Today was my first time at a Zen center. I had received an email from the Interfaith listserv about a special guest coming to the Ann Arbor Zen Temple on August 16th. The idea of attending a Zen service intrigued me, especially since two of my prayer partners are involved in Buddhist practices.
Barnaby was willing to go, so we made an adventure out of it. I was surprised to learn that the Zen Temple has been in Ann Arbor since 1981. Another aspect of life I was not aware of when growing up here in the 80’s.
Everyone at the Zen Temple was friendly and helpful in answering our questions. I especially enjoyed the dharma talk on the 6 Harmonies, which are the principles for living harmoniously in a group.
One of the 6 Harmonies is speaking without conflict and was described as speaking from the heart. This topic is particularly relevant to me as I am actively promoting the use and practice of Marshall Rosenberg’s Compassionate Communication process (also called Nonviolent Communication). So when I realized that I was a week early for the special guest speaker I knew that I was right on time for what I needed to hear today.
I am grateful to know that I am always exactly where I need to be.
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