Practice

Meditation

Meditation is simply the practice of paying attention. You will pay attention the way you pay attention. So, there is no right way to meditate, just your way. To begin meditation, just sit down and notice how it is for you. Notice the opinions that come to mind as you sit, notice your feelings, how your body feels on the floor or in the chair. Allow your attention to bring you to “here,” and to the “now” of your experience.  There is no right way to do this. There is nothing to fix or to get right. Whatever comes notice that. Meditation is a laboratory of sorts, a practice that allows us to be present to life. As heart opens in meditation, you may be surprised at what you discover.

Koan Study

Koans are tools for transformation, helping us, where life was once shut down and confined, to find freedom within the vastness of  life. Koans are an invitation to participate in this larger reality. Through metaphor and myth they help us to imagine and feel our way, finding our place, experiencing the seamlessness of things as our own. The study of koans opens us to Spirit. At Bluegrass Zen we have Zen koans, the tradition from which this practice derived and David has developed Christian koans, gleaned from the contemplative reading of the sayings and doings of Jesus.

Inquiry

Inquiry will bring us to the heart of things, undercutting our assumptions about life, opening us to the deeper possibilities in life.  Simply we ask questions of our experience.  The deeper we dive the more life reveals itself to us.

Conversation

Life itself is a conversation, a call and response with the vast mystery, inviting us into ever deeper communion.  Conversations, within small groups and one on one with spiritual friends, is a way to join in, of inquiring deeply into our own lives. Here, conversation can be a revelation, opening the gates of transformation.  At Bluegrass Zen we have small group opportunities for conversation and possibilities for one on one conversation with David, the teacher at Bluegrass Zen.

Work with a Teacher

Individual Meetings with the teacher of Bluegrass Zen, David Parks, is one of the way to deepen your meditation and koan practice. You may contactDavid here   if you would like to meet with him in person, on the phone or onlin