100. A Synopsis of Sorts

Most of my almost 100 blogs have pointed towards and encouraged time honoredtechniques and meditation practices that I have distilled into what is hopefully auser friendly format for 21st century life. During the last two years, often referenced is the Anapanasati Sutra purported tohave been the meditation method used by the Buddha himself. Naikan meditationtechniques […]

99. All life, not just human life is valuable

I came across a brief quote in the Tao Te Ching that says:“Meaning in life is arbitraryWhy ruin the universe with rigidity?” Meaning in life is so often tied to a belief system when as a matter of fact, it is inmany cases religious beliefs that stand as the centerpiece for human suffering.Human beings assign […]

98. Zen Lessons from the Mississippi River

It is said that the origin of the great Mississippi River is actually a tiny spring.Growing from that source it eventually becomes a huge mass of water sometimesresembling a lake at it’s widest points along the way. Of course we all know that the mighty Mississippi’s ultimate destination is theocean. Once entering there atmospheric conditions […]

97. Trying To Suppress Thoughts Is A Mistake

There is an interesting and productive way to view and digest the conundrum ofthinking in meditation. Sometimes it can become a hindrance, while at other times,thinking is a necessary function and integral part of being human. Let’s explorethis in the following manner: Begin by noting that when you are doing anything, whether it be physical […]

96. Buddha Nature Is Not A Thing

Oftentimes in Zen literature, qualified teachers will make a sincere effort to provideclear direction by using words like emptiness, silence, calm, serenity , stillness,tranquility, simplicity, quiescence. The sixth ancestor additionally gave encouragement by adding that we shouldcultivate an openness of “not being moved around by anything” while also “notattaching good or bad (judgements) to our […]

95. When Doubts Arise, Simply Say Not Two

The Third Ancestor Hsin Hsin Ming’s now famous Trust In Mind is quoted in it’s entiretyelsewhere on this website. Towards the end, the ancestor states:“To come directly into harmony with reality.Just simply say when doubts arise, not two.”In this “not two” nothing is separate, nothing excluded.No matter when or where, enlightenment means entering this truth.” […]

94. Everyday Mind is the True Path

Like a laser beam, Hui Neng’s teaching has pointed directly to the core of zen forover 1500 years. It can easily be said that his prolific insights have guided manythousands over the centuries. Prior to his death in 713, Hui-Neng left a few interesting notes on how to approach“formal interview” with the zen teacher. The […]

93. 24/7 Zen

When we maintain poise and equanimity, not only during meditation but also inmobile states – such as walking, working, exercising, etc. remaining patient andcalm regardless of circumstance, the Great Way will most certainly manifestunerringly. Without distinctions, without judgements, without opinions, the wordsand thoughts that occupy your mind from morning til evening will slow downconsiderably. Your […]

92. Keep A Not Moving Center

You must silence the constant stream of mental chatter. “It is hard toconceptualize, no less experience an openness of mind in the midst of thisconstant internal chatter.” Guo Gu Poet Ryokan also famously said, “There is nothing better than saying nothing.” Itis both possible and actually preferable to teach others simply by a calmpresence. Speak […]

91. Zen Phrases

1.) The test of zen is to find that still point within, even in the midst of chaos.2.) Hakuin Zenji taught: Find the silence which contains thoughts.3.) The ego is a fabricated illusion4.) People are afraid to empty their minds fearing that they will be engulfed by the void.What they don’t realize is their own […]