NO YES

Koan:  An older woman had been supporting a solitary monk living high up Just This Mountain for 25 years. She decided she wanted to get a sense of his attainment. She asked a beautiful young woman from the local village to pay the monk a visit. The young woman did so. When she returned the olddr woman asked “How is the monk.” The young woman related that the monk would not receive her into his hut, saying at a distance “Old pine. All branches withered and dry.”

The older woman was furious. She went to the hut and tore it down,. Driving the monk from the mountain she exclaimed “Such a charlatan. Do not waste any more of my time!”

Sitting upon our cushions, it is necessary for a time to say NO to thoughts. To stabilize Mind in our minds. Once done, it is important to explore how to say YES. This of necessity engages ethics, the eight-fold path, service, passion, and so much more.

Where do you find yourself upon the path? Where does the path meet you?

_____________________________________________

I have never met a path

Uphill Downhill

Smooth Rough

Warm Hot

Wet Dry

Earth Air Fire Water

That was not 

Abundant with

YES

For the next 

First step.

How could I

Possible entertain no!

     Zenho

Half moon

14 visible stars

Fire melting into snow

We will sleep well 

tonight 

     Noah Seltzer

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SCHEDULE January 22-29

THURSDAY:6:30 ZAZEN AT TEAHOUSE; DOKUSAN WITH ISSAN SENDSEI

FRIDAY: 6:30 AM ZAZEN AT THE TEAHOUSE. DOKUSAN WITH ZENHO SENSAI