From the inception of the Oxford Zen Centre, the work of The Prison Phoenix Trust (PPT) has been a part of its life. The PPT offers meditation and yoga, silence and the breath, to prisoners and prison officers all over the UK and Ireland through books and CDs produced for prisoners by PPT staff, and through regular classes taught by qualified yoga and meditation teachers. Half its work includes supporting people in their practice through letters written by specially-trained volunteers. Many letter-writers are members of the OZC Sangha.

OZC founder Zen Teacher Sister Elaine MacInnes directed The PPT for six years as did other Sangha members. OZC Zen Teacher Sandy Chubb who worked for The PPT for 21 years, directed it for ten years, and the present Director, Selina Sasse, is also a member of the OZC. They have all written books on yoga and meditation to help prisoners practice in their cells. Assistant Zen Teachers Peter Wallis (Oxford) and Meg Vaughan-Fowler (London Jizo Centre) both worked as former PPT assistant Directors. Jason Doble, who helps with the Sangha’s communications and administration, was the PPT Deputy Director.

Not only are PPT Sangha volunteers strengthened by their zen practice, but they are led naturally into this work as a mutual expression of gratitude.

So our heart and tradition is with those behind bars in prisons, in bail hostels, secure hospitals and immigration detention centres, offering practices which help bring hope and healing to captive men, women, and young people struggling to find themselves and – since ‘release day’ doesn’t mean ‘freedom day’ for so many – ex-inmates are included too.

If you would like to support or learn more about the work of this national charity based in Oxford, see www.theppt.org.uk

Climate Crisis

Sitting in silence together in zen practice at home every day, encourages healing,  and on a deeper level it puts us in touch with our intimate connection with all of life.   At the Oxford Zen Centre and London Jizo Zen Centre we are trying to reduce the impact on the climate of our zendos and their activities.  We collate and exchange information about individual and collective actions and meet regularly together to share our concerns.   Meditating in silence reconnects us not just to ourselves, but to the wonder of nature and the wider world.  This quiet,  practice of meditation leads to a greater sense of wholeness and  equanimity,  eventually waking us up to the astonishing miracle of life, just as it is.  Meeting the silence at the depths of existence every day –  even for 10 minutes –  lights a candle for the world.

There are many ways to respond to the unsettling events that are unfolding –  and to the mass extinction of precious life forms.   We can take action as individuals and as a sangha, and all ways are needed vitally.  We exist in a compassionate universe where hope and joy are a continual reminder of the regenerative power of nature when it is given a chance.  Let’s all try to do that.

Everyone can help in this crisis which affects every single one of us.  Both these two links might give you some ideas:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/stories/climate-action/

https://oliveandbarr.com/kitchen-ideas/how-to-reduce-single-use-plastic-in-your-kitchen/