PZI Teacher Archives

Great Silence at the Beginning: Resting in the Silence

Description

No management of the universe is necessary. Effort does not help. Buddha’s story starts with ‘everything’ achieved, and acknowledges the longing and sorrow that can not be assuaged by getting things. Buddha in awakening sits in the immovable seat at the center—all included—even Mara. Talk from January Sunday Zen, Part 3.

Summary

No management of the universe is necessary.

Letting our lives act upon us—in the great silence of meditation you get the sense of what is available when we stop trying to control what appears.

The moments of awakening in practice are related to the great silence. Everyday wonder and awe is always available even within everyday fear and confusion. Effort does not help.

Buddha’s story starts with ‘everything’ achieved and acknowledges the longing and sorrow that can not be assuaged by getting things. Buddha in awakening sits in the immovable seat at the center—all included—even Mara.

Dharma talk given by Allison Atwill with music for meditation from Jordan McConnell.

Excerpt from Part 3 of the 4-part January Zen Series, Great Silence at the Beginning. Recorded January 22, 2023.

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