i realize that it is a bit on the philosophical side, but i am wondering what the Soto Zen stance on "anatman" (no-self) is. Where does Dogen deal with the subject? What has been coming up in my practice is that "there is no lasting substance" to anything in the "solid world".... that the nature… Continue reading Anatman – No-Self – dialogue
Category: Jundo Cohen – Treeleaf Zendo
“I Don’t Know Mind” – Jundo Cohen
A friend asked about "Don't Know" mind. Rather than admit honestly that I don't know, I said this about the several (yet same) meanings of "Don't Know" in Zen. Don't know if I should post it, so I will. ----- Here's what I know (not) about "I don't know." "I don't know" can have two… Continue reading “I Don’t Know Mind” – Jundo Cohen
Shikantaza – Thoughts on Silent Illumination – Jundo Cohen
Jundo Cohen First, it is important to keep in mind that many very different approaches are being called "silent illumination" these days (maybe in the past too). Some, for example, seem to emphasize various degrees of concentration on the breath, and the attainment of varying degrees of "samadhi" with deeply concentrated mind states. Second, reading… Continue reading Shikantaza – Thoughts on Silent Illumination – Jundo Cohen
Shikantaza – Open Awareness – Jundo Cohen
Jundo Cohen If this is helpful, we have written instructions here, and videos at our Sangha explaining more in detail. PDF (https://sites.google.com/.../TreeleafBasicZazenInstructio...) In a nutshell, one may sit in a stable and balanced way, following the breath or in "open awareness," one one does not judge or get caught in trains of thought. But most… Continue reading Shikantaza – Open Awareness – Jundo Cohen
Shikantaza – The Still Center – Jundo Cohen
Shikantaza Zazen is not meditation, is not development, and thus creates no Karma. Zazen is the polishing of the Jewel that Shines brilliantly whether seen or unseen, and thus can't be polished. This Zazen "develops" what can be developed only when we drop all need for development and change, sitting in the Wholeness of that… Continue reading Shikantaza – The Still Center – Jundo Cohen
Circle-Triangle-Square – Sengai Gibon – Picture of the Universe – D.T. Suzuki commentary
Jundo Cohen People sometimes wonder what this painting is (besides, of course, the obvious "is what it is" 🙂 ) Here is D.T. Suzuki's interesting (and rather elaborate!) explanation of their representing, in his interpretation, the basic forms and emptiness which are the source of all: "The circle-triangle-square is [Rinzai Master 仙厓義梵 Sengai Gibon (1750-1837)'s]… Continue reading Circle-Triangle-Square – Sengai Gibon – Picture of the Universe – D.T. Suzuki commentary
Comments on Okumura Roshi’s Mountains and Waters – Jundo Cohen
MAKING MOUNTAINS WALK: Okumura Roshi's 'Mountains and Waters' Commentary Allow me to speak from the heart, and please think what you will: This is the finest book on Zen practice and teachings I have encountered in some 40 years of reading Zen books. Blow out the candle. This book makes mountains walk. To my eye,… Continue reading Comments on Okumura Roshi’s Mountains and Waters – Jundo Cohen
On Fixing, knowing there is Nothing to Fix
In our Zen way, one can seek and not seek at once, work to fix and improve all while realizing that there is nothing in need of fixing and improving and never was. Both ways at once as one. It has to do with the Absolute and relative perspectives (non-perspectives) in Mahayana Buddhism. So, one… Continue reading On Fixing, knowing there is Nothing to Fix
Thoughts on Zen Practice & Kensho – Jundo Cohen Roshi
What I wrote above, but in (almost) a nutshell: "Such experiences [are] wonderful and powerful when such occur, and each can be a great insight into and piercing of the "self-other divide", "Emptiness" and impermanence, the underlying light, peace and harmony which can be found when the divisive mind is put aside.Bottomless, Boundless, pouring in… Continue reading Thoughts on Zen Practice & Kensho – Jundo Cohen Roshi
Life is like getting on a boat – Dogen Zenji
 "Not a single moment or thing stands apart from life. Nor is there a single event or mind that does not accompany life. Life is like getting on a boat. On this boat, we ourselves use the sail and control the rudder. Although we push with the pole, it is the boat that carries us.… Continue reading Life is like getting on a boat – Dogen Zenji
Reality is Dharma 