In the old days there were sixteen bodhisattvas. When it was time to bathe they got into the bath together. They suddenly realized the cause of water and said, “This subtle touch releases the brightness. We have become the sons and daughters of the Buddha.”

—Blue Cliff Record, Case 78

Last week, Bluegrass Zen made a trip into the Eastern Kentucky Mountains for a summer retreat. We were fifteen bodhisattvas, who over five days—waking, sleeping, eating, walking—meditated and practiced with koans. We were joined by a canine companion, Shadow, and accompanied by sweet mountain birds, who sang us to and to the meditation hall every morning and evening. Their song resounded throughout the mountain forest.

One day a fierce storm bore down: lightening flashing, wind blowing, and thunder rolling. Birds, storms, songs, walks up steep mountain hillsides, breath heaving and heart beating along with the songs and storms alive in our hearts. We welcomed the fullness of what it is to be alive.

In the words of Thursday’s koan, we got into the bath together immersing ourselves in the fullness of abundant life.

Complete and full immersion in what life might bring, beyond good and bad, reveals the light that shines in all things. That is what we’ll be exploring on Thursday.

Join us.