By Robert Epstein
I practiced Zen, Tibetan, T’ai Chi, Agni Yoga, Hatha Yoga and some New Age disciplines for several decades, and then for several years I focused on Vipassana, before coming “home” to Zen again several years ago.
Since then I’ve sat down to sit about 1,000 times, and greatly enjoy my little meditation nook in my bedroom, in addition to koan work with a Soto zen teacher. Several months ago I decided my spot had too much space around it and went further into the corner to be closer to the wall and away from the windows.
I’ve considered myself primarily Buddhist for probably 25-30 years, if not longer. However, I’ve always reserved part of my interest for other traditions. I’ve studied Advaita Vedanta and still interested in contemporary non-dualism, taught Iyengar yoga for 15 years, and I’m ordained as an interfaith minister. I have described myself as a “Jewish Buddhist with a background in T’ai Chi and with Hindu tendencies.” I haven’t formally taken refuge or vows though I may get around to that sometime soon.
I continue to practice close to every day, usually at night. Sometimes if I practice really late it gets early again and I can hear the birds sing.
My meditation set-up
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