Chapter Two looks at the very heart of our dilemma – it is simple – we are caught in the divided delusion of right and wrong, good and bad – this divided mind keeps us from looking at the Source; the Oneness beyond words. Until we look and know the Source for ourselves, we will endlessly suffer; moving the rocks around in the river’s flow – trying to get it just right.
The meaning is not in the words, yet it responds to the inquiring impulse. Song of the Precious Jewel Mirror Samadhi What… Read More »Determination and the Sense Doors
Now you have it, so keep it well. Jewel Mirror Samadhi
The quote above is a line from a Zen Buddhist Poem, titled, The Song of the Precious Jeweled Mirror Samadhi. It comes at the beginning of the poem right after the resounding affirmation by one of Buddha Shakyamuni’s disciples, Mahakashapa – the fellow who smiled a smile of recognition when Buddha Shakyamuni lifted a flower after giving a teaching. The poem is directed to those who have some understanding of what was/is intimately communicated.
Janus, the Roman God FOREWARD by Fashi Lao Yue When I would grumble about something to Ming Zhen, she would inevitably get to… Read More »Ulterior Defenses by Ming Zhen Shakya
When You Fall Down, Get Up! We all fall down. It is the human condition. We make mistakes. We get hurt. We hurt others.… Read More »When You Are Down, WHAT Do You Do?
__________ Beings are numberless, I vow to save them by living as a monk. Obstructions are numberless, I vow to end them by living as… Read More »The Vows of a 21st Century Monk
I had never heard the entire poem. I had heard only the opening line which Fa Shi (Gisho Senderovich) had recited in the course of… Read More »ON FA SHI’S “I’VE COME TO SEE THE PIGEONS RIDE”by Ming Zhen Shakya
“Demon” is an old word, an ancient idea conjuring up images of devils and other fiercely intimidating embodiments of the forces of evil. Perhaps you, like I, instinctively recognize your own demonic nature. We all have within us the capacity to think speak and act in ways that are harmful. What we do with these demons, our demons, is a central project of the spiritual path.
