Notes From A Burning House

When I walk to work I feel like I live in a place; I feel better acquainted with the neighborhoods I walk through.  It’s a three-mile hike to the office, starting near the Miracle Mile westward into Century City, “the other downtown.” 

Showed up this morning at the elementary school to cast a vote in the Special Election, as per my sample ballot.  As the polls opened there was a line but a great many of us were sent away because our polling place had changed at the last minute, without explanation.  I wonder how many voters gave up rather than be late for work. 

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Borak showed me a news clipping from the Religion News Service with a story about a Zen meditation group at a Jesuit center on Staten Island.   The Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House hosts a Tuesday night Zen group at St. Joseph’s Chapel, and monthly retreats. 

Correctly, the group’s leader says, “There is no Catholic Zen, Jewish Zen or Islamic Zen.  It has no theology.”  Here is something Jews, Catholics, Muslims, evangelical Christians, Buddhists, and anyone else can use to contemplate the great matter together without having to argue about their understanding. 

Sometimes understanding doesn’t seem to help the world much. 

            

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If a weekly Zen group does not inspire you, perhaps a week on Whidbey Island at my friends’ place of retreat would hit the spot.  Or you could come with me to the Diamond Hill Zen Monastery and take part in Kyol Che.  

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When I walk to work I catch smiles and meet dogs, peek in at interesting vestibules and smell people’s flowers (yes, I do – let them sue me).  On foot, it is possible to catch sight of shops one never notices in the driver’s seat, where one is focused intently on the line of cars that are keeping one from one’s destination.  On foot with three miles to go, destination takes its proper place and there is license to enjoy all the gratuitous things one might pass by on the way, things that are for us and not for us.

       For a moment, this very walk itself makes a wonderful retreat.  No reservations required.  Renunciation optional.

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