner transformation with an outer event. What is the significance of this link for how we view our own consciousness and its relation to the physical world? Topics AUDIO COURSES BLOG BOOK EXTRACTS BOOK REVIEWS BOOKS BUDDHISM AND THE ARTS DAILY LIFE PRACTICE EXERCISES IN MINDFULNESS FILM REVIEWS FOLKLORE IN LIGHT OF ASIA INTERVIEWS NEWS PEOPLE PSYCHOLOGY REVIEWS STORIES NEW! Dharma Centre We have just launched our online Dharma Centre. 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