Teachings
-
Spiritual Practice for a Global Sangha, by Ruben Habito, Part 1
December 3, 20164 min read
Sangha refers to those who hear and accept the Buddha’s teaching and live in accordance with it. Sangha in Historical Context The term sangha, a word that means “assembly” or “gathering,” has now become part of English parlance, together with other terms from the Buddhist tradition, such as nirvana, dharma, and of course, Buddha. Buddhists throughout the world chant in the Pali language, Buddham saranam gacchami Dhammam saranam gacchami Sangham saranam gacchami ...which means “I go to the Buddha for refuge,...
Read more -
Teisho: Why are we Here?
December 1, 20161 min read
"... Zen is not so much a teaching methodology as a learning methodology ..." Description: The second talk from the October Introductory Sesshin argues that Zen is not so much a teaching methodology as a learning methodology that allows us to explore and appreciate reality ever more intimately and gratefully. In a way, Zen has nothing to teach. Which poses the central question: Why are we here? At the practical level, many of us come to...
Listen to the talk -
Straightforward Mind is the Dojo
November 26, 20162 min read
直心是道場 Jikishin Kore Dojo “Straightforward mind is the Dojo" Dojo literally means the “place - jo 場 - of the Way - do 道”, also sometimes translated as the “Bodhimandala”. An early reference to the ‘Straightforward / direct mind is found in the Platform Sutra by the sixth Patriarch Hui-neng... The Master instructed the assembly: “… the Single Conduct Samadhi is the constant practice of maintaining a direct, straightforward mind in all places, whether one is walking, standing, sitting, or...
Read more -
Teisho: Three Treasures and Three Fruits
November 24, 20161 min read
Description: This first talk from the October Introductory Sesshin explores some basic underpinnings of Zen practice, introducing the Three Treasures - Buddha, Dharma, Sangha - and describing how they naturally lead us to the three “fruits of practice”: Joriki — mindful awareness, which can be further broken down into concentration, clarity and equanimity Kensho — awakening Actualization or personalization — living out awakening in ordinary daily life Buddha’s aim was to uncover what it is to be a...
Listen to the talk -
Birth and Death 5
November 21, 20161 min read
There is a simple way to become a buddha... When you refrain from unwholesome actions, are not attached to birth and death, and are compassionate toward all sentient beings, respectful to seniors and kind to juniors, not excluding or desiring anything, with no designing thoughts or worries, you will be called a buddha. Do not seek anything else. Translated by Arnold Kotler and Kazuaki Tanahasi From Moon in a Dewdrop, Writings of Zen Master Dogen, Editor Kazuaki Tanahasi,...
Read more -
Jizo
November 19, 20161 min read
Jizo Scroll by Seki Yasuju (1919-) Born in Tokyo, Seki Yasuju is a sculptor and a Japanese style painter. He studied under Sawada Masahiro and Fuin Hoshi. Jizo – also known as Kṣitigarbha (in Sanskrit), is a bodhisattva that helps people in hell – s/he is seen a protector, in particular, of children and women. Photo and creation by Rosa Bellino
Read more -
Teisho: Case 38, Book of Equanimity: Rinzai’s True Person
November 17, 20162 min read
"... Whatever you imagine, whatever you taste, touch, smell, see, hear -- that is nothing but Rinzai’s one true person of no rank ..." ~ Henry Shukman Rinzai instructed his assembly and said, "There is one true person of no rank, always coming out and going in through the gates of your face. Beginners who have not yet witnessed that, Look! Look!" Then a monk came out and asked, "What is the one true person of no...
Listen to the talk -
Birth and Death 4
November 14, 20161 min read
This birth and death is the life of buddha. If you try to exclude it you will lose the life of buddha. If you cling to it, trying to remain in it, you will also lose the life of buddha, and what remains will be the mere form of buddha. Only when you don't dislike birth and death or long for them, do you enter buddha's mind. However, do not analyze or speak about it. Just...
Read more -
For whom do the blossoms bloom in the spring?
November 11, 20162 min read
This Japanese Tea Ceremony scroll – is attributed to Keishu Masanori (Rinzai - Zuiho-ji -Daitoku-ji) and it reads: 百花春至為誰開 Hyakka Haruitatte Taga Tameni Hiraku “For whom do the blossoms bloom in the spring?” This the 4th line of a verse that appears in the Hekiganroku (Blue Cliff Record) – Case 5: Seppo's Grain of Rice The complete verse reads: A cow head sinks, a horse head turns up. In Sôkei's mirror no dust is found. I beat the drums for you to...
Read more -
Teisho: Some Travel Excursions
November 10, 20161 min read
"... Zen training is about: letting go of all understanding, all good and bad, and right and wrong, so we can receive the boundless wonder of now, just as it is..." Description: Henry talks about his August trip to Germany where he leads 3 sesshins each year at Sonnenhof with a long-term Sanbo Zen group. Henry describes the Sonnenhof center and we learn about some masters in our lineage including the flawed yet great Yasutani Roshi. After...
Listen to the talk