Category Archives: Dharma Thoughts

See Confusion as Buddha & Practice as Emptiness

Dharma Thoughts, Zen

This Dharma Thought is brought to you by Karen DeCotis of the Bozeman Zen Group, currently studying the book Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong by Norman Fischer.

From Norman:

If we could unhook ourselves for a moment from the blaming and the whining and the self-pitying and could look instead at the actual basis of what is in fact going on, what would we see? We would see time passing. We would see things changing. We would see life arising and passing away, coming from nowhere and going nowhere. Moment by moment, time slips away and things transform.

So we really can do less, not more in order to align with life and allow most things to take care of themselves. Especially in practice – what Suzuki Roshi called “effortless effort,” we can ease up on the “shoulds,” and relax as we endeavor to wake up, moment by moment. How is it….now?

Sit Still or Still Sitting?

Dharma Thoughts, Non-denominational

This is a new feature showcasing thoughts and musings about the dharma in our everyday lives by BDC leaders, teachers and community members. You can find these categorized as “Dharma Thoughts.” This contribution is from Steve Allison-Bunnell, leader of Joining Rivers Sangha:

Dear Friends,
Even with noticeably longer days, this latest cold spell has made it hard for me to get up in the morning to sit. When I have, it seems like my mind is everywhere else. Lofty goals of great concentration and wonderful insight while meditating fall away as I rehearse my day and mentally solve problems.”Sit still!” my inner adult admonishes. I open my eyes and look at my altar, seeing Thay’s serene face there next to the Buddha. Or I feel my hands tightening in my lap. The cats are outside the bedroom door begging for breakfast. I am back in the present moment. I may not be sitting still, but I am still sitting. And that quantum of patience I muster carries me out into my day.

Joining Rivers meets on Mondays from 7-8:30 PM and practices in the tradition of Plum Village & Zen Master the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh.