SELECTED ZEN READINGS @ One River Zen
The story of Zen Buddhism began with Buddha’s awakening over two-and-a-half millennia ago and is firmly established in this very moment.
The study and practice of Zen points to a place far beyond words and concepts to the miracle of the present-infinite. Yet, for a tradition that celebrates a direct mind-to-mind transmission outside the scriptures, we have a rich literary tradition!
Consider these works as a finger pointing at the moon: intrinsically, they are meaningless. Yet, as guideposts to awakening, they beckon us beyond our conditioned concepts and ideas to anuttara samyak sambhodi (unexcelled perfect enlightenment).
Interested in learning more? Consider taking a class at One River Zen!
Shin Jin Mei underscores the importance of trusting the direct experience of mind before false views obscure the true mind's inherent perfection. Traditionally attributed to Sosan (Chinese: Sengcan) sometime around 600 C.E. The text helps Zen to flourish in China by adapting Taoist vernacular to the Buddhist notion of awakening.
Universal Recommendations for Zazen
or FUKAN ZAZENGI | 普勸坐禪儀 by Eihei Dogen
An essay describing and encouraging the practice of seated meditation written by the 13th century champion of the Soto Zen school Eihei Dōgen.
THE TEN OXHERDING PICTURES | 十牛圖
or TEN BULLS
The Ten Oxherding Pictures, like a vibrant tapestry woven with hues of profound subtlety, unveils the captivating stages of the spiritual odyssey. Each picture paints a vivid metaphor, breathing life into the timeless journey of the search for our original nature.