All beings are Dharma All beings are Sangha All beings are Buddha. “To carry the self forward and realize the ten thousand dharmas is delusion. That the ten thousand dharmas advance and realize the self is enlightenment.” -Dogen As Rohatsu begins today, I wish you all deep peace and great love, Issan
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Rohatsu Zazenkai
December 5-7, 2025 Zazenkai Schedule Please be seated 5 minutes before each session. Friday Evening 7:00-8:10: Zazen, 2 periods with Kinhin Dokusan 2nd period Closing: Four Vows Saturday 7:30-9:20: Zazen, 3 periods with Kinhin Verse of the Kesa Heart Sutra Service 9:30-11:00: Breakfast 11:00-12:10: Zazen, 2 periods with Kinhin Identity of relative and Absolute Service 12:10 -1:00 SamuContinue reading “Rohatsu Zazenkai”
Unborn Mind
“The ordinary person’s mind is the Way. This very mind, just as it is, is Buddha.” Recently my fellow teacher, Kendo Roshi, suggested that we look into Bankei’s writings together. While reading Bankei’s writings what seemed so famailiar is what I often refer to as “resting in naturalness [of mind]”. Bankei says that, for example,Continue reading “Unborn Mind”
Renewal and Refuge
With deep consideration it is clear that the need for taking refuge is greater than ever. Because of this I have decided to return to teaching the Dharma. As the chaos of the dusty world unfolds around us, we take refuge in Zazen practice; in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. It is hereContinue reading “Renewal and Refuge”
Resilience
Histories of ages past Unenlightened shadows cast Down through all eternity The crying of humanity -Donovan, Hurry Gurdy Man This past week I read of pieces by enlightened writers regarding the election results. Eve Marko, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, Matthew Cheney , and Bhilkkhu Bodhi all wrote about their reactions and feelings. Their expressions spanned the emotional gamut fromContinue reading “Resilience”
Blue Mountains Walking
At the time, I had been reading a lot of Dogen and sitting a lot of zazen. (is there such a thing as too much?) Then, one day, riding my bicycle on Snow Road, south of Old Mesilla, NM, looking directly into the horizon at the Organ Mountains I had a realization moment and itContinue reading “Blue Mountains Walking”
Just a Box of Rain
October 25, 2024: Phil Lesh, legendary Grateful Dead bass player, consummate musical visionary, and family member passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Box of Rain Look out of any windowAny morning, any evening, any dayMaybe the sun is shiningBirds are winging, no rain is falling from a heavy skyWhat do you wantContinue reading “Just a Box of Rain”
Baisaō’s Tea
Waves roil in the earthen pot the wind’s thin wail starts up simmering tea and serving it, offering it to all mankind; a shame no one who comes understands it’s real taste; siting alone I brew for myself a tea beyond compare. This poem is from “The Old Tea Seller” a book of poems byContinue reading “Baisaō’s Tea”
easy
Is it possible to move through life with a sense of ease in this stressful world we inhabit? Can we embrace a way of being that is not forced and free from excessive striving, that is true to nature? There is a natural rhythm in nature that is in tune with the rhythm of ourContinue reading “easy”
Life On Purpose
I’ve been reading Norman Fischer’s book, Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong. It’s a mind training practice on compassion. Fischer has put a Zen spin on this traditionally Tibetan practice. A Dharma brother suggested it. I’ve also had a meaningful encounter with another dharma brother who is deeply engaged with Tea Ceremony, an intentionalContinue reading “Life On Purpose”
No Gate Zen Center 