Meditation
Therese has been practicing Meditation since 1971 when she was first initiated in Transcendental Meditation, shifting to Zen Buddhism in 1982. In the mid 1980’s she was among the core group that founded Three Treasures Sangha in Seattle, the group with whom she deepened her commitment to the Buddhist Precepts through a jukai ceremony (see below). In recent years, she has shifted her focus from Zen, participating in Vipassana retreats with her current mentor, 87 year old Ruth Denison. Ruth’s unique teaching style has validated Therese’s desire to integrate movement, walking in nature, dance and song into her Buddhist practice.
Occasionally Therese offers group meditation practice at the Groves, sharing the practices and teachings of Ruth Denison. She also offers private sessions to teach these unique body-centered meditation practices. Contact her if interested.
THE PRECEPTS
The Buddhist precepts are an ancient ethical code passed down through the ages. In the Zen lineage where Therese “took the precepts,” each student writes his/her personal version of the precepts, using the ancient text as starting point. The following are the precepts that Therese developed. They were inspired by precepts developed by Thicht Nhat Hanh and the Zen Peacemaker Order.
1. Recognizing that I am not separate from all that is, I take up the way of protection and gratitude for the many life forms I am supported by. I am committed to learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, minerals, of mother earth herself. When I do need to ‘give death’ to any animate or inanimate being, I strive to do so with respect and gratitude for the life that is being given.
2. Aware of the suffering caused by the greed that leads to taking and using more than we need, I take up the way of voluntary simplicity, of being content with what I have so as not to steal from Mother Earth, her creatures and plants, her peoples now and in future generations.
3. Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I take up the way of sacred sexuality, a portal for heart and spirit connection, respecting my integrity and the integrity of my partner, of families and of society. I engage in sexual relations only with those with whom there is mutual respect, a deep heart connection and a commitment to life-long friendship.
4. Aware of the suffering caused by un-mindful speech, I take up the way of authenticity, of speaking truthfully from my heart and being willing to listen so as to clarify misunderstandings and open to different perspectives of what is ‘true.’
5. Aware of the suffering caused by un-mindful consumption and the endless seeking of pleasure, I take up the way of cultivating an awake mind, avoiding substances and activities that induce ignorance, delusion and separation. I commit to keeping my body in good health by practicing mindful eating, drinking, consuming.
6. Aware of the suffering caused by judgments and back-biting, I take up the way of compassionate listening and speaking, connection and communion in all my relations, abandoning judgments and avoiding words that cause discord and separation. I strive to accept unconditionally what each moment has to offer.
7. Aware of the suffering caused by arrogance and the mistreatment, oppression and exploitation of other people and life forms, I take up the way of humility and loving kindness.
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8. Aware of the suffering caused by selfishness and hoarding, I take up the way of generosity, sharing the abundance of my life, my time, energy, home and material resources, avoiding selfishness and hoarding.
9. Aware of the suffering caused by anger, I take up the way of reconciliation, of using the energy of anger in a good way, transforming suffering into wisdom. I am committed to resolving all conflicts caused by my anger. I am dedicated to helping myself and others work with anger in a way that is energizing, empowering, causes no harm and moves us to a place of peace and connection, inside and out.
10. Aware of the suffering caused by disrespect and disregard for teachers, sacred teachings and community. I take up the way of honoring spiritual teachers, sacred teachings and communities of all traditions, trusting in the awakened nature of all beings. I honor my life as an instrument of peacemaking.
