Posted inBlue Cliff, Dharma, Koans, Valerie's Messages, Videos

Valerie Forstman: Opening Hands in the New Year

January 4, 2024

In this heartfelt teisho, Valerie uses Case 25 of the Hekiganroku, or Blue Cliff Record, known as “The Hermit of Lotus Flower Peak Holds Up His Staff.” This koan was one of Yamada Koun’s favorites. She also uses “The Song of the Grass-Roof Hut” by Shitou. Quoting passages and important phrases from both, she invites us to bring our hearts into the New Year and open ourselves to the empty infinite, the vast inconceivable source.

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