“… it is here, right here and now, that the gateway to the infinite, … is found …” ~ Ruben Habito
Description: Ruben Roshi likens koans to a GPS for our practice, as he addresses this famous koan with Chan Master Zhaozhou, otherwise known to us as Zen Master Joshu — “What did Bodhidharma bring from India?” the monk asks. What is the point of Zen? What is the point of our life? Why are we here? In all simplicity and humility, Joshu answers: “the oak tree in the garden.” He returns us right to the concreteness of this very moment, just as it is — for it is here, right here and now, that the gateway to the infinite, to what surpasses all form, all space and time, is found. And that is where finally our hearts find rest and peace. This is the powerful, clear, inspiring teaching of Ruben Roshi.
NOTE: The original recording has slight background noise, however Ruben Roshi’s words can be clearly heard. Please increase/adjust your volume when his talk begins (@ ~ 1:12 minute mark) and you’ll be able to listen without any issues. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience.
Ruben L.F. Habito is “… a native of the Philippines, went to Japan in his early twenties as a Jesuit seminarian, and began training in Zen under the guidance of Yamada Koun Roshi, then head of the Sanbo Kyodan community, at the San-Un Zendo in Kamakura Japan. Ordained Jesuit priest in 1976, and having completed Doctoral studies in Buddhism at the University of Tokyo, he taught at Sophia University, all the while continuing his Zen practice. He was authorized as Zen Teacher by Yamada and given the Zen Name Keiun-ken (Grace Cloud) in 1988. He left the Jesuit order in 1989 and moved to Dallas, Texas. He teaches at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. Since 1991 he has been guiding teacher at the Maria Kannon Zen Center community in Dallas. He is married to Maria Reis Habito, with whom he has two sons, Florian and Benjamin …” ~ BIO excerpted from Sweeping Zen.
Post & Featured Image (edited): Sunlight Tree Trunk by Larisa-K, CCO Public Domain.