Gratitude Speaks

Things as they are, it always seems easier to notice what's going wrong rather than what's going right. Add to that the projector of the mind, which can be a lot like putting gas on fire and our perspective can get really distorted, jaded or negative. That said, I want talk about a few things that I'm grateful for, especially since it's thanks giving.

1. My wife and kids. Despite the fact we sometimes go in different directions, we always end up together and on the same page. It's easy to love people when everything is going right. It's much harder when its not so right. I'm grateful that we look for the best in each other.

2. Genjo Marinello Osho and members of the Choboji Sangha. Over the past year, Genjo Osho has left a significant on my mind and heart. From what most would call a random encounter, something really special has flowered for me. Having a rudder for a boat is very important.

During Autumn Sesshin, there where moments when I felt as though I had fallen down on a difficult spiritual climb. Different Sangha members in their own heartfelt meaningful ways extended something of themselves and helped me to carry on, in a few of my tight moments. I bow deeply in the most sincere gratitude. The practice at Choboji is sharper than any razor that I have ever encountered. I feel a very strong Dharma connection.

3. Salisbury Buddhist Sangha, that I am now sitting with most Monday nights. Each member is kind, sincere and gentle. It takes *real* courage to sit, because you never know who you are going to meet on the cushion. Zazen with them was very helpful to preparing for the difficult climb Autumn Shessin. Seeing the members there is a very bright spot in my week that I really look forward to.

4. Sean, Carla and children who are very near and dear to my my family. Always present. Always funny. Always sincere. Good friends are very hard to find. The recent birth of their daughter has made for a very special Thanksgiving and addition for them.

5. My place of work and friends there. Each day, the activities the the staff engage in help to fulfill the first "Great Vow For All," However innumerable all beings are, I vow to help them all.

6. You, the people who come to visit. I appreciate and value the thoughts and feelings expressed within your comments and emails. I really hope that in some small way that I have managed to contribute something postive to your life. It's in that spirit and I continue with digitalZENDO as an important part of my Zen practice. I thank you for that, many times over.

This is certainly not an all inclusive list, but is a more a reflection of what I am noticing today. Maybe I just could have said, "I'm grateful to endless dimension universal life, for my very being," but that sounds a tad grandiose, coming from me.

Forever True Dharma Continue,

Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO