Day-to-day life is filled with chasing the self outside of the self, in relation to some other. The dis-ease, dissatisfaction, and loneliness of life can never be resolved by seeking outside of the self. Early Buddhist sutras say that to depend on others is to be unstable and that the foundation of the self is only the Self.
Bearing witness is the self being actualized by the reality of life. This is true awakening to just this, as it is: the Self that lives the whole truth, beyond personal likes, dislikes, attachments, and consciousness. I often refer to this as “Original Nature,” “Universal Self,” or “non-duality.” Opening the hand of thought is not clinging to what we think, feel, and identify with. Bearing witness is opening the hand of thought so that we may see reality for what it is. This is correct Zazen. Zazen is actualizing the reality of life, just as it is, by bearing witness.
Our upcoming Ordinary Zen Meditation Retreat is a wonderful opportunity to open the hand of thought. Space is limited to the first 30 people. RSVP.
- Overview of the retreat schedule:
- From 9:00 – 9:30 a.m., we will settle in, and Abbot Will Rauschenberger will give a brief talk about what to expect. We will recite the Three Treasures and chant the Heart Sutra to begin the retreat.
- Throughout the day, we will repeat this cycle: a 25-minute seated meditation (Zazen) > a 5-minute walking meditation > a 25-minute seated meditation (Zazen). Between each 1-hour cycle, there will be a 10-minute break for personal time. There may also be a Dharma Talk at some point between cycles.
- A 45-minute potluck lunch break will take place midday, followed by a 20-minute movement session. Lauren Sham, a mindful movement educator, will lead us through a series of movements (seated or standing) coupled with rhythmic breathing, known as Gyrokinesis.
- Zazen Meditation cycles resume.
- At 4pm, we will recite the Four Bodhisattva Vows to end the retreat. In conclusion, we will engage in a group circle talk to discuss our experience.
- 4:30 – 5:00 p.m. clean up.
Need instruction on how to practice Zazen?