enlightenment
Talking About the Deepest Matters
Audio: John shares his interest in investigating reality through inquiry koans, koan types, the Watou of zen stories, and more. As recorded at Winter Sesshin January 14 2020.
Deshan Redreamed
PZI Zen Online Audio: Jesse reimagines Deshan’s classic enlightenment story. Some of the essential features of the journey of awakening, how we make koans our own, and the role that imagination plays in Zen. As recorded April 22 2020.
How Does a Fully Enlightened Person Fall into the Well?
On the second day of retreat, John Tarrant talks about the second koan of the triptych, “How does an enlightened person fall into a well?” How do we as practitioners handle major issues in our lives which cause us to fall into darkness or depression? When things are bleak or difficult, the opportunity is to turn toward our practice and the teachings or our community. January 21, 2013.
Serenity on Fire
“Two swords are crossed, there’s no way to retreat; you’re a lotus in the fire, you can’t help it – you’re determined to go higher.”
John talks about the concept of enlightenment and serenity, and managing to love and appreciate the inner life of the mind.
Meeting a Face from Long Ago
“It’s passed midnight, the moon has not risen, in the thick, deep dark, you meet a face from long ago: but you don’t recognize them. No need to be surprised by this.”
John Discusses koan tradition, the “five steps” of enlightenment, and communication between student and teacher.