Reuben L.F. Habito is Guiding Teacher at Maria Kannon Zen Center in Dallas, Texas. He teaches at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. He is the author of Experiencing Buddhism, Living Zen, Loving God, and Healing Breath. This sterling collection of essays is taken from Zen retreats he has given over the past four decades.
Habito uses Psalm 23 as an entry point for an experience of refuge and peace. Next, he discusses the three elements of Zen practice: finding an appropriate posture, breathing with awareness, cultivating a mind that cherishes stillness. Habito points out: "Zen offers a methodical and systematic set of guidelines that allow us to listen from the depths of our being."
The author moves from Zen probing to the Beatitudes by Jesus where he finds a Divine affirmation of an original blessing. He suggests the use of a mantra: "It's all about you" as a spur to connectedness with others.
The Beatitudes open us to the abundance of behavior and ethical actions which are blessings. To convey this, Habito turns to a
prayer of Ignatius:
"Take and receive all that I have, all that I am, all my will, all my memory, all my being, and let it be at the service of your will, according to your Love."
Be Still and Know delineates the challenges and the delights of using the Bible as a resource for taking paths that merge with Zen. Be sure to check out the interview with Habito in the back of this paperback.
