Spring Council
We reunited for the Lunar New Year of the Snake, ushering it in with one of our cherished practices: a Council, famously followed by a vegetarian potluck!
An ancient Native American tradition, Council provides a unique and powerful form of communication. It has been borrowed by many groups and adapted to their diverse intentions. A bit of its structure even appears in AA meetings. One participant remarked, “Where else can I speak my mind, air my feelings in a place where all present listen to me?” It is a powerful practice—one that helps create deep communication in both directions for all involved.
Roshi Bernie Glassman, a recent ancestor in our lineage, recognized the power of Council and integrated it into Zen practice in America. His student, Roshi Joan Halifax, who learned of the practice and shared it with Roshi Glassman, continues to employ it at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she is the founder and current abbot. She, in turn, passed it on to our teacher, Sensei Shinzan.
Here’s how it works its magic: A “talking piece” is passed around, giving each person the opportunity to speak and be fully, exclusively heard. We speak from the heart. We speak spontaneously. If one has the willingness—even the courage—to express these qualities, they may surprise themselves. We are encouraged to focus on the essence. Emotion and powerful emanations can well up freely. Insights may be revealed with clarity.
We learn deep listening. Rather than rehearsing what we may say when our turn comes, we shift our focus to listening mindfully—offering our full attention to the speaker without judgment. We do not comment. Trust is deepened by the understanding that “what is said in Council stays there.” If someone wishes to follow up on something another person has shared, they first ask permission. Otherwise, it must be cast into the wind ...
Today, and like other events, this process worked beautifully. Everyone present had participated before, and a profound sense of trust filled our circle. Many of us carried deep emotions—triumphs and challenges, perils as well. Several remarked that they truly needed this space right now. A wide range of emotions emerged: joy and, in Buddhist terms, dukkha—irritants and suffering. Individual and relational issues, community concerns, our country, and the world at large all found their way into this sacred refuge. Each of us was fully heard, with wholehearted attention and care.
Council can be cathartic. For some of us today, this was evident. Emotions resounded. We all felt safe. Truth surfaced, often from deep within. Two members of our circle had the courage to share that they had never before felt comfortable expressing themselves so openly and honestly. Yet today, in this circle, it happened. They found the power in bringing feelings into words, and we were comforted.
Afterward, the convivial potluck began! We moved through the kitchen and out to the backyard—a delightful space filled with comfortable chairs, tables, a fire pit, and an abundance of flowers. Tall, multicolored blooms breathed oxygen into the gathering as conversations flourished. Laughter rang out, and serious communion took place in the spirit of our shared purpose. What medicine!
We extend our wholehearted gratitude to everyone in this dear Dharma family. Thank you!
- Mushin
