Becoming What We Are | A Conversation with Abbot John Kolwaite

What does it mean to become who and what we are? In this installment of International Meditation Hour, Dr. Baruti KMT-Sisouvong is joined by Abbot John Kolwaite of the Cambridge Zen Center for a thoughtful conversation exploring meditation, service, leadership, family, community, and the lifelong process of human development. Drawing upon more than three decades of Zen practice, Abbot John reflects on his journey from a young seeker wrestling with life's deepest questions to educator, parent, Dharma teacher, and ultimately Abbot of one of the nation's most respected Zen communities. Together, they explore: • The role of contemplative practice in navigating modern life • Meditation as a refuge amidst stress, uncertainty, and change • The relationship between inner transformation and social transformation • Compassion, clarity, and the cultivation of awareness • The value of contemplative traditions in an increasingly complex world • What it means to become who and what we are As always, the programme includes an All Traditions Meditation followed by audience questions and discussion. Whether you are a long-time practitioner, simply curious about meditation, or interested in the intersection of consciousness, human flourishing, and contemplative traditions, this conversation offers valuable insights for the journey. ABOUT ABBOT JOHN KOLWAITE John Kolwaite became Abbot of the Cambridge Zen Center in January 2024 after more than three decades of Zen practice and service. Prior to assuming the role of Abbot, he served as Head Dharma Teacher and remains a member of the Center's Board of Trustees. Professionally, John spent nearly thirty years working as a licensed special educator, teacher, and administrator, primarily supporting children on the autism spectrum. He began meditating in 1990 and, in 1993, met Zen Master Seung Sahn, beginning a lifelong connection with both the Providence and Cambridge Zen Centers. His path reflects a deep commitment to contemplative practice, service, education, and community. 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 00:44 Introducing Abbot John Kolwaite 02:24 Meeting Through the Conscious Future Society 03:26 A Life of Service, Meditation, and Community 04:49 A Vision at Sixteen and the Search for Meaning 07:23 Discovering Be Here Now, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, and Meditation 10:09 Meeting Zen Master Seung Sahn 11:38 Anger, Stories, and the Present Moment 13:10 Family Life, Autism Education, and Daily Practice 15:58 COVID, Crisis, and Returning to the Zen Center 17:46 Becoming Abbot of the Cambridge Zen Center 20:24 Meditation, Leadership, and the Human Journey 21:35 What Does the Modern World Need from Contemplative Traditions? 25:44 Compassion, Awareness, and Human Flourishing 29:10 All Traditions Meditation 30:37 Reflections Following Meditation 32:12 Can Inner Transformation Lead to Social Transformation? 33:10 Science, Empathy, and the Contemplative Path 36:14 Beyond Right-doing and Wrong-doing 38:10 Clarity, Practice, and Becoming What We Are 39:11 Closing Reflections CAMBRIDGE ZEN CENTER Website: https://cambridgezen.org Address: 199 Auburn Street Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 INTERNATIONAL MEDITATION HOUR International Meditation Hour brings together scholars, scientists, contemplatives, educators, and practitioners from diverse traditions for conversations exploring consciousness, human development, meditation, and the human journey. Hosted by: Dr. Baruti KMT-Sisouvong Website: https://meditationhour.org Learn More: https://www.barutikmtsisouvong.com https://www.transcendentalbrain.com #Meditation #Zen #CambridgeZenCenter #JohnKolwaite #Consciousness #Mindfulness #HumanDevelopment #ContemplativePractice #InternationalMeditationHour #DrBaruti