Posted inGateless Gate, Koans, Other Teachings, Videos

Towards Healing, Peggy Sheehan (Video)

June 13, 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?

Images by Mark Petrick.

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