Zen, Christmas, and Radical Responsibility
Discover Zen perspectives on the meaning of Christmas, radical responsibility, and spiritual transformation. Learn how presence, connection, and self-awareness shape a mindful life.
Rohatsu 2024
Through humor and sharp critique, the talk deconstructs traditional notions of the Four Noble Truths, showing how Zen flips the script, asking us not to seek answers but to embody direct experience. From navigating sensual pleasures to exploring the depths of jhanic absorption, the practice becomes not about escaping but fully embracing the moment.
Reality, Consciousness, and Zen Training
By fostering insight into these mechanics of consciousness, Zen practice allows practitioners to reframe experiences, reduce suffering, and cultivate a harmonious relationship with reality.
Suffering, Fearlessness, and Karma
This talk highlights the Zen path, which involves increasing one’s capacity to face discomfort and expanding one’s awareness of the suffering that exists both internally and externally. Umi discusses the two main forms of meditation: calming the mind (Samatha) and insight meditation (Vipassana), encouraging practitioners to integrate both to better understand reality and reduce suffering. We also discuss the role of intention and action in karma, using examples like interactions in nature to explore the complex relationships between our actions and their impact. The discussion concludes by reminding practitioners of the value of fearlessness and continuous self-awareness in facing life’s challenges.
Absolute Commitment, Radical Acceptance, Willful Surrender.
Umi emphasizes that spiritual practice is inseparable from daily life, encouraging practitioners to fully commit to aliveness, accepting both the pleasurable and painful aspects of life without resistance. Radical acceptance involves embracing all of life’s experiences, while willful surrender requires letting go of ego and rigidity. The session concludes by challenging conventional expectations of how to respond to difficulties, advocating for radical accountability while allowing for honest and sometimes intense emotional expression as part of living fully.
Training to Accord with Life Unfolding
This lifestyle of continuous evolution stands in stark contrast to the static nature of holding onto decisions made years ago without questioning them. Zen’s approach to life mirrors the evolving nature of existence itself, fostering a higher quality of life by embracing change and growth.
Zen and the Tao: Living in Natural Alignment
In this talk, Umi uses verse 38 from weaving the way to emphasize that in Zen, real integrity comes from a deeper, continuous process of self-reflection, refinement, and growth. By recognizing and addressing the internal conflicts that arise when we suppress parts of ourselves, we can align more fully with life and the Tao. The practice of Zen ultimately helps us discover universal principles behind all actions, allowing us to embody integrity naturally and live in harmony with the unfolding of life. This process of refinement never ends, as life is an evolving experience that calls for continuous adjustments.
Zen as a Life of Persistent Evolution
Umi presents the notion that embodying Zen means cultivating an indomitable spirit that is not driven by fleeting emotions or personal desires, but rooted in a deeper connection to life itself—referred to as “pure selfless awareness.”
Trusting Buddha Nature
So these feelings, generally categorized as over-excitement and anxiety, or under-excitement and depression, are cues that we’re not trusting.
If we feel either of those things, it means that our nervous system is dealing with some level of mistrust.
We haven’t really said, you know what?
I am life itself unfolding.
Altar, Tantra, Victimhood, Boundaries
Explore impermanence, reclaim power from karma, and align through tantric and Mahayana practices.”
Radical Acceptance: Loving All Parts of Ourselves in the Journey to Liberation
The talk you shared from September 8, 2024, delves into the concept of split personalities and disassociative phenomena within Zen practice. It encourages practitioners to embrace and integrate all aspects of themselves, even the ones that might not align with their ideal self-image. This approach highlights the importance of radical acceptance and love for all parts of oneself, facilitating the journey toward becoming a whole and skillful bodhisattva.
What is Buddha?
Buddha is the fundamental aliveness of the universe. To touch divinity is to touch the very quality of our creative, self-sustaining awareness of life, right?
And that’s kind of hard to understand, in the sense that there’s lots of things that we don’t like about life.
Sympathy? Compassion? Wisdom?
*transcript generated by AI All right. Good morning. Good morning. Glad you were able to make it today. Yes, me too. And thank you to all of you who come pretty much all the time. It’s fun to have a solid crew to do this practice with because that really enlightens it, you know. On…
Force, Violence and Skillful Means?
Force vs Violence.
The ethical use of power.
Intention.
Choosing your Crazy
The talk emphasizes the importance of consciously choosing how to manifest one’s own insanity in a way that aligns with love, integrity, and compassion, acknowledging the inherent craziness in all of us.
Taking Care of Business
In this talk:
– Being with “What Is” … for real.
– What does it mean to be Buddha?
– In-depth look at the Perfections.
– The Dark Cave of Zen Disease
Zen & Personal Development
How does Zen intersect with personal development? In what ways do the 5 Practice Mirrors support the process? How do Zen and therapy work together?
Openness and Discipline
Exploring the balance between a defined practice regimen and the radical acceptance of individual spiritual journeys. We discuss how openness to various traditions can enhance understanding but stress that the core of Hollow Bones Zen training is essential for realizing its full benefits.
Changing Gears
In this dharma talk, we explore the intricate relationship between pure awareness, wisdom, compassion, and skillful means within Zen practice. Umi emphasizes that in every moment, practitioners simultaneously experience their normal feelings and thoughts alongside a field of pure awareness. The talk discusses the concept of choice in practice, arguing that while wisdom and compassion arise naturally from pure awareness, the application of skillful means remains a deliberate choice. Umi illustrates how karmic law influences our actions and the importance of taking responsibility for our karma. Through this lens, they address the complexities of enlightenment and awakening, proposing that enlightenment is a dynamic process akin to a dimmer switch rather than a static state. The discussion includes practical examples and reflections on personal and collective practice, ultimately encouraging practitioners to embody and spread light and compassion in their lives.
Acceptance and Belief Structures
Emanation and Philosophical Reorientation.
Acceptance as a Foundation for Self-Authorship.
Arbitrary nature of Preferences and Ethics.
Beyond Mindfulness: The Essence of Zen Practice
Purpose of Sesshin.
Distinguishing mindfulness and Zen
Importance of Dharana
Dhyana and Awakening
Zen in Daily Life
The Fire of Zen: Polishing the Gem of Inner Peace
Integration of Ethics and Meditation.
Role of Pain and Negative Experiences.
Radical Honesty and Self-Awareness.
Embracing the Divine Mother: A Journey of Spiritual Rebirth and Love
In this talk:
– Parallel Between Maternal and Spiritual Relationships.
– Idealization and Reality of Motherhood.
– Attachment Theory.
– Surrender to the Divine Mother.
– Embracing and Manifesting Divine Love.
May 26 – Memorial Day & Life, Death, Rebirth
May 19 – The question of faith.
May 12 – Embracing the Divine Mother: A Journey of Spiritual Rebirth and Love
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