TREELEAF ZENDO PODCAST

http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with-jundo-and-taigu/archives/2011/12/-welcome-toour-treeleafat.html

http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with-jundo-and-taigu/archives/2011/12/-welcome-toour-treeleafat.html

http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with-jundo-and-taigu/archives/2011/12/-welcome-toour-treeleafat.html

http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with-jundo-and-taigu/archives/2011/12/-welcome-toour-treeleafat.html

This week's passage of the Xin Xin Ming instructs us how to live in this trying and hectic life, yet with a mind open, clear and free ... living amid and as this world of the senses, thoughts, goals, emotions -- yet light, unfettered, unbound ... seeing distinctions and complexity as Wholeness and Simplicity ... at once, as one ...
If you wish to move in the One Way do not dislike even the world of senses and ideas. Indeed, to accept them fully is identical with true Enlightenment. The wise man strives to no goals but the foolish man fetters himself. This is one Dharma, not many: distinctions arise from the clinging needs of the ignorant. To seek Mind with the discriminating mind is the greatest of all mistakes.
I am reminded of this description (by Zen Teacher Kyogen Carlson) of the lessons of clouds and water. I happened to read it this week. Kyogen talks of a Chinese poem which contains the line: "To drift like clouds and flow like water."
... ... Neither clouds nor water insist upon any particular form, for they take shape according to conditions. Clouds attach to nothing, and so drift freely across the sky. Water twists and turns on its way down hill in complete accord with the path it must follow. The flowing of the water has the strength to move mountains, while the drifting of the clouds is utterly free. In these qualities we have a perfect description of the Zen mind. Just as clouds cling to nothing, floating free and changing with the wind, acceptance of change is the essence of nonattachment and expresses the perfect freedom of meditation. Flowing water follows its course naturally, without resistance or hesitation. This lack of resistance describes the willingness at the heart of a true commitment to Zen practice, which like water, has the strength to move mountains.
http://www.universalquest.com/driftingcloud.htm
A very good way to move through and whole with the complexities of life.
Today’s Sit-A-Long video follows at this link. Remember: recording ends soon after the beginning bells; a sitting time of 15 to 35 minutes is recommended.
Please visit the forum thread here!

This picture from a temple in India is said to be the aged Buddha not feeling so well. In other images, the Buddha would recline when ill ... an excellent way to "lay" Zazen when one can't get out of bed ...

Our Xin Xin Ming today speaks of moments of freedom and clarity which can come even amid the murkiness, uncertainty and fear of being sick ...
Obey the nature of things,
and you will walk freely and undisturbed.
When thought is in bondage the truth is hidden,
for everything is murky and unclear,
and the burdensome practice of judging brings annoyance and weariness.
What benefit can be derived from distinctions and separations?
PS - Unlike America, they don't use anesthesia for colonoscopies in Japan ... in case you were wondering ...
Today’s Sit-A-Long video follows at this link. Remember: recording ends soon after the beginning bells; a sitting time of 15 to 35 minutes is recommended.
Please visit the forum thread here!

Now, we look into it, the truth is all-pervasive
or
Upon investigation,the Buddha enlightenment is all around
Alors que nous la recherchons, la voie-vérité pénètre originellement toutes choses.
Please visit the forum thread here!

Please visit the forum thread here!