Kyozan’s State of Mind | Shoyoroku Case 32
A teisho by Sensei Michael given at the close of Autumn Tranquility Weekend Meditation Retreat in September of 2024...
Emptiness and Enlightenment: The Zen Teaching of Nan-in
Nan-in's invitation to "empty your cup" is an invitation to approach life with openness, humility, and receptivity – living in a state of wonder - the path of enlightenment.
HIDDEN SAGE REVEALED
When we stand outside the mountains, gazing at them from a distance, we perceive them with a particular set of eyes—the "crown and eyes" of our conditioned thoughts. Only when we are actualized by the mountains do we meet them.
PROFOUNDLY MUNDANE
Essentially, this passage serves as a guiding light, encouraging us to fully appreciate our lives, unburdened by the veils of judgment and the narratives we construct.
Not Knowing is Most Intimate
In this enigmatic encounter between Dizang and Fayan, we witness the essence of Zen distilled into its purest spirit. Dizang's question, "Where are you going?" is an invitation to a deeper inquiry into the purpose of our actions and the meaning we try to ascribe to life itself.
Every Day is a Good Day!
In our journey towards self-discovery, it is easy to become fixated on extraordinary moments of insight or profound experiences. However, the true essence of Zen lies in embracing this moment with single minded devotion. The koan urges us to see the inherent beauty and perfection in the ordinary, mundane routines of life.
SEIZE THE DAY
By cultivating a mindfulness and meditation practice, we can learn to seize the day and embrace the infinite possibilities that lie within each passing moment.
Fukan-zazengi | Part One
Originally, The Way is complete and universal. How can we distinguish practice from enlightenment? The Vehicle of Reality is in the Self. Why should we waste our efforts trying to attain it? Still more, the Whole Body is free from dust. Why should we believe in a means to sweep it away? The Way is never separated from where we are now. Why should we wander here and there to practice?
Fukan-zazengi | Part Two
Yet, if there is the slightest deviation, you will be as far from the Way as heaven is from earth. If adverse or favorable conditions arise to even a small degree, you will lose your mind in confusion. Even if you are proud of your understanding, are enlightened in abundance, and obtain the power of wisdom to glimpse the ground of buddhahood; even if you gain the Way, clarify the mind, and resolve to pierce heaven, that is only strolling on the border of the Buddha Way.
Fukan-zazengi | Part Three
Now, for zazen a quiet room is best. Eat and drink moderately. Let go of all associations, and put all affairs aside. Do not think of either good or evil. Do not be concerned with either right or wrong. Put aside the operation of your intellect, volition, and consciousness. Stop considering things with memory, imagination and contemplation. Do not seek to become Buddha. To be Buddha has nothing to do with the forms of sitting or lying down.