I’m…not zen yet, dammit.
So I’ve been interested in Zen Buddhism for a while, have been collecting books, and meditating in my own fail-y way in the spare room, and have decided that I want to pursue this properly. Eventually I’m going to go to the New York Zen Center for meditation lessons, but since the Zen Center is a) in Brooklyn and b) gives meditation instruction on Sunday mornings at 9:30, it may take awhile to overcome the laziness. In the meantime, I’ve been looking into what else I need to do this right, and have been struck by two things:
- You need a surprising amount of stuff for a minimalist tradition
- If I ever have any hope of creating a zen corner in my apartment, I need to get rid of some of my crap.
Since I’m currently living in somewhat reduced circumstances, I’ve started on the latter, and so far this morning I’ve pitched a cardboard cat house, two bags of trash, and one bag of recycling. Later, when I’m dressed and can brave the freaking cold again, I’ll take out more stuff.
I’ve also been brainstorming how to create an altar without spending a whole lot of money. I already figure that one of my pashmina scarves (purchased for $5 on a corner) will work for a cloth. I may be able to use one of my many bowls as an incense bowl, but the purchase of incense, incense ash, a Buddha, and a candle will have to be purchased, but shouldn’t be too expensive.
The only other problem is where to put all of this…