Posted inDharma, Koans, MC Podcasts, Other Teachings

Dharmatalk: Towards Healing with Peggy Sheehan

November 29, 2022

“We don’t study koans, we use koans to investigate our life.” ~ Maezumi Roshi

Guest teacher Peggy Sheehan from Zen Center Denver says that koans have been a life long practice, for her. In this talk she explores Case 3 from the Gateless Gate, Gutei’s Finger. Peggy’s work as a pediatrician informs her interest in this koan. Babies become interested in their finger from a young age; first simply pointing upward then, then pointing at things they want, expressing curiosity, often expecting a response.

Peggy asks, where is this finger when you are living your life? Don’t underestimate the universe of one finger. Stay with just one; with just this breath, with Mu, with this finger, with just sitting. When going about your daily activitiesy, how do you present one finger?

And, here’s a link to our YouTube video of this talk.

Also, check out our Upcoming Events:

Thursday Evening Events
December 15, Sangha Listening Session led by Valerie. Stay tuned for more details. This will be a hybrid event. 

Original Love
Stay tuned for Original Love 2023 details

Rohatsu Sesshin, December 5-12. Hybrid Event.  Online space available for full and part time participation. 

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