Tag: zenmeditation
-
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…
-
THE YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO: ICHI-GO, ICHI-E
Richard Reishin Collins, Abbot Kusen, Stone Nest Dojo, 19 May 2024 Yesterday, as I was reading in my study, I heard a thump against the glass of the outside doors. When I looked to see what had caused the noise, I saw a bird twitching on the bricks, but it didn’t twitch for long. It…
-
the ENDLESS JOURNEY of KŌDŌ KYŌHAN 廣道映範 AUBREY LEBLANC (1985-2023)
What follows are the memorial remarks made at Stone Nest Dojo on 10 December 2023 by Richard Collins, Abbot of the New Orleans Zen Temple, on the death of Aubrey LeBlanc. Endless Journey When the great Zen master Sengai (1750-1837) was asked by a parishioner for a blessing for his new baby, the old monk…
-
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…
-
Kusen on The song of the Grass-roof hut by Sekito
Richard Reishin Collins Spring “Cicada” Sesshin, 24-26 May 2024 Stone Nest Dojo, Sewanee The Spring Sesshin at Stone Nest Dojo of Sewanee Zen took place near the end of May, with a small group of practitioners, some who had practiced some ten or twenty years, some fewer, and one who had never practiced zazen at…
-
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.”…