Teachings
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Dharmatalk: Case 91, Book of Equanimity: Nansen & the Peonies (Part 1): 2018 Rohatsu Sesshin (Part 5 of 6)
November 21, 20191 min read
"... there is nothing to venerate and nothing is more alive ..." Description: This is the fifth talk of the 2018 Rohatsu sesshin. What the Buddha realized can be touched in any moment, in any place—it is alive right now. In Case 91, Nansen points at the beautiful peonies and says, “… people of today see these flowers as in a dream.” When we see the truth of Nansen’s reality, there is nothing to venerate and nothing...
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Dharmatalk: Case 90, Book of Equanimity: Kyozan Speaks Out: 2018 Rohatsu Sesshin (Part 4 of 6)
November 14, 20191 min read
"All these processes are dreams." ~Yamada Koun Roshi. Description: This is the fourth talk of the 2018 Rohatsu sesshin. It begins with four levels of practice wisdom, Buddha’s teaching on the five aggregates and what constitutes true kensho. It unfolds into an examination of Case 90 where Master Kyôzan visits Maitreya, the future Buddha, in a dream. Post & Featured image: Faces empty in abstract composition by rolffimages, purchased from depositphotos, for use only on our website/social channels (this image...
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Dharmatalk: Case 89, Book of Equanimity: Tozan’s Place of No Grass: 2018 Rohatsu Sesshin (Part 3 of 6)
November 7, 20191 min read
"The real journey begins when you sit down." Description: This is the third talk of the 2018 Rohatsu sesshin. Case 89 takes place in a monastery at the end of a three-month summer practice period. Master Tôzan instructs the monks to “go directly to the place of no grass over ten thousand miles.” Where is this place of no grass? Are the answers we seek to be found somewhere else? What does Tôzan mean by “place...
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Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview with Henry Shukman
October 31, 20191 min read
On October 12, Rick Archer of Buddha at the Gas Pump interviewed Henry. Watch this in-depth interview and discussion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=345&v=rzUJNeIMZcw
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Dharmatalk: Case 1, The Gateless Gate: Joshu’s Dog (Mu): 2018 Rohatsu Sesshin (Part 2 of 6)
October 31, 20191 min read
"… Present moment awareness is deeply fulfilling." Description: This is the second talk of the 2018 Rohatsu sesshin. The benefits of restriction, i.e., not moving, concentrating on our practice, etc., are discussed. This leads into Case 1 of the Gateless Gate and the koan “Mu.” Using the commentary written by Mumon as a touchstone, this talk explores gradual cultivation, sudden enlightenment and how to sit with Mu. Post & Featured image: Red and blue hummingbird by Ted Ng/scopio,...
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Dharmatalk: Open Wide The Door: 2018 Rohatsu Sesshin (Part 1 of 6)
October 24, 20191 min read
"… for patience joins time to eternity." ~ Wendell Berry Description: This is the first talk of the 2018 Rohatsu sesshin. The focus is on how to practice and why we practice. It begins with a poem by Wendell Berry, “How to Be a Poet,” which introduces powerful advice for practitioners, particularly during a sesshin. The word “sesshin” means encountering the heart. What does the word “heart” mean in the Zen tradition? Various levels of meaning are...
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Minutes – Sangha Meeting October 12, 2019
October 20, 201912 min read
Thank you to all who attended the October sangha meeting. We had nearly 30 attendees. Gassho! Approve agenda and minutes of last meeting: both approved Teacher's Report (See below) Please remember on October 29 at Garcia Street Books, Henry will be reading from his new book, One Blade of Grass. Site Manager's Report Sarah reports that our vibrant garden flourished this year though we had fewer volunteer gardeners than last year. The summer residents/visitors provided help. It takes a...
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He Who Works
October 19, 20191 min read
He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist. ~ St.Francis of Assisi Photo and design by Rosa Bellino
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