Comments on: Is Virtual Zen Real?

By: Chris Dick

Chris Dick — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:08:10 +0000

Hi Mary,
thanks for your post on the Lost Coin Website. The idea of a virtual retreat made me curious. Reading your blog was really inspiring. It was enchanting to see how your retreat made 400 people from all over the world connect with each other. There might be only little time left to safe our planet. Given the possibilities we have in the virtual age, and seeing how you and Doen Sensei are using them, I start to trust more and more in the idea that maybe we can make it. Thank you for that.

By: Mary Jaksch

Mary Jaksch — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:17:59 +0000

Hi Chris!
I love what you say: that the Internet can be a “conduit for a living, real time exploration of the dharma.”

By: Mary Jaksch

Mary Jaksch — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:15:46 +0000

Hi Gwynn – I’m glad you’re continuing. My sense is that we packed too much into the course. That’s why you and others had the feeling they were ‘dropping behind’ if they couldn’t complete everything.

By: Mary Jaksch

Mary Jaksch — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:13:07 +0000

Hi Diane -it’s true, I am enthusiastic and joyful. Every moment is so precious!

By: Mary Jaksch

Mary Jaksch — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:09:11 +0000

Dear Lokanadha – I don’t know what to say…
I was glad to be of service and am humbled by your words.

By: Lokanadha Prabhu Kumar

Lokanadha Prabhu Kumar — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:47:25 +0000

Dear Mary,

“Is Virtual Zen Real?” brings up in my mind the question, “Isn’t Real Zen Virtual?”. I do agree that “Zen means waking up to the present moment”.

But isn’t the “present moment” a concept of time, which itself is fleeting, abstract, and becomes nonexistent before we
can “catch”, “experience” or label it?

I personally feel that I am experiencing “timelessness”, and the quintessence of myself (my I AM PRESENCE, SOUL?), through ZEN.

After long research, quantum physicists are just saying, that this physical reality in which we are “experiencing” is a virtual hologram, being projected from the “SOURCE”.

I feel that ZEN has always been structured, hierarchical, and has evolved to its present stage through contless masters’ contribution of their practical experience, knowledge, and wisdom.

Your “Virtual Zen Retreat” has taken the disemmination of Zen to a new level, which is accessble to a virtual participant like me. You have broken the barriers of Time and Space, through your innovative thinking.

As your “virtual” student, I am grateful to have learnt the virtues of Zen from you, without even meeting you in “reality”. Who in this material world would have thought of offering a “donation at will” Virtual Zen Retreat, which does not even guaranty a return of your own investment?

Just before entering your “Virtual Zen Retreat”, I was almost dead with my desperate bid to commit suicide. Your personal messages, and your Zen lessons have made me realize the true value of this human existence.

I salute your spirit of generosity, unconditional love, compassion, and your willingness to share your knowldge of Zen with the less fortunate (but probably the most needy). You embody, and personify Zen. I am sure that more neeedy people from accross the globe will find your future “Virtual Zen Retreats” as God’s “Virtual Gift”, to transform their lives for their highest good.

Lokanadha Prabhu Kumars last blog post..MEDITATING ON THE HEART CHAKRA

By: Jonathan | enlightenYourDay.com

Jonathan | enlightenYourDay.com — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:38:03 +0000

Great post with an alluring title and interesting content. I like the idea of the Beginner’s Mind for Zen. Thanks for sharing. “No self. No Problem,” said the Buddhist Master when asked to explain the deeper meaning of Buddhism.” Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle p.36 Jonathan | enlightenYourDay.coms last blog post..Stillness Speaks: Meditative thoughts by Eckhart Tolle

By: ChrisO

ChrisO — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:56:51 +0000

I am in at least two minds about Virtual Retreats. Being at a computer is too disembodying for me. I wanted to get the readings and get away from the screen quick as I could.
Following a perticular line of enquiery and knowing that all these folks from all over the planet were on the same ship – that was amazing. Busy-ness prevented me from getting to the computer for the last few days of the retreat, but that seemed fine, and even apropriate in a way. All I had to do was touch thumb and forefinger and I felt connected to everybody participating. ANd that feeling is lingering now. This recent VR has fostered a strong sense of Sangha in me. It could never replace a real retreat, but thats not the point either. Computers are so prevalent, its nice they can be a conduit for a living, real time exploration of the dharma.

By: Gwynn

Gwynn — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:18:45 +0000

I signed up for the virtual retreat and loved the daily practice. However, some personal emergencies happened on the 4th day so I wasn't able to do the practices and fell behind. I didn't want to skip any, nor did I want to do several in the same day, so I was stuck behind and out of sync with the rest of the group. Now that those emergencies are over I'm ready to pick up where I left off. With 400 participants (well done, by the way!) I'm sure I can't be the only one who experienced this. Thanks for all the effort you and your team have put into this retreat! Gwynns last blog post..7 Little Things That Make Me Disproportionately Happy

By: Diane

Diane — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:51:29 +0000

Mary, Your joy and enthusiasm radiate and are quite infectious! I am intrigued by your Virtual Retreats. The material presented, I am sure, was exceptional and it sounds as though the method of presentation added to the experience as well as availability to many participants that may not have been able to participate otherwise.
I look forward to reading participant’s comments and constructive notations. I am very interested in the retreat material as a self study and particating myself in future retreats.
Thank you for extending yourself this way.