As the thaw of winter gives way to the vibrant emergence of spring, my senses are greeted with a renewed palette of sounds that act as reminders of the present moment.

Recently, a group of friends and I went on a silent walk together in the woods about a mile from the Zen Temple. This practice of silence, a revered component of the Zen path, unfolded as a journey through the woods and into the depths of our inner landscapes.

In the early morning light, as the soft hues of dawn break, the world seems to pause momentarily, reminding me of the silent dance of time.

I’m captivated by the stark, haunting beauty of leafless trees, each standing alone in a barren landscape.

Standing by a window in the Zen Temple on this snowy day, I am struck by the profound stillness…