‘Accepting the moment “now”, nothing was gained and nothing was thrown away.’
Harada Sekkei Roshi
Buddhist Insights
Morning meditation — What is the most tormenting thing in this world?
‘Tung-Shan asked, “What is the most tormenting thing in this world?”
“Hell is the most tormenting thing,” answered the monk.
“Not so. When that which is draped in these robe threads is unaware of the Great Matter, that I call the most tormenting thing”.’
Tung-Shan
Morning meditation — The Buddha’s use of negative descriptors is a paradoxical gesture.
‘The Buddha’s use of negative descriptors is a paradoxical gesture that reveals profound positivity. By describing the ultimate as ‘unborn’ or ‘unconditioned,’ he emphasises that liberation is not something created or fabricated.’
Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation — To speak of the timeless is to speak in paradoxes.
‘To speak of the timeless is to speak in paradoxes. We approach it through negation, yet its realisation is the most affirming experience imaginable. The unborn and unmade point us towards a life free from suffering.’
Everyday Buddhism
Morning meditation — Awareness is a life not constrained.
‘Awareness is a life not constrained by the relentless march of time but embraced in the vast, open space of the present.’
Everyday Buddhism
Morning Meditation — From time to time, whether standing or sitting, moving or resting.
‘From time to time, whether standing or sitting, moving or resting, test whether you have lost the right spirit or not. This is the way of the true discipline of the wise and holy ones of past and present.’
Zen Master Hakuin
Morning meditation — This is where the practice really begins.
‘This is where the practice really begins.’
Ajahn Chah
Morning meditation — There is a Zen saying.
‘There is a Zen saying: ‘‘I have a Buddhist sutra. When I open it, I can find not one single character within it. It is written without ink and without paper. But from time immemorial it has radiated light’’.’
Jisu Sunim
