If you love magic tricks the way I do, you may also be fascinated with figuring them out. How did they do that? Magic tricks are illusions and, if they are done skillfully, they appear absolutely … [Read more...]
Beginner’s Mind
I began Zen study and Zen practice over thirty years ago with a beginner's mind. I knew nothing. I dove deeply into those waters, submerging completely and saturating myself with the teachings and … [Read more...]
Effortless Meditation
In previous stages of awakening consciousness, we spent a lot of time and effort in our spiritual practices. We developed discipline. We began to meditate regularly and incorporated meditation into … [Read more...]
The Self That Seeks Awakening
A recent post in praise of the ego was a wonderful reminder of something more subtle on the spiritual path. Although far more subtle, even our search for enlightenment and awakening can, and often … [Read more...]
Awakened Mind
In Zen, we use the words Big Mind or Buddha Mind. In non-dual teaching we may call this Pure Consciousness or Pure Awareness. Both refer to the same Awakened Mind. Big Mind or Awakened … [Read more...]
Thoughts and Emotions
Normally we have three ways to deal with our thoughts and emotions. We Indulge We indulge in them. We let the completely take us over. If we have angry thoughts and emotions, we may shout or slam … [Read more...]