I just had a wonderful dialogue with Rev. Shoren Heather and this conversation is now on her podcast SparkZen. We discussed some of the themes of my new book and … Continue reading Untangling Karma, Uncovering Infinite Wisdom
Blog posts
Book out Today!
Today, my book which I have worked on for over 5 years is out for publication and reading. I feel very honored and happy that this is so. And I … Continue reading Book out Today!
My New Book out on July 5, 2022
Untangling Karma, Intimate Zen Stories on Healing Trauma is a book about accepting and healing our historic karma both on and off the meditation cushion. This is a journey of … Continue reading My New Book out on July 5, 2022
Yay! My book will be published!
I now have a contract to publish the book I have been writing for the last 4 years. MonkFish Book Publishing Co. will launch the book in Spring/Summer of 2022. … Continue reading Yay! My book will be published!
Inspired Renunciations on Judging, Comparing and Fixing Mind
Recently, I have been listening to Phillip Moffitt’s recordings on the Nine Bodies. (ninebodies.com) or from his book entitled Awakening through the Nine Bodies: Explorations in Consciousness for Mindfulness Meditation … Continue reading Inspired Renunciations on Judging, Comparing and Fixing Mind
Radical Rest
One misunderstanding I have followed in my Buddhist life is to take the instruction “exchanging yourself for another” as a prescription for not attending to myself and my own needs. … Continue reading Radical Rest
The Unsettling Predicament – a Two-part “Self”
There is word that I believe is misunderstood in Buddhist practitioners – “self.” My teacher Katagiri-Roshi used to say that there is a historic self and an absolute self (a … Continue reading The Unsettling Predicament – a Two-part “Self”
New Understandings of the Three Refuges
My lineage’s traditional recitation of the three refuges is I take refuge in the Buddha (the awakened person) I take refuge in the Dharma (the teaching) I take refuge in … Continue reading New Understandings of the Three Refuges
Straightforward Presence
I was meditating in my big stuffy purple chair in front of my altar the other day and i noticed an index card on the table next to me. An … Continue reading Straightforward Presence
Three dharma seals interpretation
Just a very short interesting translation I just discovered on the Three Dharma seals. I have been listening to Ruth King’s guided meditations on Insight Timer App and here is … Continue reading Three dharma seals interpretation
Curiosity and Concentration
I have taught concentration and the instructions to focus your mind for many, many years. I have taught this to myself and others. These instructions of course were coming from … Continue reading Curiosity and Concentration
The “N” of RAIN – Non-identification, Noting or Nurture
All the previous steps create the conditions to naturally turn towards our experience rather than turning away from it. We set up ease so that we begin to note or … Continue reading The “N” of RAIN – Non-identification, Noting or Nurture
The “I” of RAIN – Investigation
There are habituated patterns that I would like still like to release. As I observe these patterns, I’ve noticed the result is often in the category of numbing out or … Continue reading The “I” of RAIN – Investigation
The “A” of “RAIN” – Accept or Allow
What is the difference between resisting our karma and accepting it? By acceptance, I don’t mean passivity or ignoring. There is a way to receive what is happening, or karma, … Continue reading The “A” of “RAIN” – Accept or Allow
the “R” of “RAIN” – Recognize
Curiously for me, my practice has been returning to the basic question, “What’s happening right now?” I am using this question as my basis for my mindfulness investigation. I am … Continue reading the “R” of “RAIN” – Recognize
The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling
My husband and I were glued to the screen while watching the intriguing HBO documentary The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling, directed by Judd Apatow. We both belly laughed and cried. I … Continue reading The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling
Dogen’s Anger #21 of 21
In many instances, Dogen expresses deep criticism with other teachers. He often expresses his anger about this and even, might go so low as to call teachers names. When I … Continue reading Dogen’s Anger #21 of 21
Great Sky and White Clouds #20 of 21
The answer to the last question in Shitou’s koan is extremely poignant and beautiful to me. Daowu asked again, “Can you say anything further?” Shitou answered, “The expansive sky does … Continue reading Great Sky and White Clouds #20 of 21
The Pivotal Point #19 of 21
The pivotal point is the second part of the koan of Shitou’s. Daowu said, “Going beyond, is there a further pivotal expression?” Dogen answers: “This means that when a pivotal … Continue reading The Pivotal Point #19 of 21
Not gaining, Not knowing #18 of 21
The last three blogs on the fascicle “Going Beyond Buddha” will be working with this koan from Great Teacher Shitou: In the assembly of Great Master Shitou Wuji, Zen Master … Continue reading Not gaining, Not knowing #18 of 21