Editorial
The usual translation of the Japanese word nin is ‘patience,’ but perhaps ‘constancy’ is a better word. You must force yourself to be patient but in constancy there is no particular effort involved… Nin is the way we cultivate our own spirit. Nin is the way of continuous practice. —Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, Zen Mind, Beginners Mind, p. 86
In this issue we continue the theme of Cultivating Faith with focus on Continuous Practice.
Ekai Osho describes continuing transformations over time in Seasons of Practice while Annie Bolitho’s Ino ryo practice is cultivated in each moment. There are many stories of Zen practice being ‘drinking tea and eating rice’; there is a poem in praise of tea while Soto Kitchen extols the delicious simplicity of rice.
Myoju has the important function of keeping the stories of Jikishoan Sangha and practice over the years. This is my last issue as Myoju Coordinator and Daniel Carter will be taking over the continuing practice. It has been a pleasure to be part of the lineage of Myoju Coordinators and inspiring and informative to read through old editions. Thankyou to all the contributors to the past 6 issues, for the wonderful production and contributions to layout from artists and photographers; without them Myoju would not be nearly so engaging. Thankyou to the Editorial Committee for advice and support and Ekai Osho for carefully guiding the practice of putting out the magazine and keeping it a Bright Pearl.
Robin LaurieOn behalf of Ekai Korematsu Osho—Editor