Our practice is not so simple that when we sit in zazen, we automatically have fantastic experiences, become enlightened and no longer have problems! Our practice is not such a simple matter, at least it is not according to Dogen…
Search results for ‘Zazenshin: Acupuncture Needle of Zazen’
Part 6 Zazenshin: Acupuncture Needle of Zazen, by Shohaku Okumura
‘Is there a way we should aim at beyond the framework of zazen that has not yet been accomplished?’ Is there some kind of formless samadhi besides this sitting using this body and mind, besides ‘polishing a tile’, or not?
Part 5 Zazenshin: Acupuncture Needle of Zazen, by Shohaku Okumura
If buddha-dharma is the self, why do we have to study from others? Why do we have to practise in order to change the self? Why do we have to practise? We already have buddha-nature. We can do whatever we want. What is wrong with this kind of view? That is the question. Dogen’s reply is as follows:…
The real part 5 of Zazenshin. Sorry for the slip up last time.
Part 4 Zazenshin: Acupuncture Needle of Zazen, by Shohaku Okumura
The Buddha starts to talk about vast space. What he is saying is that when we give something to a particular person, or when we try to do something good for someone, we often attach to that person. We might ask who the person is…
Part 3 Zazenshin: Acupuncture Needle of Zazen, by Shohaku Okumura
Baso came to a realisation and his mind was transcendent. After this encounter, he became Nangaku’s student and practised with him for ten years. Day by day Baso deepened his understanding of the profound secret…
Part 2 Zazenshin: Acupuncture Needle of Zazen, by Shohaku Okumura
In our zazen we have to let go of any kind of thinking, even thinking about dharma. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to prepare lectures before sesshin started. I had to prepare the lecture during sesshin. To be a teacher in that kind of practice was very difficult to me. Please have compassion for teachers…
Part 1 Zazenshin: Acupuncture Needle of Zazen, by Shohaku Okumura
When we practise for certain lengths of time we find that our motivation itself is influenced by poison. Then we often have doubts about our practice and whether or not it works to lessen the suffering caused by the three poisons. Sometimes we might even quit because we feel it doesn’t work…
Buddha found his own way to freedom, by Diana St Ruth
Buddhism has a very guru-and-teacher-oriented side to it, but I don’t think it was ever meant to. The Buddha found his own way to freedom from suffering…
