Friday Night Zen #15
I struggle with creating these Zen postings. Among the reasons for this is the fact that I am not myself proficient enough in the teachings, or practiced enough in method. To find a tidbit to share and to think upon is part of my practice. Somewhere I heard that a solid method to understanding a subject of to debate or discuss it with others less familiar. So, I attempt to do so.
Temptation exists to just cut-and-paste something then go have fun. I resist as I can; that is not the point of this exercise. However there are many others more qualified and more eloquent than I. I found someone like that on the ‘net and who coincidentally is not too far from me in meatspace.
Roshi Seven Ross at the Chicago Zen Center has generously recorded a few of his Teisho discourses for our edification. Each is about 45 minutes in length. I suggest a quiet place, perhaps after sitting a while and settling the mind. Bear in mind his discussions are meant for people with a base understanding of Zen, of the center, and of what it’s all about. Picture yourself as a fly on the wall as you listen to remind yourself that not everything you’ll hear may find purchase at first. Some things he infers require a level of knowledge we might not possess yet. Get accustomed to Roshi’s calming delivery, give it some space. I guarantee he will get you thinking.
Perhaps more that I have… way more…