It’s Broken
Some time ago I heard this story….told by a Buddhist teacher. She with several others went on a trip to Southeast Asia to work with… Read More »It’s Broken
Some time ago I heard this story….told by a Buddhist teacher. She with several others went on a trip to Southeast Asia to work with… Read More »It’s Broken
Please SCROLL DOWN to the BOTTOM of the Page ____ ZATMA offers something new for those who’d like to stay in touch. Receive notices of new essays and… Read More »SOMETHING NEW
Nienfo Chan/Nembutsu Zen is the most common practice taught in China to enter the gateless gate of Zen. It consists “simply” in the recitation of… Read More »Introduction to Nienfo Chan/Nembutsu Zen and the Traceless Mind by Fashi Yao Xin Shakya
This is an ancient method used in Chan practice. It is a question asked over and over again and in all circumstances, such… Read More »The Basics of the Hua T’ou Method
“Detachment and Selling Heaven” is a memorable essay by Ming Zhen Shakya….it resounds on many levels like the sound of a gong being struck. Her exquisite understanding of the Irish tenor who is seemlingly forever drowning himself in sentiment, leaving many to go the grave soaking wet and her brilliant understanding of the attachment involved and the well-placed observance of the poems, especially McCormack’s, The Portrait.
Well worth the read!
In this complex. exquisite essay Ming Zhen leads us through the fine workings of insight as if we are obliged to ascertain the same truths and joys of Archimedes discovery of measuring the cheap copper from gold. This essay requires concentration, effort and skill….all fine tools of the spiritual adept.
Death: It’s going to happen to you. At an inconvenient time. You’re probably afraid. But the more you think about it, the more difficult it is to pin down precisely what it is you’re afraid of. Contained herein is a guided meditation meant to alleviate anxiety when thinking about our impending ends, however soon or far off. The implication is that at least some of our fears are unfounded. And if the most frightening thing which ever occurs to people can be made a smidgen less frightening, that’s surely worth the while.
Conflict between North and South, introduction of firearms, and foreign religious interference present problems that only an extraordinary man could solve. The Shogun Ieyasu intended to be that man.To attain his goal he calmly resorted to force and political trickery. Yet one small betrayal wore so heavily on him that he wrote the Buddha’s name 10,000 times to atone for it.