Shinkai - Zen and Oregon
An Interview with Shinkai – The Zen Teacher
Why did you decide to pursue Zen Buddhism and what have you learned from that way of life?
I began exploring Zen Buddhism as an English teacher in central Japan when I was 23. I had heard so much about the spiritual traditions out there and found a beautiful temple (open to foreigners) to stay the night at on weekends. It was tucked away in the mountains, about a 90 minute train and bus ride along rivers and rice paddies. That progressed to me moving in full time and studying there for about 7 years!
The Zen teacher there was so down to earth and, at the same time, you could tell he knew stuff that you didn't. He had a twinkle in his eye. After continuing my Zen meditation practice for 15 years now, I can say I've gradually grown to appreciate the present moments more and have learned how to let life flow around me. I've learned how to let go better. I used to get stuck in my thinking and stuff from the past a lot, and now it's easier to let that pass through without sticking. Not all the time, though. I also really appreciate the Zen teachings about how beauty and wholeness can always be found right here and now. Simplicity is very special. It's the ordinary, everyday things that shimmer and shine.
If you could spend 30 minutes meditating anywhere in Oregon’s nature, where would you be? What draws you there?
I would spend time out at the Oregon coast. I love the energy of the beach and ocean and find it very nourishing. It just feels so good to get your feet in the sand.
From where you sit, what do you see as one of the primary contributors to climate change?
It seems to me that we consume so many resources as a species. Even when I just think about myself, I realize that I consume and throw away so much. I've probably thrown away enough in my lifetime (of 42 years) to make a small mountain. And I'm just one person. Living simpler makes sense to me.
What would you like to see happen in the next 5 years regarding climate change? 50 years?
In 5 years, I'd like to see a greater global awareness around climate change and a growing intention (as individuals and countries) to make changes together as a planet. In 50 years, I would like to see this consciousness continue to strengthen and spread to the extent that we're working actively together (as countries) with the understanding that we're stewards of our planet.
What’s the first step you or I personally could take to move us in that direction? What small steps can we take in our daily lives?
I think, for myself, that buying more bulk food (rice, oats, peanut butter...in bulk) and using my own reusable containers/bags at markets and neighborhood stores is a small, attainable step that I can take.
“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.”
— Attenborough
