This is the first of what could be an occasional series summarising any instances where references to modern Zen practice or Zen institutions or figures have made it into the mainstream press. The idea came from a suggestion sent in by Andy Tanzan Scott – if you find anything of interest, please consider sending it to editor@stonewaterzen.org.
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Zen & the Art of Protecting the Planet (The Guardian)
In a rare interview, zen buddhist master Thich Nhat Hahn warns of the threat to civilisation from climate change and the spiritual revival that is needed to avert catastrophe. -
How Buddhism could be a way out of the environmental mess we are in (Guardian Environment Blog)
The Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh explains in his new book how a Buddhist approach could benefit ecology. -
Hospital ‘wellbeing’ class hailed by Buddhist monk (Belfast Newsletter)
Ryushin Paul Haller, from the San Francisco Zen Centre, who was called upon by a local health trust to improve the mental wellbeing of staff is willing to extend his work in Northern Ireland. -
Sex Scandal Has U.S. Buddhists Looking Within (New York Times)
Sooner or later, every traditional faith has to confront sexual impropriety by its spiritual leaders: extramarital sex, or sex with the wrong people (members of the congregation, minors) or, for supposedly celibate clergy, any sex at all.
Please use the comments section below to react to any of this news, or just to let us know if you think this series is a good idea.