Welcome to Practical Zen

An Exploration of Zen Buddhist Practice in every day life.

The current economic, social and political world situation is, at the least, confusing and distressing. For a long time, we, in North America seemed to be insulated from most of the terrible, violent events that were taking place elsewhere on the planet. That is no longer the case.

Now, in 2026 the American Democratic system appears to be in crisis; there are serious concerns about the environment, the world economy, the possibility of another World War, and everywhere, a general diminishing of compassion and wisdom. There is a Chinese proverb that says, "Old age without wisdom, there is no greater tragedy."

Recently a group of Hinayana Buddhist Monks, walked across the United States. They didn't preach or proselytize, they simply 'walked for peace'. As the walk progressed, the crowds grew until thousands of people followed them, fed them, and supported their efforts. The simplicity and honesty of their message was powerful and, for many, life changing.

My experience with Buddhism reflects this message - each of us has the capacity to connect in a skillful, compassionate way with others. We can, by changing our own hearts, begin to support positive, caring change in the world around us. This site is an attempt to look at Buddhist practice and Buddhist philosophy, not through a formal Monastic system, but by practicing, and growing in-the-world.

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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.