PZI Teacher Archives

Following the Scent of Flowers (BCR36)

KOAN:

One day Changsha went wandering in the mountains. When he returned, the head of practice met him at the gate and asked, “Where have you been?”
“Wandering in the mountains.”
“Where did you go?”
“I went out following scented grasses and returned chasing falling blossoms.” “That’s so much the feeling of spring,” said the head of practice.
“Still, it’s better than autumn dew dripping on lotus flowers,” said Changsha.

Xuedou comments: “Thanks for your reply.”

—Blue Cliff Record Case 36 (transl. by John Tarrant & Joan Sutherland, title: Changsha Wandering in the Mountains)

Audio May 7, 2021
6' 19"
Audio May 7, 2021

Free & Easy Wandering Series: Following the Scented Grass

John Tarrant

John Tarrant begins with a wild Daoist story from the Zhuangzi, about a giant fish named Kun. The freedom is in your own breast and the koan path opens the way. Includes meditation segments, music from Michael Wilding, vows from Jordan McConnell & Amaryllis Fletcher, Cantor. PZI Zen Online. As recorded May 2, 2021.

73' 39"
Text September 28, 2020

Following the Scent of Flowers

John Tarrant

There’s a spaciousness inside all situations. We’re walking through them, and underneath our feet there’s space and light, and around us. And we’re walking through that space and light. That, then, is the source of empathy and love. And we accompany each other—and we don’t have to take ourselves or each other so seriously.

6840 Words
Audio May 3, 2020

Following the Scent of Flowers

John Tarrant

Audio: John Tarrant reminds us to enjoy the moment of “now” just as it is. There is empathy and delight even in dark days. The dark feminine endures, there is a spaciousness and transparency in all situations. The Way is open and does not depend on “me.” As recorded, with music from Jordan McConnell and Amaryllis Fletcher, on May 3 2020. PZI Zen Online.

94' 42"