Empty Hand Zen Center

All photos courtesy of Officer Fudge, New Rochelle Police Department

By Annecy Baez

On Thursday, November 19th, the scent of hot spiced cider and ginger cookies permeated the air as I entered the Empty Hand Zen Center.  The Center was crowded with 25 long-legged youth as they took off their sneakers and lined them next to each other on the shoe stand.  Eagerly they spoke to each other in hushed voices, and whispers. Spearheaded by Detective Fudge, the Coordinator of the Law Enforcement Explorer program for youth at the New Rochelle Police Department, these Explorers undergo training in diverse areas of police work. This program emphasizes career development, life skills, and leadership experience. On that day, the Explorers were there to explore Zen meditation and learn more about the Empty Hand Zen Center.

Two armed police officers stood by, while another officer, off duty and dressed in civilian clothing, took the role of photographer. Meanwhile, Detective Fudge and Detective Smith stayed close giving instructions to their students. Finally, the youth entered the Zendo and fanned out in a semi circle as they listened to our teacher and founder, Susan Jion Postal, and priest Dennis Shofu Keegan welcome them to the Zen Center and give instructions as to how we would proceed. I was eager to join three other members of the Empty Hand Zen Center, Catherine Spaeth, Gregg Hill, and James Stewart to help the students with sitting and walking meditation instructions and to share with them how meditation practice has helped us in our own lives.

The first instructions were on placing palms together and offering standing bows. Bowing was introduced as sign of respect and as an expression of gratitude. The students bowed to their zafu and each other, and then sat. Some laughed as they tried to twirl their legs into a lotus pose, their long legs defying their attempts.  Finally, some sat crossed legged, others knelt on round zafus, while others sat quietly on low wooden benches and the tall big guys sat on chairs or high benches.  Instructions were given on upright sitting, and the mentors went around checking their posture, while Dennis assisted students by gently taking their heads and stretching them up. This made some students laugh, but quickly upright sitting was achieved. Once all of the students were sitting upright, they were taught the mudra, their left upright palm on top of right upright palm and thumbs slightly touching each other. The students took these instructions seriously, and soon we had twenty five youth sitting upright with beautiful mudras.

Our teacher, Susan talked about the Buddha - his dissatisfaction with his life of wealth and power, his escape from the palace and entrance into the world of forest monks, his profound realization. She also outlined a bit of the history of Buddhism as it traveled from India to China, where it was known as Chan, and from China to Japan where it was known as Zen. The students listened attentively, and this brief history led us to the practice of Zazen which began with three rings on the large bell.  The students sat quietly.  They were there present and eager to learn. I glanced around the room and saw serene faces.

In silence they sat until the closing bell, and we all rose in unison and Kinhin, walking meditation, began. Susan showed them how to move their feet in accordance with their breath, one small step a time. Walking slowly in a single file around the front row of zafus the students followed each other, each breath a step, each step a breath.

Sitting after Kinhin, we spoke about our practice. One student acknowledged that she didn't have a stressful life like an adult, but explained that she still felt stressed with her life as it was. How does the practice assist in these moments?

A lot was said from Empty Hand members regarding how meditation has helped their lives.  Zen practice enables us to express our inner wisdom and compassion. It expands our awareness and in this space of awareness we can hold what life brings to us. Stress or suffering ends when we give space to things as they are, when we acknowledge it, welcome it, and respect it. When we are able to do this, our actions come from this wise place that is forever knowing and present within us.

After our talk, the students were introduced to voice meditation, chanting, and we chanted Namu Dai Bosa (being one with the boundless awakened ones) with strong energetic voices.

The evening ended with apple cider and ginger cookies  which we served to the students in silence. This meditation in mindful eating was much appreciated as the students sipped on their hot apple cider and chewed on their crunchy ginger cookie.

Afterwards, we shared this experience with each other. Some students spoke of the profound peace they sensed upon entering the Center. Others spoke about the peace they felt while sitting, while others spoke of wanting to return to learn more about this practice of Zen. Whether or not we will ever see these young faces again, I sincerely felt that the experience of sitting for this moment in time with us would stay with them somehow. To practice Zen is to learn to be present with what life has to offer. May this brief Zen experience open these young exploring minds to this awareness and help them begin to discover that the peace of mind they seek is right here.

After the thanks and goodbyes, Susan expressed how deeply she was moved, how she has rarely experienced such discipline and effort in high school groups.  Further, she realized that these Explorers had chosen to be "good guys", to be upright citizens, to help society and support the law.  Their efforts to find a way to be responsible and caring human beings was evident.  That the Police would come to us for help in their mission to support these kids is something she had never ever anticipated. When Detectives Fudge and Smith came to visit and finalize plans a few weeks before their visit, Susan asked if this trip was part of a World Religious study or tour of all the houses of Worship in New Rochelle. "No," Detective Fudge replied, " I want you to teach them to calm their minds."