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Treeleaf Zen

In our ordinary experience of phenomena, we live in a world of self, other things and people-not-ourself, birth, death, and Buddhist practice that is required to overcome delusion and bring about realization. [Jundo Note: I believe that there is some clarification required with the Nishijima-Cross translation here. The phrase “Buppo” (佛法), or “Dharma”, can have…

. A friend wrote today to say that his beloved dog is dying of old age or cancer, may need to be put down, and its a bit of a difficult time for his family. I thought that his story of ordinary human sadness would serve to illustrate Master Dogen’s message in this first passage…

. One key to understanding the Genjo Koan (and thus, one key to Buddhist ‘realization’ as taught by Master Dogen) is in the word pairs below … In most commonly understood interpretations of Buddhist Teachings, we human being are ‘deluded’ and seek to attain ‘realization’ as delusion’s cure. Accordingly, we must ‘practice’ so as to…

The words ‘Genjo Koan’ have been translated in so many ways … ‘Actualizing the Fundamental Point‘ (Aitken & Tanahashi), ‘Manifesting Suchness’ (Waddell & Abe), ‘The Issue at Hand’ (Cleary), ‘The Koan of Everyday Life‘ (Daido Loori, shown below), and ‘The Actualization of Enlightenment’ (Nishiyama & Stevens). My teacher, Gudo Nishijima Roshi, has called it both…

Note: We may start talks, from tomorrow, on the Genjo Koan of Master Dogen’s Shobogenzo Just a quiet sitting tonight with my wife, Mina. She’s the Aikido-ist. . Press on arrow for ‘play’ .

..Great Master ‘Great Egret’ (a friend & rival of Master Heron) visited our creek, with a pointed lesson on one-pointed work and mindful eating (he’s a pescatarian). If you would like more information on his esteemed lineage, please look here. Click on picture to ‘play’ (Sitting Time: About 25 minutes) .

. Did the Buddha ever, just once in awhile, get somethin’ like the ‘holiday blues’? I think maybe he did. . Press on arrow for ‘play’ .

. We sit with a very special guest today, answering questions of the Holiday Season … O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,Your branches green delight us.O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,Your branches green delight us.They’re green when summer days are bright;They’re green when winter snow is white.O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,Your branches green delight us! . Press on arrow for…

. Just sitting ’round the Dharma Tree, chanting carols and wrapping empty boxes … . Press on arrow for ‘play’ .

. Today is the 7th day of the Jewish holiday of Hannukah. Happy Hannukah everybody! My family always celebrated Hannukah every year. Probably you come from a non-Buddhist tradition with a holiday this month (I’m just guessin’!) How should we relate to our family traditions at this time of year? . Press on arrow for…
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