In his opinion piece in the New York times today David Brooks makes the poignant point that “We need an uprising of decency”. He refers to the last debate where Marianne Williamson made some very interesting observations about politics in our country. He says “It is no accident that the Democratic candidate with the best grasp of this election is the one running a spiritual crusade, not an economic redistribution effort.” Here is a link to the article. I always […]
Category Archives: non-duality
Earth Day – Every Day
Some 40 years ago I went back to the land, built a homestead and grew much of my own food. It was a dream many shared back then and still do today. It is in our nature to be in nature. It was during this time that I came across the writings of Wendell Berry. I went for a hike a couple of days ago at Myakka State Park. As I walked alone in solitude among the Oak hammocks […]
Don’t Believe Everything You Think!
If we are caught in the bubble of our own thinking, we are not truly practicing Zen and are only deluding ourselves. We are Buddhist practitioners in name only and our commitment goes up in smoke with the fire of like and dislike! We may wander around from one Teacher, Spiritual Center or Zendo, to another, trying to make the world into how we think it is, or blindly following like sheep as long as it feels good. By believing […]
Enlightenment is the Solution – Chong An Sunim – March 8, 2019
In this second visit to OZS, Sunim begins our weekend retreat with a brief Dharma talk on the path to awakening followed by a Q&A.
What Now?
Ask an open-ended question, anticipation without expectation. Don’t make NOW into something. In calm abiding before thought, see with your ears and hear with your eyes. Each morning wrens welcome the sunrise in song.
Wednesday Dharma Study-Everyday Zen Podcast on MIND
If you’re unable to join us for our OZS Dharma Study on Wednesday Evening, here is the Podcast we will be listening to… Norman Fisher, Everyday Zen Podcast: MIND Mind podcast – download here Posted: 13 Dec 2018 09:05 PM PST Norman speaks on the Buddhist teachings of “Mind” from a recent article of his published in “Lions Roar” magazine.
Manjushri
Manjushri, the wisdom that cuts through delusion and gives insight comes not from golden statues, nor worshiping a deity, but from practice alone. Keeping a clear mind like space, that alone is Manjushri’s sword! Just ask, What is this? Eventually, you will cut through what you are not and then there is just your original face!
Introducing Chong An Sunim
Chong An Sunim first visited OZS on September 21, 22,23 2018. We had a wonderful Dharma Talk Friday evening September 21, 2018 and then continued Saturday and Sunday with a workshop/retreat, starting with an “Eye Opening” & Buddha Hall Dedication Ceremony for our new Zendo space on Saturday and a Buddhist precepts ceremony at the end of the workshop Sunday. There were also opportunities for kong-an interviews with Chong An Sunim. CHONG AN SUNIM’S BIOGRAPHY Chong An Sunim started Zen practice […]
Not Two
In our ordinary lives, we may struggle at times, are happy and content sometimes, distraught and hurt at others times. We are ensnared by all the constructs, narratives, and ideas we create about ourselves and the world. Thus we create discord, sometimes angry and disillusioned, sometimes righteous and right. Believing our discriminating mind, attached to being right. Thinking that this teaching is better than that one. Deludedly, chasing the finger pointing to the moon. This can be called self-attachment or self-referencing, clinging to […]