PZI Teacher Archives
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Allison Atwill -
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Michelle Riddle -
Tess Beasley
Ordinary Mind Is the Way (GG19)
KOAN:
Zhaozhou asked Nanquan, “What is the Way (the Dao)?”
Nanquan said, “Ordinary mind is the Way.”
Zhaozhou asked, “Should I turn myself toward it or not?”
Nanquan said, “If you try to turn yourself toward it, you turn away from it.”
Zhaozhou asked, “How can I know the Way if I don’t turn toward it?”
Nanquan said, “The Way is not about knowing or not knowing. Knowing is delusion; not knowing is blank.
If you actually reach the Way, you’ll find it as vast and boundless as space. How can you talk about this in terms of right and wrong?”
With these words, Zhaozhou had a sudden realization.
Wumen’s Verse
Spring comes with its flowers, autumn with the moon,
summer with breezes, winter with snow.
When useless things don’t hang in your mind,
that is your best season.
—Gateless Gate Case 19, with Verse
Unexpected Gifts, Unexpected Help Along the Way
What is the gift of the universe? We receive unexpected help when we are “living down a level,” living things before we construct them. Not constantly consulting your “me,” you open to the invitations and gifts that appear; trusting in the Dao.
The Case for Ordinary Mind – What Makes It So Hard to See?
The PZI enlightenment firm of Atwill, Riddle & Beasley makes a case for Ordinary Mind. Stories of what gets in the way, the nearness of “It” and a season of laughter. Music from Michael Wilding & Jordan McConnell. As recorded March 28, 2021.
If Ordinary Mind Is the Way, What Makes It So Hard to See: What Gets in the Way?
Tess Beasley’s portion of the PZI enlightenment firm Atwill, Riddle & Beasley’s case for Ordinary Mind. As recorded March 28, 2021.
If Ordinary Mind Is the Way, What Makes It So Hard to See: It’s Closer Than You Think
Michelle Riddle’s portion of the PZI enlightenment firm Atwill, Riddle & Beasley’s case for Ordinary Mind. As recorded March 28, 2021.
If Ordinary Mind Is the Way, What Makes It So Hard to See: Our Best Season
Allison Atwill’s portion of the enlightenment firm Atwill, Riddle & Beasley’s case for Ordinary MInd. A story of a best season when everything went wrong in the community kitchen. As recorded Mar. 28, 2021