The literal translation of “zenki” is “the activity of Zen” or “the activity of meditation,” and this chapter refers to That which is “ever functioning, never dormant” within that activity, namely Buddha Nature, True Nature, or what Dōgen calls True … Continue reading →
In remembering Rev. Master Jiyu today, I was thinking of recounting an anecdote about her, but perhaps that is not the most important thing. What matters is the teaching that they all embodied rather than their personalities. Who Rev. Master … Continue reading →
Throughout the ages Buddhism has been practised, taught and passed on by one person to another. Every scripture, statue and example came from a person who, through training, gave their individual life back to its Source, enabling the Truth to … Continue reading →
It is so helpful for our spiritual path to recognise the heart of Buddha in other human beings. When I was a young man, there was a deep longing in me that I could not have put into words then. … Continue reading →
The Dharma Path is simple and straightforward and in the instant before us, and yet calls us to great depths. A wellspring emerges to the surface joyfully, and yet its waters come from deep within, making their way upwards through … Continue reading →
“One calls, One responds.” There are many dimensions to the master-disciple relationship. Who is it that calls, who is it that responds? What I explore here is one perspective which of late I view as this relationship’s core, heart, or … Continue reading →
In the early 1970s my wife Linda and I were fortunate to attend a weekend retreat near Eugene, Oregon, conducted by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett. Not long thereafter, Linda and I were founding members of the newly opened Eugene Buddhist Priory; … Continue reading →
I’d like to talk this morning about a teaching from Rev. Master Jiyu that I remember coming across very early on in my training. She used to say, it seemed, quite often: “The leaf goes where the wind blows it.” … Continue reading →
Whilst sitting quietly by the fire and contemplating the common room statue of Lord Jizō, these assorted reflections arose into my mind and I offer them now in memory of my master, Reverend Master Jiyu-Kennett, who died 18 years ago … Continue reading →
(When asked if I would be willing to have the following article, written by me some 16 years ago, republished, I reread it and found the style rather awkward compared to how I might say things today. I also recognized … Continue reading →