Today we begin “Zazen for Beginners.” Because we’re always beginners.
In a series of talks over the coming days, I will discuss this and that about “Just Sitting,” which has much to do with dropping thoughts of “this” and “that.” I’ll talk about where you can expect to “go” in your practice, and what you can expect to attain, which is, of course …
ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE AND NOTHING!
Don’t think, however, that not thinking of “attaining” means that a treasure is not attained.
And freeing our “self” of all need to get somewhere can be truly getting somewhere.
These talks are meant for beginners in “Just Sitting” Shikantaza Zazen and newcomers to Treeleaf Sangha. Shikantaza is our central practice at Treeleaf. But I hope that both new folks and old timers will watch. We are all, of course, ever beginning now and now and now, with “Beginner’s Mind.“
Click through here to see today’s talk, and to “sit-a-long”:
Let’s start by seeing the mind as like a noisy kitchen blender… filled with all kinds of rattlin’ stuff.
Let it settle!
Here’s today’s Sit-A-Long video.
(Using headphones? Do note that there is loud noise at times in this video!)
16 Comments
Great visual! I'll have to use that in my practice today.
Your blender is either amazingly loud or you had special mics on it.
Two Buddhas and a blender.What better way to begin. : ) Thank you Jundo. Gassho. Kent
What great demonstration! Jundo's greatest wealth is his practicality. The depths of Zen are made as simple as the Buddha's smile! Thank you Jundo!
Taking any requests, Jundo?
If so, can you bring your InstaZazen concept here whenever possible? It's a good lesson.
Oh, and if you're really into requests, can you also put yourself on video juggling while riding a unicycle?
I just started practicing ZaZen so i'm very happy with your sit-a-longs! When can we expect the next one? :-) Thank you very much from Holland!
I turned it off after the 5th blinder blast. You made your point I lost your intended messege.
Tarver adcox
It's the beautiful concept of trying to attain nothing so you gain everything. It is a mind boggler and so it should be.
This was just a great illustration of how your thoughts can run amok and create only noise and distraction. My husband even listened and thought it was good and he isn't into meditation!!
What a great metaphor for how whirring minds, mine and others alike, can influence peace and calm. May I now find the "OFF" switch of my mind and allow the wheel to settle.
Gassho
A blender. Yep, that’s a great metaphor for how I start my day — that’s why I sit zazen at 5:30 am :)
great…I really liked the blender metaphor…made me laugh too…thank you very much. Jan, manchester.
Next time add a little ice, salt, and tequila. Gassho.
Thank you so much Jundo. We look forward to tomorrow.
Thank you very much, Jundo.
This is what should be done by one who is skilled in goodness and knows the path of peace…Karaniya Metta Sutta
Gassho