Audio: Just As You Are by Jokai Blackwell 6/21/2020

Just As You Are
Jokai Blackwell
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Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage

by Master Shitou

I’ve built a grass hut where there’s nothing of value.
After eating, I relax and enjoy a nap.
When it was completed, fresh weeds appeared.
Now it’s been lived in – covered by weeds.

The person in the hut lives here calmly,
Not stuck to inside, outside, or in between.
Places worldly people live, he doesn’t live.
Realms worldly people love, he doesn’t love.

Though the hut is small, it includes the entire world.
In ten square feet, an old man illumines forms and their nature.
A Great Vehicle bodhisattva trusts without doubt.
The middling or lowly can’t help wondering;
Will this hut perish or not?

Perishable or not, the original master is present,
not dwelling south or north, east or west.
Firmly based on steadiness, it can’t be surpassed.
A shining window below the green pines —
Jade palaces or vermilion towers can’t compare with it.

Just sitting with head covered, all things are at rest.
Thus, this mountain monk doesn’t understand at all.
Living here he no longer works to get free.
Who would proudly arrange seats, trying to entice guests?

Turn around the light to shine within, then just return.
The vast inconceivable source can’t be faced or turned away from.
Meet the ancestral teachers, be familiar with their instruction,
Bind grasses to build a hut, and don’t give up.

Let go of hundreds of years and relax completely.
Open your hands and walk, innocent.
Thousands of words, myriad interpretations,
Are only to free you from obstructions.
If you want to know the undying person in the hut,
Don’t separate from this skin bag here and now.

Video: Basic Sitting Posture - Cross-legged

by Jokai Blackwell

This primer on basic sitting techniques will get you familiar with the more traditional cross-legged ways to sit for meditation. We hope to give you the tools to learn the healing arts of meditation and mindfulness. We practice the profound teachings that align with the Buddha’s path to awakening.

Meditation is open to all regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual preference or identity, creed, or religion.

Video: Mindfulness of Breathing

by Franz Manfredi

A short, practical meditation method you can use either during a formal seated meditation or anywhere you may find yourself. Learn the technique of sitting, mindfully aware of your breath and body in order to reduce anxiety, stress and find peace.

Video: Basic Sitting Posture

by Franz Manfredi

This primer on basic sitting techniques will get you familiar with the many traditional ways to sit for meditation. We hope to give you the tools to learn the healing arts of meditation and mindfulness. We practice the profound teachings that align with the Buddha’s path to awakening. Meditation is open to all regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual preference or identity, creed, or religion.

Audio: Oneness Doing with Jokai Blackwell, 4/19/2020

Oneness Doing
Jokai Blackwell Sensei
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Case 86 - Book of Equanimity

Rinzai's Great Enlightenment

Main Case

Attention! Rinzai asked Master Obaku, "What is the ultimate meaning of Buddhism?" In response, Obaku hit him. This happened three times, so he left Obaku and went to see Master Daigu. Daigu asked, "Where do you come from?" Rinzai replied, "I came from Obaku." Daigu asked, "What did Obaku have to say?" Rinzai said, "I asked, ‘What is the ultimate meaning of Buddhism?’ three times, and three times I was struck. I don't know if I was at fault or not." Daigu exclaimed, "Obaku is so grandmotherly to be so very kind to you, but you still come and ask if you are at fault or not." At these words, Rinzai attained great enlightenment.

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Audio: The Resurrection by Tim Colohan, 4/12/2020

The 4 Immeasurable Minds and the 4 Grasping Minds

The Resurrection, the 4 Immeasurable Minds and the 4 Grasping Minds
Tim Colohan
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Most of the time

we live in this box.

Let go of just one,

they all disappear,

we are free.

Grab just one

and we are completely in it.

Content for the Four Immeasurable Minds came from the book: "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" 1998 Parallax Press, by Thich Nhat Hanh, chapter 22. This book has been a favorite of Tim’s, which he has been constantly re-reading for over 10 years!

The Four Grasping Minds was a topic of many of Zen Master Seung Sahn's talks.  Tim made the drawing in an effort to commit it to memory.

The content is from the book: "Compass of Zen"  1997 Shambhala Publications Inc. by Zen Master Seung Sahn.  Another of Tim’s favorites that he re-reads on an on-going basis!

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Passing of Sangha Member, Eric Armstrong

Eric Armstrong, a longtime member of our Sangha has passed away after a long battle with cancer. An active member for ten years, he was known to many for his kind and gentle presence. For many years, he edited our Dharma talks, which are still available in our archives. He is survived by his wife Janet, his son Cole, and his brother Jeff.

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Audio: Freedom From the Known by Jokai Blackwell, 4/5/20

Freedom From the Known
Jokai Blackwell Sensei
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Case 94 - Book of Equanimity

Tozan's Illness

Main Case: 

Attention! Tozan was ill. A monk asked, "Master, you're sick. Is there someone not sick?" Tozan replied, "Yes, there is." The monk asked, "Does the one who is not sick look after you?" Tozan replied, "This old monk is able to look after others!" The monk asked, "Master, how about when you look after others?" Tozan said, "Then the having of sickness is not seen."

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