James Lignori's Page

About Me:

Having a life-long interest in spirituality, education, and the contemplative practice of both, in 1999 I found a spiritual teacher and friend in Clark Strand. For the next 7 years, I met with Clark for weekly Zen-like interview, using koans taken from the Bible. At the same time, I became one of the founding members of the Koans of the Bible study group in Woodstock, New York.

In 2004, I retired from 34 years of teaching high school English, and continued to direct teacher support groups, using Parker Palmer's Courage to Teach model. In 2005, after experiencing Fr. Richard Rohr’s Men’s Rites of Passage in the high desert of Arizona, I began to incorporate spirituality into the men's groups I facilitated.

At the same time, as a founding member of Clark Strand's Koans of the Bible study group, a weekly inter-religious meeting, I gathered with a diverse group of people who use Buddhism to open the Bible in a new way.

Along with my training in the methods of Palmer’s Courage to Teach, I am advancing my training in Bio-Spiritual Focusing with Sr. Ruth McGoldrick, Inner Relationship Focusing with Ann Weiser Cornell, and the Non-Violent Communication work of Marshall Rosenberg. I am using these techniques in my counseling work.

In addition, I am always returning to nature to renew my relationship to the spirit of wilderness.

Amida Membership

Would like to be a member

Faith Background & Affiliation

unaffiliated

Occupation or Primary Activity

Counselor/mentor, writer, retired high school English teacher

Involvement in Spirituality/Religion

Since the 1970's I have been interested in inter-religious dialogue relating to spirituality, education and men's work. In 1999, after a long period of practicing meditation and the contemplative prayer methods of many traditions, I began an intensive, 7-year koan study of the Bible, with Clark Strand. I am a founding member of the Koans of the Bible- a weekly inter-religious Bible study, which meets in Woodstock, NY.
It was here that I was introduced to Pure Land Buddhism. I am a member of the American Buddhist Study Center, and I have attended many workshops and retreats in the Pure Land tradition- including those conducted by Rev. Taitetsu Unno, Mark Unno, Jim Pym, and Clark Strand.

My spirituality has always found expression in my relationship to wilderness.

What is your interest in Amida Trust

I have a sense that Amida Trust is doing important work in the world, and beyond my small corner of that world. I am encouraged that Amida Trust strives to combine the essence of Pure Land teaching with engaged global action that serves the needs of all beings on the planet.

How did you find this web site?

On the recommendation of Clark Strand

What country are you living in?

USA

What is the nearest town to where you live? If in UK, please give first half of your postcode. Thank you.

between New York City and Albany, NY

Are you a member of an Amida group/Congregation

not at the moment

Have you visited

None of these

What can you offer to other members of this network?

Expertise

What other interests do you have, eg Arts, Gardening and so on.

I have been involved in outdoor education and wilderness experiences for most of my life- including canoeing in the Adirondack Mtns of NY, backpacking, and hiking. These activities combine with my practice of the spirituality of wilderness.

I have been a Tai Chi practitioner for almost 20 years.

I play guitar and drums.

Website:

http://www.WholeEarthGod.com