Teachings
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Dharmatalk: Getting Better Resourced
April 4, 20191 min read
"... We are draining poisons and clarifying the system ..." Description: This is the fifth teisho of the Summer 2018 sesshin. In this closing talk the value of Zen practice is explored with regard to how it teaches us about our human nature. Guided by the Dharma, we practice with the help of a teacher and in this process we are healing both self and world. Post & Featured image: Swirl by johnhain, Pixabay License.
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What Shall We Do? by David Loy
March 30, 20197 min read
...humanity’s greatest challenge ever is also Buddhism’s greatest challenge ever. An excerpt from Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis, by David Loy Buddhist teachings do not tell us what to do in response to the ecological crisis, but they have a lot to say about how to do it. Gautama Buddha lived about 2,400 years ago in what is now northeast India. Over the next millennium Buddhism spread to most of Asia, interacting with local cultures,...
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Dharmatalk: The Heart Sutra (Part 2)
March 28, 20191 min read
"... All things are essentially empty ..." Description: This is the fourth teisho of the Summer 2018 sesshin. This talk is a continuation of the third talk, exploring the gift of the Heart Sutra. “Therefore, in emptiness there is no form, no sensation, no perception, no mental reaction, no consciousness. All things are essentially empty.” Why is this good news for us? Post & Featured image: Mars Victoria Crater by WikiImages, Pixabay License.
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Lost in Dream
March 23, 20191 min read
I never saw the heart beating in my chest the Love that was the melody to my life The life that I overlooked searching too far searching in the future for the Present I alway miss Here before me Me! This Being that beats in my heart this song that moves my fingers writing a song to It Self A music that rings in this autumn evening here at my desk Listening to You To You Finally! Image and poem by Rosa Bellino, October 2018...
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2019 Spring Sesshin Photo
March 20, 20191 min read
Many thanks to our dedicated teacher Henry, Sandy and her phenomenal cooking cohort, and the diligent zendo team for a fantastic six day spring sesshin, March 11-17, 2019. And of course much gratitude for the participants!
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Dharmatalk: The Heart Sutra (Part 1)
March 20, 20191 min read
"... Prajnaparamita is the mother of All ..." Description: This is the third teisho of the Summer 2018 sesshin. The focus of this talk is the Heart Sutra, which is the essence of the Perfection of Wisdom (Prajnaparamita) teachings. What are the five skandhas, or aggregates? The Buddha said, “The skandha of form is as empty, hollow, and insubstantial as a ball of foam on a river.” This points to what humans are capable of discovering about...
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Reflection
March 16, 20191 min read
When the Light Reflects on Itself – The world is created – A Wonderful reflection Of Itself into form – A form-less marriage Of Light and shadows. The Light Never changes True to Itself – Its projections Ever changing, flickering On the still canvass That embraces everything That Lights everything Lost in the dream You walk Not knowing Your intimate face Till… One day You turn towards the Light And Smile A smile of recognition That you Are Home Always and finally Home -- Images and poem by Rosa Bellino, January 2019...
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Dharmatalk: Case 79 (Preface), Book of Equanimity: Chôsa Takes a Step
March 14, 20191 min read
"Oh no, love, you’re not alone." ~ David Bowie Description: This is the second teisho of the Summer 2018 sesshin. This talk begins with the story of Master Ganto and his great shout at the end of his life. (Warning: if you are listening with earbuds, keep the volume low—there is a very loud group shout!) This talk focuses on the introduction to Case 79, written by Master Bansho and on the teachings of Master Chôsa, which...
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Dharmatalk: Case 1, The Gateless Gate: Joshu’s Dog (Mu)
March 7, 20191 min read
Can you see the golden flash of Mu? Description: This is the first teisho of the Summer 2018 sesshin. Traditionally, during a sesshin, the first talk is about the first koan, Mu. Jôshû invites us to receive Mu—it is showing itself right here, right now. How do we fall into this receptive mode? One thing that can help is to investigate our notion of time and allow it to expand. Time can be glimpsed as endless and...
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