Reading Buddhist Priory

Yesterday we had a meditation day, a completely silent day with a 40-minute meditation period on the hour every hour from 9am to the last one at 5pm. Each period was followed by 10 minutes of walking meditation and a 10 minute break. The idea was that people could arrive any time during the day and sit for as many periods as they wanted to, bringing a packed lunch if they were here over lunchtime. The garden, the common room and the spare room upstairs were available as quiet spaces where people could have an hour off to eat lunch or just have a break.

I think the day was very successful. Some people dropped in for an hour, some came for half the day and some were here for the full day. At the end of the day we dedicated the merit of our day of meditation for the benefit of all beings, so that they may be able to realise the truth.

Those who were here at the end of the day told me that they were keen to do this type of day again, so I shall be putting a meditation day on the calendar once a month. I definitely think there is something to be said for making time like this, whether it is here at the Priory or whether you make time at home once in a while, for being in silence and focussing purely on zazen with no other activities to distract you. I don't even do spiritual counselling on these days so that there is nothing other than the sitting. I sat for most of the day, taking a 2-hour break in the middle, and I must say that I feel pretty refreshed this morning and am myself keen on doing more of these days. The format is particularly easy on me as there is nothing much to organise - we just sit!

I got the matchpot of jade white paint for the common room and have daubed a few patches around the room - I think it will look fantastic.