January 2026

​Australian Buddhism offers a wide choice of various traditions that frequently overlap and I always enjoy it when people come together from different paths. But the overall numbers remain small and the teaching often unsatisfactory.
I always thought that might be due to Australia's beach culture or the relatively small population of our country. At the same time, now I am seeing a desire for true teachings, and there are as many as there are spiritual practices, and people who practice them.
That quickening of the spirit needs to be seen and to be nurtured, not by feeding the intellect,
but by experiencing that original mind with which we are all endowed.
Ahmed Al Ahmed’s disarmament of a Bondi shooter, showed us that when we truly listen to our soul,
a mysterious energy takes over and anything, anything at all is possible.
This is what the teaching of the Ancestors is holding up to us all:
when we use our energy to deepen in our awareness until there are no concepts coming or going,
or even a conceptual idea of stillness or movement.
When we disappear into that place of nothing at all, and become it completely, then that which comes forth,
​from that deep and wordless place, is clear, bright and true.
 
It is deeply satisfying to play a part in this time of putting down roots in Australia. 
For the efforts of all those who support us and groups like us, thank you! And Happy New Year!
 
Zen Master Senshin (Soen Sa Nim)
Queensland Zen Centre-Dae Kwang Sa
Barellan Point Zendo
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