You must silence the constant stream of mental chatter. “It is hard to conceptualize, no less experience an openness of mind in the midst of this constant internal chatter.” Guo Gu Poet Ryokan also famously said, “There is nothing better than saying nothing.” It is both possible and actually preferable to teach others simply by a calm presence. Speak and move slowly in all circumstances. When it is necessary to speak, be careful of word choices. Don’t just blurt out whatever appears in your mind. Responses could and should be similar to haiku, in other words, no rambling. Harada Roshi advise ..read more

Most of my almost 100 blogs have pointed towards and encouraged time honored techniques and meditation practices that I have distilled into what is hopefully a user friendly format for 21st century life. During the last two years, often referenced is the Anapanasati Sutra purported to have been the meditation method used by the Buddha himself. Naikan meditation techniques are a simplified version and very similar to this Sutra language. Both involve breath techniques. As you may have already discovered, wading through the various translations of Pali sutras can be in a word pedantic. There is ..read more

I came across a brief quote in the Tao Te Ching that says: “Meaning in life is arbitrary Why ruin the universe with rigidity?” Meaning in life is so often tied to a belief system when as a matter of fact, it is in many cases religious beliefs that stand as the centerpiece for human suffering. Human beings assign meaning in their life. This is often predicated on religious convictions, political persuasions, and selfish interests. Let’s look at this a bit more closely by dint of a recent personal experience: Early one morning, I was driving past a women’s health clinic here in Las Vegas. Outs ..read more

It is said that the origin of the great Mississippi River is actually a tiny spring. Growing from that source it eventually becomes a huge mass of water sometimes resembling a lake at it’s widest points along the way. Of course we all know that the mighty Mississippi’s ultimate destination is the ocean. Once entering there atmospheric conditions produce evaporation causing the water to rise and circulate into cloud formations. Many of us begin our zen search similarly. We begin meditating in hopes of finding the “source.” What is this life? Why was I born? Eventually, just like the Mississip ..read more

There is an interesting and productive way to view and digest the conundrum of thinking in meditation. Sometimes it can become a hindrance, while at other times, thinking is a necessary function and integral part of being human. Let’s explore this in the following manner: Begin by noting that when you are doing anything, whether it be physical labor, watching TV news, a sporting event, or a movie, cleaning your home, gardening – whatever it is, all the time your heart is pumping blood, your lungs are breathing oxygen, your kidneys and liver are filtering and cleansing your body etc. all witho ..read more

Oftentimes in Zen literature, qualified teachers will make a sincere effort to provide clear direction by using words like emptiness, silence, calm, serenity , stillness, tranquility, simplicity, quiescence. The sixth ancestor additionally gave encouragement by adding that we should cultivate an openness of “not being moved around by anything” while also “not attaching good or bad (judgements) to our perceptions.” Trying to force silence on the constant stream of mental chatter is simply suppression. It has no place in our practice. There are however many helpful guidelines designed to slow ..read more

The Third Ancestor Hsin Hsin Ming’s now famous Trust In Mind is quoted in it’s entirety elsewhere 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.” The Taoist sage Lao Tzu similarly said, “The sage is true to his or her nature, neither compulsively following nor rebelling against the rules of conduct.” Just like the Third Ancestor, Lao Tzu is saying that self acceptance begins ..read more

Like a laser beam, Hui Neng’s teaching has pointed directly to the core of zen for over 1500 years. It can easily be said that his prolific insights have guided many thousands 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 key, he noted was not to “take the bait” or “bite the hook.” He was referring to the words (devices) used by the teacher to trap the student into a linear, discursive, reply. As a way of not being trapped, he emphasized opposites. For example, if the teacher asked about be ..read more

When we maintain poise and equanimity, not only during meditation but also in mobile states – such as walking, working, exercising, etc. remaining patient and calm regardless of circumstance, the Great Way will most certainly manifest unerringly. Without distinctions, without judgements, without opinions, the words and thoughts that occupy your mind from morning til evening will slow down considerably. Your mind will become quieter and quieter. Your previous incessant need to either grasp or reject will slow down considerably having minimal influence over your day to day affairs. Hui Neng’s o ..read more

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 illusion 4.) People are afraid to empty their minds fearing that they will be engulfed by the void. What they don’t realize is their own mind IS the void. 5.) Zen thoughts do not lead us to zen mind. All ideas and opinions are mere clutter. 6.) Moment after moment everything emanates from emptiness. lasts for a little while, then returns to emptiness. 7.) If you want to find zen, begin by not looking for it. Anything ..read more