Posted inKoans, MC Podcasts, Mu, Other Teachings

Special Presentation: Teisho by Yamada Ryoun Roshi

May 25, 2017

“When we “mu” the self becomes one with mu.” Ryoun Roshi

awakening mu

Description: On March 9, 2017 Sanbo Zen Abbot, Ryoun Roshi, visited Mountain Cloud and gave his first ever teisho in our Zendo. He explored authentic Zen by looking at the Gateless Gate, Case 1, Joshu’s Dog, Descartes, the Heart Sutra, Zen’s ox-herding pictures and quantum dynamics.

yamada ryoun roshiRoshi asks, what is the central reason we practice Zen? He answers, to discover our true nature.  He also asks the questions that his father, Roshi Koun Yamada, asked him when he was a 12-year old boy:

Who are you?
Where are you?
What is your mind?

Roshi states that the “mu” koan is the best mechanism to use to explore essential nature. “When we “mu” the self becomes one with mu.”  Roshi describes the clarity his own zen practice and journey have given him and goes on to reveal that clarity with inspiring statements:  “I exist as a stick, a mountain, a house, a chair… because there is nothing.”  Roshi knows this sounds ridiculous to the novice but states that all who have discovered true nature, say the same thing.  “‘Me alone’ exists in this world,”  said Shakyamuni, which means that he (and we) exist as everything in the universe.  

Listen to our living Zen Master Ryoun Roshi present awakening.

 

Post & Featured Image (edited): Wald im Naturpark Taunus by Thelittlethings Love, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Yamada Roshi’s image by Cherie Manifest.

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