| Today we are living in a world where conflict is raging | | | | put your selfishness aside. When you learn to make |
| out of control and all are seeking ways of making | | | | peace with your family, then all other relationships can |
| peace, resolving conflict in the world, their families and | | | | flourish and grow. In Zen practice the students with |
| personal relationships. The practices of both Judaism | | | | whom we practice are called the sangha. In this |
| and Zen, have time tested practices which lead us to | | | | spiritual family, we also experience and work through |
| become balanced, positive and clear, no matter what | | | | our deepest needs and vulnerabilities. |
| is going on. | | | | The practice of sangha is to offer unconditional |
| The overall purpose of Jewish practice is Tikkun Olam, | | | | acceptance, encouragement, and sanctuary to one |
| healing the world. In order to do this however, | | | | another. The sangha comes from all walks of life, all |
| individuals must start closer to home. In Jewish practice, | | | | races, religions, conditions, and educational |
| the family is the core upon which the world is built and | | | | backgrounds. As you practice together, you forge a |
| the home is the sanctuary. The family is the place | | | | profound, timeless bond and after years experience a |
| where we are taught to share, love, and grow into the | | | | deep sense of oneness, wherever you go, you are all |
| person we are meant to be. | | | | one. |
| The family is also a place where we are challenged | | | | Of course, as in the family, problems arise in the |
| and confronted with intense, often conflicted emotional | | | | sangha as well. These problems are fuel for practice |
| relationships. In order for us to have good relationships | | | | and an aid to growth. The Buddha gave a great |
| in the world at large, it is crucial to learn how to be at | | | | teaching for dealing with problems in the sangha, family, |
| peace with our family. This is probably the most | | | | and world at large: "Do not look at the faults of others. |
| difficult challenge of all. | | | | Look at your own deeds, done and undone." |
| Jewish Practice teaches us that difficult family | | | | Zen practice focuses upon first healing the war within. |
| relationships are not a matter of chance. Family | | | | When you wish to create true and lasting peace, do |
| members are given to one another as teachers, to | | | | not focus on fixing or changing others, or casting |
| learn grow, be able to correct past errors and develop | | | | blame. Instead, take total responsibility for your part in |
| new parts of ourselves. Whether or not you like a | | | | what is happening and look within. The only one you |
| family member, the bond goes deep. Overlooking the | | | | can change is yourself. Zen teaches that correcting |
| difficulties and needs of your brothers or sisters is | | | | yourself is the best way to alter a difficult situation. The |
| considered a grave mistake. The way you treat your | | | | modern-day Zen master Thich Nat Hahn describes this |
| brothers and sisters is a training ground for your | | | | beautifully: "Although we cannot cover the entire world |
| relationship with the whole world. Jewish practice | | | | with peace, we can cover our own feet and, one step |
| offers various mitzvot, actions to take and to refrain | | | | at a time, walk along, bringing peace with us." |
| from taking which serve to create healing and peace | | | | Zen practice reminds us that if you try to fix a troubled |
| in the family and the world. | | | | world while you yourself are filled with anger and |
| A foundational mitzvot is, "You are your brother's | | | | confusion, you are of little value. Your ultimate |
| keeper. Take good care of him." No matter what | | | | contribution is who you are. First sit down on the |
| differences exist, put your brother's and sister's needs | | | | cushion and face yourself. When you are ready, you |
| above your own. Deeds of kindness are needed, no | | | | can bring true ease of heart wherever you go. |
| matter how you feel. Share, listen, go out of your way, | | | | |