Zazen is not a means to something, but rather the expression of something. Here John discusses the point of spiritual practice and ritual in Zazen. Indeed, Zazen itself as an enactment ritual.
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Latest from GZG
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Good Posture for Sitting Zazen Joyfully
Zazen is the dharma gate of ease and joy, yet for so many of us it can often feel very different to this, it challenges us both physically and psychologically. In this video John discusses the importance of good posture in Zazen and how the physical position of the body can influence awareness and through this, ease and joy
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Thinking-Not-Thinking
A monk asked master Yaoshan,
‘what are you thinking when your sitting in Zazen’?
The master replied ‘I’m thinking not thinking’
the monk, puzzled, replied, ‘how are you thinking not thinking?’
the master replied ‘hishiryō’.
This famous encouter pivots around the final reply of Yaoshan, ‘hishiryō’. However hishiryō does not easily translate into English, and consequenlty it is easily open to mininterpretation. In this video John discusses this Koan and how we can understand thinking, not thinking
A short video teaching about a wonderful poem by Master HongZhi (1091-1157). The teaching is adapted from a Kusen given on 31st March 2020
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Fragments of momentary being
Our true teacher isn’t a person in the normal sense, but rather a fragment of momentary being. This video teaching is adapted from Kusen no 270 given on 28th March 2020
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Let’s foster connection
The essential message of Buddhism is that we are connected, not separate. And, particularly in these extraordinary times, our responsibility as practitioners is to seek to foster connection.
Accordingly, we have now set up online Zazen meditation sessions twice a week, an online Chanting Group and online Study Group, with more activities planned.
If you would like to know more about our activities, and participate in some or all of them, even if you’re a complete newbie to meditation, we’d really love to hear from you. Just email your name and mobile number to glasgowzengroup@gmail.com, and we’ll be in touch.
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Book of Serenity Case 36
The Case: One day, Master Ma’s personal attendant asked him, “How is the master these days?”
Master Ma answered, “Sun Face Buddha, Moon Face Buddha.”
Below you can find a link to the commentary in written form: