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Five Questions with Marc
Paradox is how we can embrace what our story is wherever we happen to be and how we engage with it and shape our lives. We don’t get to choose a lot about who we are, but we get to choose a lot about how we direct our attention.
Living Beyond Right and Wrong
Beautiful poem by Zen teacher Ryokan, from the early 1800's Japan: What was right yesterday Is wrong today In what is right today, How do you know it was not wrong yesterday There is no right or wrong, No predicting gain or loss. Unable to change their tune, Those who...
The Myth Of Work-Life Balance
There is a famous Zen dialogue from ancient China about a monk and a teacher. The monk arrives at the monastery and says to the teacher, “I’ve arrived. Please give me your teaching.” The teacher says, “Have you eaten your breakfast?” The monk responds, "Yes, I...
Peaceful Life
Peaceful Life, a poem by Katagiri Roshi Being told that it’s impossible, One believes, in despair, “Is that so?” Being told that it is possible, One believe, in excitement, “That’s right.” But whichever is chosen, It doesn’t not fit one’s heart neatly. Being asked,...
Cultivating Joyful Mind, Kind Mind, Great Mind
“Instructions To the Head Cook” is one of my favorite pieces of writing from Dogen, the 13th century founder of Zen in Japan. In it he describes the three states of mind that the head cook should cultivate in all activities in the kitchen: Joyful Mind, Kind Mind, and...
Just Being Present
A Zen teacher from the 9th century in China could sometimes be heard having a stern conversation with himself: “Master Zuigan!” he would call out. “Yes?,” he would inquire, “Are you here?” “Yes!” He responded to himself. How sweet, how odd, and how wonderful! This Zen...