Of course, no one cares about my philosophy, why should they?
Nishijima Roshi wrote a poem, “To practice Buddhism is to practice Zazen”, he had it hanging outside his door in the Dojo. I have taken this to heart. Since I left the Dojo, I have practiced sitting Zazen each day. That simple non-activity has been good for me and helps support balance in my daily life.
Although I don’t actively belong to a Sangha (Buddhist community) or Zen meditation group, I see those types of communities as positive, supportive environments that can help lead people to a strong meditation practice. Retreats and study with strong practitioners can help tremendously and can be a great way to find a community that helps support your practice.
I believe meditation can be a useful tool in helping to maintain balance in daily life but that positive social change comes about through collective action and effort, not merely sitting in non-doing.
In my daily life I go by the name my parents gave me – Matt Otto. I’m a professor of Jazz studies by day (Kansas University), and a Jazz musician by night. My Zen Buddhist name, “Batsuzan Odo” was given to me by Gudo Wafu Nishijima when I took the precepts to become a monk. I hold the name in high regard as I associate that name with Nishijima Roshi and with my daily Zazen practice.
This blog outlines a few my past experiences with Nishijima Sensei who was one of the most important people in my life. Nishijima helped me strengthen and trust in my practice of Zazen and I’m thankful to him and all that he taught me.
Several times a year I organize a mediation with friends and anyone interested in sitting Zazen. We meet, practice Zazen for a while and have tea or coffee and talk. I do enjoy sitting with others.