PZI Teacher Archives

What Is It? (BCR51)

KOAN:

When Xuefeng was living in a hut, there were two monks who came to pay their respects. Seeing them coming, Xuefeng pushed open the door of the hut with his hand, popped out, and said, “What is it?”

A monk also said, “What is it?” Xuefeng lowered his head and went back inside the hut.

Later, Yentou said, “If you want to know the last word, just this is it.”

—Blue Cliff Record, Case 51

Video February 17, 2023

In Front of the Dead Tree Cliff, Flowers Are Always Blooming

John Tarrant

Gifts are outside of usual commerce and exchange. What is it to receive one? What comes with that? Something is always vast and still, something is always blooming. Includes the story of an olive tree delivery, Denise Levertov’s poem The Gift, and music from PZI musicians. Complete Sunday Zen session.

61' 40"
Video February 15, 2023

Something Is Always Blooming

John Tarrant

Something is always vast and still, something is always blooming—the joys and pains of life, of forgetting and remembering. Gifts are outside of usual commerce and exchange, and life is a gift. Just accept it, like the flowers at the foot of the cliff. 17-minute excerpt from Sunday Zen on February 12, 2023.

17' 22"
Video February 7, 2023

Great Silence at the Beginning: Always Home

Tess Beasley

We have made it out of deep winter to the new year, and there is something new appearing. How do I hold the Zen paradox of form and emptiness as I live my life? With dreams, poems, comments, and Jordan McConnell playing music for meditation. Complete January Sunday Zen session, Part 1.

66' 44"
Video July 13, 2022

What It Is to Be Here

Allison Atwill

What is it to be here? Weaving and interweaving go on and on, while each thing stands in its own place. From a talk in Summer Sesshin, June 16, 2022. 3 minutes.

2' 15"