As part of the Engaged Buddhism Training Program, I recently had the opportunity to spend a deeply meaningful day at Hidden Valley Zen Center alongside 16 of my fellow participants. New friends who are quickly becoming an important part of my journey. This marked week three of our eight-week program, where we continue to deepen our understanding and lived experience of Buddhism and meditation.
Our day began in stillness. We were warmly welcomed by Sozui Schubert Roshi, who guided us into the meditation hall. There, we quietly took our seats on zabutons, settling into silence as we waited for everyone to arrive. The simplicity of the moment set the tone for the day. Intentional, grounded, and present.
Once we were all gathered, Sozui began teaching. She shared the history and purpose of the center, and then gently instructed us on the fundamentals of Zen meditation. How to sit, how to breathe, and how to hold our posture with both discipline and ease. Her guidance was both practical and deeply calming.
We then moved into meditation. Sitting there in the hall, surrounded by this new community, I felt an unexpected sense of joy. There was something powerful about being together in silence, each of us embarking on our own inner experience while also sharing something collective and meaningful.
The practice extended beyond stillness. We were invited to continue our meditation outdoors through mindful work, tending to the grounds by quietly removing thistles and weeds. It was simple labor, yet incredibly fulfilling. There was a sense of connection to the earth, to the moment, and to each other. The kind of work that leaves you feeling both accomplished and at peace.
We then gathered outside in the shade, sharing tea and sweets while reflecting on our experiences. The conversation felt open, honest, and grounded. Each person processing the day in their own way, yet deeply connected through the shared experience.
To close, we returned once more to the meditation hall. Together, we chanted, our voices filling the space in a way that felt both powerful and intimate. It was the perfect ending to a day rooted in presence, learning, and connection.
This experience was emotional, enlightening, and truly special. It reminded me that sometimes the most profound moments come not from doing more, but from simply being, together, in stillness, in practice, and in community.
-Christina James