“It’s important to be courteous; not just to sit in Zazen but to cultivate the body and mind in the dignity of the Buddha. To give ourselves dignity and respect. This is difficult. It’s easier to welcome others than to welcome yourself.”

Rev. Anna Maria Iten Shinnyo Marradi, spiritual guide of Shinnyoji Temple in Florence, Italy, recently visited the NYZC sangha to practice with our community and to share a delightful dharma talk (in Italian, translated to English by her student). Her talk touches on many topics including: the state of Zen in Europe, the teacher-student relationship, the importance and difficulties of regular practice, her experience of New York, and the integration of her Catholic upbringing with her deep faith in Zen Buddhism.

ZENTALK NOTES

Rev. Anna Maria Iten Shinnyo (伊天真如) Marradi lives and works in Florence where she is the spiritual guide at the Shinnyoji Temple, named by her Teacher, Rev. Tenrai Ryūshin Azuma Rōshi “Daijōji Italy Betsuin“, the Italian branch of the Daijōji Monastery in Kanazawa, Japan.

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS (as of September 25th, 2022)

—Beginner’s Mind Sesshin: A Winter Silent Retreat of Wholehearted Practice—A cornerstone of Zen practice, the Japanese word for “sesshin” means “touching the heart-mind.” This is a rare opportunity for deepening our practice with a community of supportive practitioners. January 11th – January 15th, 2023 at the Garrison Institute. | Learn More >

MUSIC

Heart Sutra by Kanho Yakushiji –  Buddhist priest and musician of the Rinzai sect and Imaji temple in Imabari, Japan. In 2003, he formed “KISSAQUO”, a songwriting duo based in Kyoto.

NYZC PUBLICATIONS

Preorder your copy of Untangled (Publishing Date: November 8th, 2022) here: https://bit.ly/untangled-book

Get your copy of Wholehearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake Up here: https://amzn.to/2JTKF1t

Get your copy of Awake At The Bedside here: https://amzn.to/3aijXdL

The post Cultivating the Dignity of the Buddha | Rev. Anna Maria Iten Shinnyo Marradi appeared first on New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care.