Consistency in Practice
As the saying goes, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Sitting zazen is a lot like working out at thegym: you get out of it what you put…
Zazen During Difficult Times
We’re living in a time when books are being banned, when people are being demonized just forbeing who they are, when discourse has been reduced to shouting matches and blame…
Pain During Zazen
Whether you are a beginner or an old-timer, discomfort and/or pain during zazen is inevitable,for any number of reasons. First, physically: sitting for long periods of time can make the…
On Bowing
As I tell everyone who enters the zendo at Hokoku-an, “You don’t bow to the Buddha, you bowas a Buddha. To truly bow means letting go of everything. When Bodhidharma…
On Chanting (in Japanese)
When I first started my monastic training at Mt. Baldy, I absolutely hated the chanting. Hated it.Mt. Baldy has a 25-page Sutra Booklet. We had to chant the entire booklet…
On Reading Zen Books
A student asked Master Bankei: Is it helpful for students to look through the Buddhist sutras andZen Records? Bankei replied: There’s a time for reading the Zen records. If you…
Kindergarten Zen
Dear friends, A long time ago, my teacher said to me: “Seido, you teach kindergarten Zen.” And withouthesitation I replied: “Well, someone has to do it.” I never took his…
Why I Always Say: More Zazen
Words can only point the way. Memorizing words and being able to repeat them is like beingbroke and counting other people’s money. Even if you understand the things I’m sayingintellectually,…
Entering the Way of Meditation
Trying to understand the Mind with the mind is a big mistake. —Sengstan Be Still —It has been taught for centuries that the most expedient means of entering the Way…
Informal Talks Given at Westbury Retirement Home
One: For Contemplation: Some Verses on the Faith-mind by Sengstan The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences. When love and hate are both absent, everything…