Posted inMC Podcasts

Teisho: What, Why, & How

March 8, 2018

“… We sit when we are sitting, eat when we are eating, walk when we are walking. We taste the wonder of being alive …

 wonder of being alive

Description: Henry begins with further discussion of two aspects inherent in the Zen lineage as expressed by Bodhidharma—practice and principle. Practice is a means of investigating what it is to be human, to be alive. It is the method or the instrument to help us dive in; it is not a thing, in itself. We cultivate patience, concentration, acceptance and compassion. Principle is the fundamental fact of the reality of our existence. To experience this, Master Sheng Yen advises that it is best if we stick to one path and one teacher. David Chadwick, author of Thank You and OK!, points to our deep longing to not be separate, and demonstrates the value of dedication, patience with urgency, and immediacy with ongoing diligence, over time. Retreats are our deepest practice time—we can really let go of everything. We sit when we are sitting, eat when we are eating, walk when we are walking. We taste the wonder of being alive. Ultimately, practice is not for us; it is about what we can do to help, to serve, to give.

Post & Featured image: Nature by SponchiaCCO Public Domain.

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