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Welcome to Lotus Budo

Welcome to Lotus Budo, an online space to share notes on the intersection of Buddhism and aikido. These two practices have much in common and emphasize the cultivation of compassion, harmony, and peace. Please know that all information shared on this website is meant to inspire discourse and praxis. Lotus Budo does not act as a singular authority on any subject. In fact, your primary author, Jaime Dunkle, is merely a student of Buddhism and aikido and not a teacher. Think of the articles and practices shared herein as an invitation to build a study community of students. Respectful and humanitarian inquiry is always welcome!

Tips on Navigating the Articles Section

There are several ways to find our articles: You can scroll down this page to read the latest posts and to view archives. You can also find the Articles tab in the primary menu. The posts that strictly have to do with Lotus Budo topics are found in the drop-down menu under Articles: Praxis. But first in the drop-down menu under the Articles tab, you will find Dynamic Mediation: this is a bi-weekly meditation practice at NOLA Aikido that Jaime facilitates, and the information shared during practice will be posted here.

Dynamic Mediation

Every other Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at NOLA Aikido in Mid City.

Please check the calendar because dojo seminars and holidays will take precedence.

This biweekly shared practice is rooted in Shingon Buddhism, which the founder of aikido, O Sensei, is said to have practiced in his youth. Jaime will share what she’s learned from this tradition at temples in the Pacific Northwest. Practice will include a mix of visualization and vocalization meditation methods. We will use apps like Calm, Plum Village, Insight, or Sattva for guided meditations. We will also sometimes sit with the bell. Only a short portion of this shared practice is silent sitting meditation. Bring a foldable blanket, your favorite cushion, or use one at the dojo. And please feel free to offer feedback and your favorite mediation methods: this is meant to be a shared practice space and not an instructional class. Quiet late entry is OK. FREE for dojo members and open for FREE to the community. 

All community members must follow dojo rules on consent, respect, kindness, and personal hygiene so as to contribute to cultivating a safe and healthy practice space for all.