Teachings
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21st century Buddhism: Facing Institutionalized Suffering, Part 2
November 18, 20174 min read
We are in a world where is enormous amount of suffering and it comes not just from our individual karma but the way society is structured. We are posting sections of an interview Matthias Luckwaldt had with David Loy. In this part, David talks about karma and ethics and has some strong words about institutionalized suffering and delusion. If you missed it, click here for Part 1. Luckwaldt: What should a Western Buddhist student definitely know about Karma? David...
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Introductory Talk #1: The Origin of Zen Buddhism
November 17, 20172 min read
"... Zen Buddhism is focused primarily on meditative practice—“it’s about the sitting.” ...” Description: This talk begins with the story of the Buddha, which means, “awakened one.” He began his life as a prince, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), and became Buddha after six and a half years of practice. After encountering an old man, a sick man, a corpse and, finally, a spiritual seeker, the young prince became determined to resolve the problem of suffering. Once immersed in a...
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21st century Buddhism: Facing Institutionalized Suffering, Interview with David Loy
November 11, 20174 min read
Karma IS created by our motivations. We will be posting sections of an interview Matthias Luckwaldt had with David Loy over the next few weeks. In this first part, David talks about Karma. Luckwaldt: You are a valued critic when it comes to the integration of traditional Buddhist teachings and values into our western societies. What are you currently missing in our Western discussion of Buddhist ethics? Loy: One big issue we need to rethink is how we understand Karma....
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Teisho: Dialoguing and Certifying
November 9, 20172 min read
"... we can become aware that we are the universe functioning; the universe is becoming aware of itself in every moment ...” Responding without falling into achievement. Speaking without involving listeners. The ten thousand forms majestically glisten and expound the dharma. All objects certify it, everyone in dialogue. Dialoguing and certifying, they respond appropriately to each other. Description: This teisho is the sixth talk from the Summer 2017 sesshin. The main topic comes from a verse by Master Wanshi, “Silent Illumination.” To begin this reflection on...
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What is Ecodharma? by David R. Loy
November 4, 20173 min read
...there are important parallels between our usual personal predicament – our sense of separation from the rest of the world – and our collective sense of separation from the natural world. Ecodharma is a relatively new word, and its meaning is by no means fixed. The term combines the teachings of Buddhism and related spiritual traditions (dharma) with ecology or ecological concerns (eco). A bit more specifically, ecodharma can be understood as a new development in...
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Teisho: Case 60, Book of Equanimity: Tetsuma, the Cow
November 2, 20172 min read
"... We practice, cultivating attention and allowing and go beyond “self” ...” Description: This teisho is the fifth talk from the Summer 2017 sesshin. The fourth talk was a silent talk. In the third talk, Henry spoke about the fact that koans are not moral or practical guidance. To begin this talk, further explanation is offered—specifically, how koans are deeply ethical, while not overtly offering moral guidelines. The koans are reality itself and in the course of zen...
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True Seeing Received at Birth
October 28, 20171 min read
Seeking the way Amid the deepest mountain paths The retreat I find None other than My primordial home: satori! ~ Dogen Text from The Zen Poetry of Dogen by Steven Heine Image: Rainbow by Skeeze, CCo Public Domain
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Teisho: Case 59, Book of Equanimity: Seirin’s Deadly Snake
October 26, 20172 min read
"... The self is actually a root system of attachments, and the entire system can be suddenly uprooted ...” Description: This teisho is the third talk from the Summer 2017 sesshin. The last talk covered the Buddha’s five hindrances. This talk begins with the remedy for the five hindrances—patience and determination. If we keep practicing, unconditional happiness can be a reality. This leads into Bodhidharma’s two “entries”—principle and practice. Entry by principle is marked by sudden realization....
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Transmitting to the East
October 21, 20171 min read
Transmitting to the east the way the ancestors brought from the west, My daily activities illuminated by the moon and shadowed by the clouds, Because I revere the ancient way of the patriarchs, The secular dust of worldly customs does not reach Where I remain secluded in my grass-thatched hut, On a snowy evening deep in the mountain recesses. ~ Dogen Text from The Zen Poetry of Dogen by Steven Heine Image: Full Moon by alsen CCo Public Domain...
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Teisho: Cases 1, 7, & 23 of The Book of Equanimity
October 19, 20172 min read
"... if we can taste the power of the Buddha just sitting ...” Description: This teisho is the second talk from the Summer 2017 sesshin. The talk begins with an acknowledgment of the difficulties that can arise during sesshin, as expressed in the Buddha’s five hindrances. These are: desire; aversion; restlessness; sloth, torpor, or lethargy; doubt. The discussion moves into Cases 1, 7 and 23 of the Book of Equanimity. In Case 1, we are asked if we...
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