Posted inKoans, MC Podcasts, Meditations

Case 6 Book of Equanimity. Master Baso’s Black and White

July 23, 2015

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 hope we would discover when he brought the Zen meditation school from India to China?  The talk briefly examines the “4 Propositions” and “100 Negations” of Buddhist philosophy, which are mentioned in the koan, and gives us some background on the characters in the case, as it considers the apparently inscrutable meaning of Zen, which ceases to be inscrutable when realized through direct experience. Henry describes how Zen is a “thing that isn’t a thing”, a fact that can’t be named, yet at the same time is the very ground of beauty, love and grace.”

IMG_0062

Post Image Credit: Courtesy Cherie Manifest.
Featured Image Credit: Zen Stone Garden, by t_s_l, CCO Public Domain

footer support banner image

Support Mountain Cloud

You can show your gratitude for Mountain Cloud events, retreats, podcasts and other teachings by making a one-time gift, or by becoming a supporting member.

Donate to Mountain Cloud Become a Member