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”
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TheTruth of Mind
These new days of Autumn Too warm for the season. Meandering the bosque by the river, Heat driving the scent of indian hemp, Needle and thread grasses, bullrush, Ravenna and Apache plume. The early blush of rose and Satin gold already upon some of their tips, Auspice of what’s to come. Light in these river-woods, Liquid,Continue reading “TheTruth of Mind”
Depending On No-Thing
I heard it said: “Don’t let circumstances control your happiness. Let your happiness control your circumstances.” When our perceived needs are not being met we feel unhappy, ill-at-ease. “If only my circumstances (people, place, things) were different…then I could be happy” Clearly, we could say these are expectations. Expectations are premeditated suffering. They are theContinue reading “Depending On No-Thing”
Sandōkai
How can we bring our enlightenment into everyday living? The Sandōkai offers us a practice. Shitou Xiaqian wrote the Sandōkai in the 8th century. He is considered by many to be the root founder of all schools of Zen. The Identity of Relative and Absolute, as it is also called, is concerned with the natureContinue reading “Sandōkai”
one reality
I thought I’d abandoned all- Even my body- And yet this snowy night is cold. “When all dharmas are buddha-dharma, there are enlightenment and delusion, practice, life and death, buddhas and creatures. When the ten thousand dharmas are without self, there are no delusion, no enlightenment, no buddhas, no creatures, no life and death. TheContinue reading “one reality”
The Way of Everyday Life
The effortless nature of being requires effort on our part. It’s been a while since I’ve written to you. I have spent a couple of months away from group practice. It has been a time of reflection and rediscovery. Delving deeply into the roots of Zen practice there was something I knew before, something I’veContinue reading “The Way of Everyday Life”
The Language of Grasses
In this field of silence Ten thousand grasses Rooted in Earth Each whispering truth Beneath the empty sky Whispering, None greater, none lesser One voice Each stalk A tale of it’s own to tell On the breath of the Wind Splintering Amidst the chaos of time Ten thousand whispers Ten thousand chants Ten thousand thingsContinue reading “The Language of Grasses”
Get Comfortable
“Sometimes we live, no particular way but our own Sometimes we visit your country and live in your home Sometimes we ride on your horses, sometimes we walk alone Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own” Eyes of the World, Grateful Dead In Zen practice we find ourselves striving to seek a betterContinue reading “Get Comfortable”
Earth Body Propelling at the Edge of the World
Notes on circumventing Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia, “The O-Trek.” by Madison Sokukai McClintock Late Autumn, end of the season. Distance: ~75 miles / 119 km. Total Elevation Gain: ~16,309ft / 4,971 meters 8 days walking, weighted by basic survival supplies, 24+ meals worth of food, the non-negotiables – camera, watercolors, binoculars. Feeling theContinue reading “Earth Body Propelling at the Edge of the World”
MudSeason
The Spring Equinox! A glorious time of rebirth of Mother Earth, trees blossoming, tiny buds opening into verdant green, tulips, brilliant blossoms! Bunnies and baby animals! A time of hope, joy, reawakening and… MUD. In Northern New England, from whence Zenho and I originate, MudSeason is perhaps the most bitched about season of the year.Continue reading “MudSeason”
No Gate Zen Center 