“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”
Tag Archives: mindfulness
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
No Gate Zen Center 