One time disciples asked the Buddha what could be the best practice to lead them to the complete peace of mind. They thought they would have to go through various challenges believing only such hardship could bring them to a supreme state. The Buddha’s answer, however, was counterintuitive. For example, one of the well-known Zen … Continue reading When You Walk, Walk
Tag: #Buddhism
The Doors of Liberation
Starting the new year, we are supposed to come up with our new year resolutions. Pondering them, we are hoping to make our lives happier, healthier, and more meaningful, even prosperous. Living in this world and of this world, there is nothing wrong with these annual practices. Without planning, setting goals and objectives, drawing roadmaps, … Continue reading The Doors of Liberation
One Thing At A Time
Lao Tzu said: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It is from chapter 64 of Tao Te Ching, and one of the three similar statements. All three go this way: A tree that fills a man’s embrace grows from a seedling.A tower nine stories high starts with one brick.A journey … Continue reading One Thing At A Time
The Flower Sermon
In history, the Buddha delivered so many words for wisdom. His students recorded them as a volume of countless sutras. They spent their entire lives reading and studying these precious, voluminous sutras. Even in his days, the Buddha’s words were invaluable. Whenever he delivered his sermons, his disciples were so eager to listen to them … Continue reading The Flower Sermon
Moon on the Water
Zen Mater, Dōgen (1200-1253) once said: Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water. The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken.Dōgen (道元) It is one of the well-known koans (公案) that we could reflect on in our meditation. Sitting nearby a lake in the middle of the night under the … Continue reading Moon on the Water
Happiness is the Way
Thich Nhat Hanh’s well-known quote is this: There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way. We tend to believe that the ideal world is somewhere far away from here and now. Our life is a long path to reach this special goal. As far as the Hero’s Journey is concerned, this perspective is … Continue reading Happiness is the Way
Breathing, the Third Eye
There are various kinds of meditation in Buddhism. Well-known is a sitting meditation called Zazen (座禅) in Japanese. Sitting straight, we focus on subtle movements of breathing in and out, noticing our diaphragm. Traditionally, we call this breathing technique Zuisokukan (随息観). Zui (随) means to follow. Soku (息) for breathing, and Kan (観) for observing … Continue reading Breathing, the Third Eye
