Breathtaking peaks and seas pull us into meditative Shakyo

‘If you are cast adrift in the huge sea, bothered by troublesome dragons, fish and demons, bring awareness to the power of Kannon (Avalokitesvara Perceiver of the Sounds of the World), and the billows and waves can’t drown you ..’ ???

We had our meditative Shakyō Sutra copying practice by Zoom, tracing or copying character by character, with a pen or calligraphy brush or pencil depending on what participants were able to use, from the magical and compassionate ‘Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra Bodhisattva of Compassion Universal Gateway Chapter 25’.

It is full of poetry, energy and breathtaking natural imagery. Even the title itself is incredible – in Japan it is more simply known as the Fumonbonge! ?

Blair talked about the history of Shakyō and about the Lotus sutra and particularly this famous chapter of it. Then he gave a demo of how to use the traditional Shakyō materials, as well as sharing tips for making the practice enjoyable, comfortable and meditative. It was a very peaceful and friendly group of folk who took part, and a lovely sutra to copy.