Fourth and Fifth Oxherding Pictures, by Ruben Habito
Author Archives: MCZC
The fourth stage is now the catching of the ox. After having sighted it we go closer to it and are maybe even able to lasso it and as the
Continue reading
Second and Third Oxherding Pictures, by Ruben Habito
The second stage is described as “finding the ox’s traces.” Now one gets a sense of where one may go in pursuing that question and is inspired to go on
Continue reading
Teisho: Mu Koan
“Clearly I have seen: no person, no Buddha, not one thing. And what is it after all? Nothing special. Just this, just this.” Yamada Koun Roshi Description: Koan A monk asked
Listen to Podcast
First Oxherding Picture, by Ruben Habito
The first picture in the classic versions depicts a little child who is supposed to be perplexed, or is searching for something. An inscription in Chinese characters goes, “In the
Continue reading
The Zen Oxherding Pictures: Overview, by Ruben Habito
We look at the ten oxherding pictures as a mirror that can tell us where we are in our practice. “The Ten Oxherding Pictures” is a set of ten calligraphic
Continue reading
Teisho: Book of Equanimity Case 28, Gokoku’s “Three Disgraces” Part 2 of 2
“That’s why we are here–to make our experience of the world fuller… therefore, to be more at peace… to be able to act not harmfully.” Description: Case 28: Book of Equanimity:
Listen to Podcast
Developing our Land
A dedicated group of volunteers has been developing our land. We have a beautiful garden, new walking paths, a lovely gazebo and many flowers around our zendo and other buildings.
Continue reading
The World is made of Stories, by David Loy, Part 3 of 3
It is the deluded belief that one is separate from others that permits one to pursue one’s own interests indifferent to what is happening to those others. Click to read
Continue reading
The World is made of Stories, by David Loy, Part 2 of 3
Awakening involves realizing that “my” story is part of a much larger story that incorporates others’ stories as well. Our stories do not have sharp edges; they are interdependent. Click
Continue reading
Teisho: Case 28, Book of Equanimity: Gokoku’s “Three Disgraces” Part 1 of 2
“This whole being called me is just a hole.” Description: Case 28: Book of Equanimity: Gokoku’s “Three Disgraces” Part 1 of 2 A monk asked Gokoku, “How about when a crane
Listen to Podcast
The World is Made of Stories, by David Loy, Part 1 of 3
Believing we’ve moved beyond religious myth, we mistake our culture’s newest story for the world itself. The American poet Muriel Rukeyser famously wrote that “the universe is made of stories,
Continue reading