Author Archives: Colin Shinjo Salmon

Where is the Dharma? Looking for the teaching on the cushion and in everyday life – Colin Shinjo Salmon

“The Dharma, incomparably profound and infinitely subtle, is rarely encountered even in millions of ages.”- from the Sutra Opening Gatha “The Buddha’s Dharma has this good reputation; it is well expounded by the Blessed One, visible here and now, inviting one to come and inspect it, applicable, to be personally experienced by sensible people.” – from […]

Buddha, Dharma and Sangha : Which is the odd one out? – Colin Shinjo Salmon

I have heard it said that different groups and traditions emphasise different aspects of the three treasures. Some, taking a scholarly or esoteric approach, place their emphasis on the Dharma. Others, putting great weight on the importance of meditation, put Buddha to the fore. If that is so, we could also ask which of the […]

Zen, the Empty Set and the Infinite Challenge – Colin Shinjo Salmon

Here we have an interesting mathematical perspective on Buddhist teachings from sangha member Colin Shinjo Salmon. I recently listened to a discussion about mathematics and creativity between Professor Marcus du Sautoy and Reverend Giles Fraser. Professor du Sautoy is an atheist and Reverend Fraser is, of course, a Christian, but there was some fascinating common […]

Sangha Family Group, Liverpool

“The Sangha Family group is meeting again, but with the weather turning windy and cold we will be indoors this time. On Saturday 6th October at 1pm we’ll be at the Zen Centre. I’ll bring some games and toys, but hopefully we’ll get a chance to sit in turns in the zendette as well, or […]

Keep watching until the end – Colin Shinjo Salmon

What is the essential teaching of Buddhism to me? Reading a koan commentary recently, the line “keep watching until the end” struck a chord with me, and it sums up the most influential Buddhist teaching in my life so far. The first part of the sentence is similar to many teachings, about awareness, mindfulness and […]

‘The View’ by Colin Shinjo Salmon

I have heard and read a lot recently about the analogy of practice as climbing a mountain. At a discussion on a Thursday night someone mentioned that, whilst the summit may seem elusive, they can appreciate how far they have come by looking back at the view behind. This idea of taking stock of how […]

Practicing in Daily Life as a New Parent – Colin

Here’s Colin Salmon’s account as a first time parent: “When I have asked in the past about how to practice as part of family life, or whilst raising a small child, I meant one of two things. Firstly, how do I keep doing zazen? Secondly, how do I see myself as a proper Buddhist when […]