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June 2017

Connections: Religion & Spirituality

Ming Zhen Shakya in her essay “Connections” touches on the difference between the lower rungs of religion and the ecstatic pitch of spirituality. A helpful distinction for those on the path. You’ll be surprised by what she shares with us.

Sangha News

Dear Friends of the Order,
Please read the announcement of the changes at ZATMA.
Thank you.

Mirror, Mirror: The Riddle of Self Reflection, The Seeker

What comes out of your mouth matters! Whether you lie or exaggerate, whether your words are venomous or sweet. How you speak and what you say is a reflection of your spiritual state. And it doesn’t matter what you’re talking about….your words show you where you are on the path.

On Being a Master: Sinking into the Mud

When discussing what a “master” is or can be in our tradition with Yao Xiang Shakya, in preparation before her Master Transmission, she said “I feel being a master is sinking further into the mud so the lotus may rise higher”. 

Heaven and Hell

Ming Zhen Shakya gave this Dharma talk on heaven and hell in 1996…..over 20 years ago. It stands the test of time.

When We First Begin

For the beginner on the Zen path…..Fa Shi Yao Xin Shakya captures the essence of how we take the first step on the path to liberation and to knowing our Buddha nature.

Announcement: Another Master Blooms in ZATMA

In the truest sense of the Dharma, a master is a master long before he or she ever receives the ornamentation of being known as a Master. It is a gift to be found and given the responsibility to serve in this way. Yao Xiang Shakya, our dear old editor, is the founder and teacher of A Single Thread, A Contemplative Order of Hsu Yun.

Opowieść 32: Ciemne lustro

Częstokroć bywa tak, że nasze prywatne cele urastają w naszych głowach do takich rozmiarów, że przestajemy postrzegać rzeczywistość poprawnie, lub też przestajemy ją w ogóle zauważać – a to prowadzi już tylko prostą drogą do poważnych problemów. Tak bowiem jak kierowca prowadzący pojazd musi być jak najbardziej świadomy otoczenia, aby uniknąć wypadku, tak i każdy z nas powinien pozostać przytomny i świadomy otoczenia, aby uniknąć „wypadku życiowego”. Poniższa przypowieść Ming Zhen wspaniale obrazuje tę prawdę.

The White Birds

What have you tried? What drives your practice? These two questions underly Ming Zhen’s tale of Kanin. He exemplifies some of the struggle with pride and greed which turns into debilitating anger. Find out what happens to him in Ming Zhen’s White Birds.