In Memory of Qian Shen Shakya
Qian Shen Shakya (Rhonda Martinez) wife, mother, daughter, and sister; Zen teacher and mentor. Qian Shen Shakya, wife of Sad Monk – Yao Feng Shakya who died in 2016. Known by many… In Memory of Qian Shen Shakya
ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR ZEN STUDENT
The basic elements of life are not unlike the basic elements of Zen practice. To become one with Zen is to uncover the fundamental truths of the universe. This may at first glance seem a… ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR ZEN STUDENT
Don’t be afraid to experience what shows up. It is your life.
Consider how you might understand the nature of what comes your way. Instead of reacting to what shows up, contemplate the nature of it. It is both teacher and kin. The universe exists. You exist.… Don’t be afraid to experience what shows up. It is your life.
Old Age is a Boon
Remembrance of Aging The Four Boons of Aging. My hope is to pull the door open, even if it is just a crack, on what is beneficial in the truth of aging. I’ll begin by… Old Age is a Boon
Welcome Our New Member
A Single Thread, The Zen Contemplative Order of Hsu Yun Welcomes Old Heart Mountain, 老心山, Lǎo xīn shān shakya aka Arakawa Mitsugi to our Order. Old Mountain, as he likes to be called, is previously… Welcome Our New Member
The Arthur Sermon
Escape from Hell We named him Arthur which is a name derived from the word bear. In Medieval Latin Arthurus/Arturus, usually said to be from Welsh arth means “bear.” In sanskrit, artha means wealth, the… The Arthur Sermon
Exhibitionist Politics by Ming Zhen Shakya, OHY
This piece, although written in 2003, is quite up-to-date on what happens when protests become terror and when breaking the rules of law and order enter as trickery and outrageous. Our dear teacher, the late Ming Zhen uplifts us to remember the more things change the more they remain the same…to some degree or another. It’s worth reading!
Take Care of Your Mind by Lao Di Zhi Shakya
Dogen’s Awarenesses – Having Few Desires, Being Content, Quietude, Diligence, Unfailing Recollection are not commandments or rules to be memorized and slavishly followed. They are qualities to be lived not just something to think about or observe in other people. These awarenesses are like seeds in our minds, when we water them with practice they can break through our ignorance, like seedlings breaking through the dirt to become plants.
Friendship, Sickness, Aging and Death
Friendship, Sickness, Aging and Death is common to us all. Especially during this worldwide pandemic. Venerable Lao Huo Shakya offers us a personal and traditional Buddhist response to those who lose a loved one. The tradition asks us to write a letter – one for each week of the period of grief. Venerable Lao Hue’s generosity is a boon to us all.
Om Om Om Peace, Peace, Peace