Was Descartes Right? by Yamada Ryuon
Koans
The oak tree in the garden, but there is no I. Written by YAMADA Ryoun, the Abbot of the Sanbo Zen, from the “Opening Comments” of Kyôshô (Sanbô-Zen’s official magazine)
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Teisho: Case 56 Book of Equanimity Misshi and the White Rabbit
Description: In this koan, Uncle Misshi and Tozan see a white rabbit then have a short exchange about swiftness, white clothing, respect, nobility and poverty. Using this case as a starting
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Summer Sesshin Part 2 of 4: Koans, Awakening, and Belonging
Episode Description: Henry addresses the process of being on sesshin. He continues talking about the emergence of koans, the promise they hold, and the practice of “studying” them—which is really
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Summer Sesshin Part 1 of 4: Four Marks of Zen, How to Practice and the Koan Mu
Episode Description: In this first teisho of the summer 2015 sesshin, Henry explores the four traditional marks of Zen which result in discovering innate buddhahood. Using warm encouragement and anecdotes from
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Case 15 Book of Equanimity, Kyozan Thrusts his Hoe into the Ground
Episode Description: This koan explores the key question: Where have you come from? Henry gives background anecdotes on the two characters in this koan, Isan and Kyozan, then startlingly describes
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Case 12, Book of Equanimity. Jizo plants the rice field
Episode Description: Henry opens this teisho with a lovely look at the gift of the five precepts. He then provides an evocative exploration of the koan, “Jizo Plants the Rice Field”.
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Zen: A Long Hard Path
Episode Description: In this talk, Henry explores the dedication required for long term Zen practice. He quotes Rilke’s words, “Everything in nature tries to become itself against all opposition,” and considers
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Zen and the Art of… Art
Zen art suggests a new way of seeing, a new way of being, that cuts to the core of what it means to be fully human and fully alive. — John
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Case 7 Book of Equanimity. Master Yakusan Ascends the Rostrum, Part 1 of 2
Episode Description: In this teisho, Henry helps us on our journey of letting go of ourselves by introducing us to great Master Yakusan’s “speciality.” Henry explores the true path of Zen
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Case 6 Book of Equanimity. Master Baso’s Black and White
Episode Description: Henry examines this fascinating koan in which a monk asks Master Baso, “What is the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming from the West?” or, more specifically, what did Bodhidharma really
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