Appamada

It took me an embarrassingly long time
to realize these magical flower arrangements
were more than exotic flowers and divine creativity.
Much more than the product of artistry, thoughtfulness, and generosity.

Such a long time to understand how important, how transformative,
was their presence - ushering us from our daily existence into the sublime.
These arrangements, these gifts - and the intention, artistry, and commitment to create them - inspired us without spoken word or sound.

I imagine these creations told us we were safe.
That we were held in the safest of ways.
That we were seen, that we were known, maybe - that we were loved.

I look at them from time to time, and they always make me smile.
For the memorable, unrepeatable experiences they represent.
For the joy they created in us.
For the spirit that joined us.
For the outpouring of love that surrounded them.

Some people help us cultivate patience without trying. This Sunday we explore Dealing with Difficult People—a surprisingly nourishing practice, if we let it be so. Join us as we continue considering how to live in sangha.

This is the link to Stillness was a gift : https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct6wyn

2026-02-02 | Depth In Practice | Not Two: The Appamada Story by Appamada

This Sunday, Nate opens our practice period theme, "Living in Sangha". In the first of a three-part series of dharma talks, we explore sangha not as comfort or belonging alone, but as the ground that reshapes how we show up in the world. Grounding in Dogen’s teachings in Tenzo Kyōkun (Instructions to the Cook), we remind ourselves how practicing fierce, attentive care together becomes both a refuge and an act of resistance.