http://dharmata.net/investigating-chan-contemplating-mind-hua-tou/ Investigating Chan and Contemplating Mind (Hua tou / ko’an) Investigating Chan and Contemplating Mind Xuyun (1839-1959) Our sect focuses on investigating Chan. And the purpose of investigating Chan is to “illuminate the Mind and see one’s own self-nature,” which means to thoroughly investigate and comprehend our original face. This investigation is also called “clearly… Continue reading Huatou – A teaching by Master Xu Yun
The Parable of the 10 Virgins – What if…
The Parable of the Bridegroom or 10 Virgins "According to the Gospel of Matthew 25:1-13, the five virgins who are prepared for the bridegroom's arrival are rewarded, while the five who are not prepared are disowned. The parable has a clear eschatological theme: be prepared for the Day of Judgment." But.... What if this parable… Continue reading The Parable of the 10 Virgins – What if…
Calmness in the midst of Activity
Calmness of mind does not mean you should stop your activity. Real calmness should be found in activity itself. We say, it is easy to have calmness in inactivity, it is hard to have calmness in activity, but calmness in activity is true calmness. Shunryu Suzuki Zen mind, beginner's mind
November 8 2017
Life damages us because we let it “hit us”..... in realizing that the pure drop of water is not affected by “content”, we can watch every moment.... repeating: “This moment is perfect, this moment is peace” ….. this can be practiced, and helps us to be “pulled” by it, towards perfect peace, while we… Continue reading November 8 2017
Emotional Reactions – Basic
I believe we as human beings, as well as all things, are supposed to live at their center. Most "things" naturally live at their center. Humans can stray away from their center. I believe human beings center is "now, here, attentive." Peace grows from this center. When we move away from our center, we lose… Continue reading Emotional Reactions – Basic
Emotional Reactions – Revenge
Revenge, in a way, is not an emotional reaction. It is born of emotional reactions.
Turning selfishness into compassion
Been reading a considerable amount about the Buddhist precepts, particularly related to the precepts taken in the process of becoming a Buddhist layperson. Since deciding to take this step of becoming a Buddhist layperson, I had sensed alot of struggling with the type of moral code which allowed a person to be so focused on… Continue reading Turning selfishness into compassion
November 2 2017 – Further Notes
Good Rules: Many anxieties are due to bodily functions: not drinking enough water, tensing up and not breathing properly, not paying enough attention to "washroom issues", intestinal discomfort, improper posture...... Do not paint these discomforts with emotional or mental reasons. Do not paint these discomforts with religious reasons. Do not paint these discomforts with some… Continue reading November 2 2017 – Further Notes
November 2 2017 – Notes
How much do the natural processes of our bodies get interpreted as emotions? How much do the natural processes of our bodies get interpreted based on our outlook on life? Many of our worries are simply due to natural causes such as intestinal pains. They start out as discomfort pains, and then get "reasons" attached… Continue reading November 2 2017 – Notes
The Three Poisons
The Three Poisons or the three unwholesome roots – Three root kleshas Moha – Ignorance (delusion, confusion (Cock) (a subcategory of avidya in Mahayana tradition) Raga – Attachment, (Desire, Greed and sensual attachment (Pig) Dvesha – Aversion or ill will or hatred (Snake) They are the root of craving (Tanha), and thus in part the… Continue reading The Three Poisons
Reality is Dharma 