I turn to Ryokan’s poetry over and over again. For me, nobody captures in poetry the magical essence of the spiritual life, indeed, of life like he does. How wonderous his words, painting pictures – pictures that rest in the heart, illuminating form and emptiness, and their interplay. When all thoughts are exhausted When all […]
Reflections on Ryokan’s Zen Poems – The Butterfly and the Flower Read Post »
This Jisei, or death poem by the 19th century Japanese poet Kiba captures so poignantly the ephemeral effervescence that is a human life. Life is so fleeting. My old body: a drop of dew grown heavy at the leaf tip Kiba, 1868Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of DeathYoel
Life’s Fleeting Nature: Kiba’s Poignant Jisei Death Poem Read Post »
There’s nothing to add to this Jisei (death poem). So profound. Empty-handed I entered the world Barefoot I leave it. My coming, my going — Two simple happenings That got entangled. Kozan Ichikyo, also known as Kozan Ikkyō (固山一鞏)Japanese Death Poems Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of DeathYoel Hoffman Original source:
Empty-Handed I Entered The World – Kozan Ichikyo Read Post »
For so many years this teaching of Awakening Faith in Mind has been an inspiration and pointer for me. Over time it’s been like someone sitting at my shoulder, nudging and pointing. So clear, so direct, so Zen. Most recently the resonance with Dzogchen teachings from this profound teaching has been very clear. The great
Awakening Faith in Mind – Seng-ts’an Read Post »
Issa Kobayashi’s poignant haiku about life’s fleeting nature. So few in words, yet so utterly profound. This World of Dew: The world of dew — A world of dew it is indeed, And yet, and yet . . . 露の世は露の世ながらさりながらTsuyu no yo wa tsuyu no yo nagara sari nagara Issa Kobayashi (小林 一茶)Dew on the
This World of Dew – Issa Kobayashi Read Post »
Honoring countless Buddhas across time and space. Embracing the practice of good, offering devotion and seeking enlightenment for the welfare of all beings. The ‘As Many Buddhas As There May Be In Any World’ prayer and vow from the Mahayana Avatamsaka Sutra. Then the great enlightening being Universally Good, thus explainingcourses of eons, as many
As Many Buddhas As There May Be In Any World Read Post »
A profound question that challenges perceptions and invites a deeper understanding of reality. You don’t need to answer the question with words, with an answer. Just rest in the shift that the question brings about: What Colour is the Wind? Zen saying
What Colour is the Wind? – Zen Koan Read Post »
I love this quote by Shunryu Suzuki. It’s not about having special experience. No experience will ‘save you’ or give you eternal happiness. You cannot take refuge in particular experiences, however uplifting or extraordinary. Not satori, not insight, not enlightenment, not getting there. Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual
Nothing Special – Shunryu Suzuki Read Post »
Some drowsy reflections on Niutou Farong’s Song of Mind (Xin Ming) when unable to sleep whilst ill … The nature of the mind is non-arising,What need is there of knowledge and views?Originally there is not a single dharma;Why discuss inspiration and training? Niutou Farong (牛頭法融) Niutou Farong begins with the view, a view which includes
Reflections on Niutou Farong – Song of Mind (Xin Ming) Read Post »
Sitting in meditation today, After the Autumn rain; The smell of wet leaves lingers.
