26 Feb At the Zen Dojo of La Rochelle in France
It was my first time visiting a Zen dojo to share a Baika session.
From the moment I arrived, I could feel the warm welcome of the small group of practitioners—the Sangha.
Being welcomed is not a trivial gesture. It is a profound encounter where each person
simultaneously gives and receives.
In this exchange, something authentic is at work.
I was able to offer what I had come to share, but it was through their willingness to receive
that the members of the Sangha allowed me to fully accomplish my intention.
Everything was new to them that day as well—hearing these chants for the first time,
understanding their meaning, discovering the instruments, and learning a new way to read music.
Yet, their kindness made everything possible. Because to welcome also means to be ready to receive.