People sitting during the Day of Meditation in Waterfront Park, Salem, OR.
Photos: Julia Chandler

Four meditation centers joined together June 16 to offer a first annual afternoon of meditation at Riverfront Park in Salem, Ore., hoping the event will become an annual tradition.

Our simple, straightforward goal was to introduce the public to meditation, and secondarily to make the groups who participated better known, so newcomers can join us.

The idea for our Day of Meditation was inspired by Tricycle Magazine’s support for annual “Change Your Mind” days, usually in June, where Buddhist groups offer public instruction in meditation, said Rev. Rick Davis, of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem.

Alice Phalan from River Sangha leads a silent walking meditation through Riverfront Park.

Sunny Jones, also from Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, originated the idea when she was inspired by the possibility of using social media to advertise a gathering.

On June 16 in Salem, the day was hot.  As the coordinators arrived they saw the Buddha’s wisdom in sitting under the bodhi tree … somehow the park amphitheater offered no respite from the heat of the day.

So the groups instead assembled along the river bank to appreciate the afternoon breezes, within the small grove near the water’s edge.   Davis offered a short greeting and welcome, including his hopes that the assemblage could become an annual event.

Each group offered a 30-minute guided meditation.  These provided the perfect opportunity for beginners, as well as for seasoned practitioners with interest in a wider view.

Donna Selby of Drukpa Mila Center, and Rev. Rick Davis of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, answer questions for interested mediators in the park.

The teacher for the Unitarian Universalist Compassion Mind Sangha and the Salem Zen Center, Lee Ann Nail, began by offering instruction for the alignment of body, breath, and mind for seated Zen meditation.   This created a grounded beginning to the diverse groups meditating quietly together.  She explained the difference between Shikantaza (just simply sitting) and koan study (meditating with a question).

Phra T. Phuangmala of Wat Buddha Oregon, and Phra Kantigo of Wat Chana Songkram Temple in Bangkok, Thailand, both monks of the Theravada Buddhist tradition, explained the correct posture for meditation and breath awareness.    Wat Buddha was very generous in offering a meditation practice manual to each participant.   Their calm presence and grounded nature was felt by all.

Donna Selby, representing Drukpa Mila Center, then set up a traditional hand-carved Bhutanese shrine in honor of the occasion.  The shrine included a Buddha consecrated by Lama Karma Namgyel, blessed katas with traditional Buddhist symbols, and water, flower and incense offerings.

Selby explained the traditional opening practices that involve chanting; offerings to the Buddha, dharma, sangha and the three jewels; mudras, and visualization for the enlightenment of all beings.  The group enjoyed the opportunity to meditate through sacred sound.

Phra T. Phuangmala of Wat Buddha in Turner, Ore.; Julia Chandler, member of Drukpa Mila Center-Salem; and Phra Kantigo of Wat Chana Songkram Temple in Bangkok, Thailand.

David Steinberg from River Sangha introduced the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh with the gentle practice of mindfulness.   Steinberg periodically rang a bell, to encourage mindfulness meditation practice.

Then Alice Phalan, also from the River Sangha, led the group in a deeply appreciating walk in the park together. Phalan also shared this quote from the book “A Guide to Walking Meditation,” by Thich Nhat Hanh:  “What is most important?  Many people have passed exams and brought houses and cars, yet they are still unhappy.  What is most important is to find peace and to share it with others.  To have peace, you can begin by walking peacefully.  Everything depends on your steps.”

Jones, from the Unitarian church, had initially considered offering a flash mob meditation, and Salem practitioners are now planning to eventually fulfill her vision by offering full-moon meditation in the park, “flash mob” style.

A flash mob is the assembly of a coordinated group of individuals, usually notified by social media to perform a public spontaneous activity.  If you would like to be included in this future event, simply send an email to:  salemzencenter@gmail.com  with “flash mob” in the subject line.

About the authors:

Lee Ann Nail is the teacher for both the Unitarian Universalist Compassionate Mind Sangha and the Salem Zen Center. Her practice background includes 24 years of study at Zen Mountain Monastery and Zen Center of New York City (including extended residencies). She was offered and declined Soto transmission in 2008, and continues her studies with Roshi Ruben Habito (through whom she was given teaching authority in 2010) and Leonard Marcel Roshi.

To contact Nail, email her at salemzencenter@gmail.com  or call 503.949.3188