PZI Teacher Archives

Peach Blossoms (MK37) (EV8)

KOAN:

Lingyun was wandering in the mountains and became lost in his walking. He rounded a bend and saw peach blossoms on the other side of the valley. This sight awakened him and he wrote this poem:

For thirty years I searched for a master swordsman,
how many times did the leaves fall,
and the branches burst into bud?
But from the moment I saw the peach blossoms,
I’ve had no doubts.

Later, Keizan, the Japanese teacher, wrote:

The village peach blossoms didn’t know
their own pink
but still they freed Lingyun
from all his doubts.

—PZI Miscellaneous Koans Case 37, Transmission of Light Case 12, Entangling Vines Case 8

Audio September 20, 2023

Lazy Summer Afternoons Under the Rose Apple Tree, Part 4 of 4

Jesse Cardin, Tess Beasley

Even a delicious rest must end. The Dao suffers no plans but its own, and our bodhisattva path requires that we bring it back into the world. In Zen, the path goes on and on—we find more ways to grow the ways we love our lives. We are not trying to reach a place of endless tranquillity.

51' 10"
Audio March 25, 2022

Some Treasures of the Lost Cities

John Tarrant

A quest, a treasure hunt, through cities overtaken by sands and ghosts and overwhelmed by the sea. We search for hidden teachings in scrolls, clay tablets, or dreams. Being lost is primary. In the koan lands we side with being lost when we turn toward uncertainty and wait, and whether we can bear it or not, a path opens. There is no end to this opening. 

64' 38"
Audio April 26, 2021

Spring Sesshin: The Interwoven Journey of Sesshin and Life

Tess Beasley

Tess Beasley invites our voices into the room, acknowledging the interwoven yet not-interwoven vessel of sesshin. We are each a unique presence, yet it is when personal identity and ambition recede that feeling and empathy emerge. PZI Digital Temple. As recorded April 11, 2021.

40' 19"
Audio April 26, 2021

Spring Sesshin: Whatever Appears Is Part of Your Awakening

Allison Atwill

Allison Atwill talks about the experience of direct encounter in the Peach Blossom koan. Even when I am Mara, it is the treasure that is just for me. As recorded in sesshin on April 10, 2021.

46' 5"
Audio April 23, 2021

Spring Sesshin: Peach Blossoms & a Russian Boy

Jon Joseph

Jon Joseph Roshi gives a dharma talk in Spring Sesshin. PZI Digital Temple. As recorded April 10, 2021.

46' 13"
Audio April 23, 2021
23' 22"
Audio April 23, 2021

Spring Sesshin 2021: The Lostness & Wandering on the Pilgrim’s Path

Jesse Cardin

PZI’s Jesse Cardin, Director of It’s Alive Zen in San Antonio, Texas, reminds us that lostness is part of peach blossoms, and explores how that might appear on the second day of a retreat—or whenever. As recorded April 9, 2021.

54' 1"
Audio April 23, 2021

Spring Sesshin 2021: Evening Words with David Weinstein

David Weinstein

David Weinstein, Director of PZI’s Oakland Zen, delivers the evening words during Spring Sesshin. As recorded April 7, 2021. 5 minutes.

5' 12"
Audio April 23, 2021

Spring Sesshin 2021: Evening Words with Tess Beasley

Tess Beasley

Tess Beasley sends sesshin participants off to dream on April 8, 2021. As recorded x minutes.

4' 32"
Audio April 23, 2021

Spring Sesshin 2021: Music for Meditation

Michael Wilding

Michael Wilding enhances the opening meditation for Spring Sesshin with his innovative original composition for flute.

4' 44"
Audio April 23, 2021

Guided Koan Meditation: Peach Blossoms at Spring Sesshin

John Tarrant

A guided koan meditation with John Tarrant to begin the Spring Sesshin. Koan: Peach Blossoms. 7 minutes as recorded April 7, 2021.

7' 0"
Audio April 23, 2021

Spring Sesshin: A Donkey Sees Well, Well Sees Donkey

John Tarrant

John Tarrant’s first evening talk during Spring Sesshin. Does the well also see the donkey? As recorded April 8, 2021.

45' 7"
Audio April 23, 2021

Spring Sesshin 2021: Welcome & Talk with Michelle Riddle

Michelle Riddle

Michelle Riddle welcomes all Spring Sesshin participants and gives a dharma talk. See summary. As recorded April 7, 2021.

16' 33"
Audio April 23, 2021

Spring Sesshin 2021: Opening Talk

John Tarrant’s opening dharma talk for Spring Sesshin 2021. As recorded April 7, 2021.

10' 54"
Audio April 22, 2021

The Valley Spirit Never Dies: Peach Blossoms Appearing

John Tarrant

Peach blossoms can turn up anywhere, and the Valley Spirit appears. Depending on what is larger than us—even the reaching for it has it! PZI Digital Temple. Audio as recorded April 21, 2021.

40' 20"
Audio April 5, 2021

The Lilies of New Life: Deepest Indigo

John Tarrant

The Lilies of New Life: It is spring and John reads poetry of the season. Original music performed by Jordan McConnell, as recorded Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. PZI Zen Online.

41' 5"
Audio May 12, 2020

Your Original Face – Awakening Experiences – PZI Zen Online May 5

Allison Atwill

Audio: PZI Zen online Allison sits with Awakening. What is it? Awakening experience is outside of our control or will. It comes in a from a direction we don’t know about – a direction we have darkened. The sufficiency of the moment. Hakuin Ikkaku as a teacher and seeing into your essential nature. As recorded May 5, 2020.

84' 15"
Audio April 24, 2020

Peach Blossoms

John Tarrant

PZI Zen Online Audio: Seeing the crimson peach blossoms across a canyon, after seeking for 30 years, a teacher is enlightened. John Tarrant’s Meditation & Dharma Talk, plus comments from participants. As recorded April 19, 2020.

83' 38"