A testament to the transformative power of Zen practice
In this conversation, Christopher Maley talked about his personal experience of transitioning from being raised in the Roman Catholic faith to finding comfort and connection in Zen Buddhism.
Christopher recounted his childhood experiences, describing a sense of disconnect between his Catholic faith and his search for deeper meaning in life.
His curiosity and inquisitive nature led him to explore Eastern philosophies, starting with Taoism and eventually finding a profound connection with Zen Buddhism.
Christopher shared candidly about his early experiences with Zen practice, including practicing meditation in secret during his high school years and grappling with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty as he navigated the formal structure of Zen practice.
Despite initial hesitations and fears of disappointment from his family, Christopher found his way back to Zen through volunteering with the youth program at the Rochester Zen Center.
He expressed deep gratitude towards Errol, the coordinator of the youth program, for her guidance and compassion, highlighting her role as an informal teacher who helped light his path.
Christopher emphasized the importance of giving oneself to the Sangha and shared insights into how his Zen practice has informed his role as a teacher.
