Welcome to Practical Zen

An Exploration of Zen Buddhist Practice in every day life.

NOTE: I am not a monk or a Zen Roshi or an 'Enlightened' Guru. I am simply an 82 year old man who has studied Buddhism for more than 60 years. In that time, I've learned a couple of things that I think might be of use to individuals just starting on this path. What follows here is a brief list of training I have received, and experiences that I think qualify me to make some suggestions regarding what might, or might not, help you as you embark on this journey of self-discovery.

MY BACKGROUND

The thread that weaves itself though my entire life, from the time I was about 18 years old until the present (I am 82 years old now), is my relationship with Zen Buddhism and Buddhist practice.

I studied with a Tibetan Geshe Lama (Geshe Ngwang Kaldan) for about 15 years. He was my teacher, my best friend and my study partner until his death a number of years ago. Near the end of our time together, I assisted him when he taught and when he lectured. At that time, he encouraged me to begin to teach the Dharma on my own.

I lived in a Zen Buddhist ‘Lay Monastery’ for a number of years. There was an ordained Roshi in residence and we observed strict Buddhist dietary and ritual practices. The daily routine was very close to what you would experience in any Zen Buddhist teaching facility. However, we all had day jobs and obligations as ‘householders’ along with our obligations as ‘Buddhist Trainees’.

I studied Cha-no-yu with a Japanese tea master (Mistress Yamagami). Although we only had a few years together, she was one of the most important teachers in my life. I practice Cha-no-yu every morning as part of my daily meditation routine. The gifts she gave me are impossible to measure or repay. Her kindness, insight and skillful teaching were a blessing.

I studied with a Cree Native Elder (Abe Burnsitck). I was never formally bound to him as a student. However, my ex-wife became his apprentice and worked intimately with him until his death. For years, he was a regular part of my life and my learning process. Since I was a writer, he asked me to help him organize and document his teaching stories. Unfortunately, he passed before we were able to initiate that process. I hope that some of the material generated on this site will in a small way implement his wishes.

I taught courses in Buddhist meditation through the Comparative Religion Department at the University of Alberta and at Grant McEwan College.

I completed the course work for a PhD in Psychology with the intention of researching the use of 'Buddhist meditative techniques' to develop patient interventions. Unfortunately, when I moved from Alberta to British Columbia, I was unable to find a thesis supervisor with whom I could continue my PhD work.

I took a job teaching at Camosun College in Victoria and taught there for more than 20 years until I retired.

I live in a small two room A-frame on a lake in Western Canada. Since my retirement, I have devoted myself to solitary, focused meditation practice. Now, at 82 years old, I feel that it is time to reach out to the Sangha again and to share what I have learned over this lifetime.

This site is my first attempt to implement that inclination.