Taking my time

My classes started last week. It's going to be a very busy semester, 18 credits, but I think I can manage it. At least, I hope I can.

By far, my favorite class it Japanese 290, Zen Buddhism.

I consider myself an independent Buddhist, not bound to any particular tradition. I do this not because I fear elitism or feel that no branch is the right one for me. On the contrary, I believe that a Buddhist should explore several branches and traditions, and once they find a path that suits them, they should "zero in" and dedicate themselves to their path.

I consider myself independent for several reasons. I am still exploring Buddhism, and myself, and I don't want to rush into a specific style of Buddhism without exploring all other possibilities and paths.
I also take the title of independent because I take bits and pieces from several different traditions as I walk my path. I research chants and mantras to recite, from all different traditions, from Tibetian to Japanese. I even write my own mantras to contemplate and recite (also a great excuse for me to practice my French). I do yoga, I meditate as well as practice zazen. I read books, blogs, and articles written by Buddhists of various traditions, as well as Buddha's teachings. I try to practice mindfulness, kindness, peacefulness, and the eightfold path. I want to explore and learn all I can, even after I find a sangha and focus on a specific tradition.

Another reason is that I want to be free to go join a sangha based not only on traditions of a specific style of Buddhism, but the people who make up the sangha as well. (I was, as a Christian, a non-denominational one, and it worked well for me because I could comfortably attend different churches when I moved or traveled around.) If I joined the Zen community here, and then moved to a different state after graduation to a place where there was no nearby Zen community, I would comfortably find another sangha of a different tradition to continue my practice.

All that being said (whew), I am particularly fond of the Zen community up here. The head priest of the Soto Zen community here is a wonderful and funny man, and I feel that I have a lot to learn from not only him, but the rest of the sangha as well. I am glad I decided to take the class. Our homework: 10 minutes of zazen every day.
Best. Homework. Ever.

Zen 101

I've been reading "The Heart of Buddha's Teaching" by Thich Nhat Hanh. I had read/skimmed through a few previous books introducing Buddhism, but this one is the best so far. I realized this was the one for me based on one simple fact: I'm reading it very slowly. Ridiculously slowly.
Usually that's a bad thing, it means I can't get into the book, and will eventually set it down where it will remain untouched until who knows when.
But this is the first book I've intentionally read slowly. I find myself savoring each word. I'll read a chapter, think about it for a few days or weeks, then go back, review it, and read the next chapter, and repeat the process.
I've never enjoyed a book so much, not so much for the content itself, but the experience of the book.

School starts in three weeks for me, so I've been reading like crazy, trying to enjoy the precious last few moments of free time before diving back into my studies. I decided over the summer I want to learn some basic Japanese and go to Japan in a few years to experience it. I feel so uncomfortable going to countries where I don't know the language, where I get in line behind all the other tourists, and feel as if there is a wall between me and the local culture. I loved going to France because I knew enough French to explore the streets, ask for directions, order a meal, shop in the stores, etc. I hated Italy because I didn't even know how to say hello, so I just followed the tourist groups everywhere, saw all the sights that the tourists are obliged to see, that are set up and preserved for the tourists, and I feel like I missed out on a great deal of culture. So when I go to Japan, I want to go to Japan, I want to experience it. I want to get lost and eat at little local holes in the walls and crash at cheap motels and hostels, laugh with everyone around me, local and tourist alike.
So I looked at the Japanese offerings at the University. It's a popular language to learn here, so the program is pretty good. I can't take any Japanese classes this fall because of my work schedule, but this spring I should be able to figure something out. As I was looking at the course listings, I found out that the Japanese department is offering a Zen Buddhism class, and only had one spot left. How nifty is that? It is only one credit, and doesn't collide with my work schedule. I was giddy for the rest of the day.