Don’t just sit there – do something! Conventional wisdom Don’t just do something – sit there! Buddhist wisdom This website is about practice; we try to minimize philosophy. As Red Pine says in his commentary on The Heart Sutra: Buddhism is better understood as a skill or an art to be practiced and perfected,… Continue reading Tranquil Wisdom Zen
Category: Theravada
Present Moment Awareness Zen
Introduction to Buddhist Practice Nirvana is the highest happiness…the Buddha, as quoted in The Dhammapada, verses 203 and 204. If we complete this course, it will help us develop the Bodhi Mind – the aspiration to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. If we have a desire to attain enlightenment for our… Continue reading Present Moment Awareness Zen
Loving Kindness Zen
Step 2 – Finding the Footprints The Ninth Dharma Realm Along the riverbank under the trees, I discover footprints. Even under the fragrant grass, I see his prints. Deep in remote mountains they are found. These traces can no more be hidden than one’s nose, looking heavenward. Finding the Footprints Loving Kindness (metta) All mankind’s… Continue reading Loving Kindness Zen
Silent Present Moment Zen
Step 3 – First Glimpse of the Ox The Eighth Dharma Realm I hear the song of the nightingale. The sun is warm, the wind is mild, willows are green along the shore – Here no Ox can hide! What artist can draw that massive head, those majestic horns? First Glimpse of the Ox Silent… Continue reading Silent Present Moment Zen
Mindfulness Of The Body Zen
Step 4 – Catching the Ox The Seventh Dharma Realm I seize him with a terrific struggle. His great will and power are inexhaustible. He charges to the high plateau far above the cloud-mists, or in an impenetrable ravine he stands. Catching the Ox Mindfulness of the Body The seventh dharma realm is the dharma… Continue reading Mindfulness Of The Body Zen
Mindfulness of Feelings Zen
Step Five – Taming the Ox The Sixth Dharma Realm The whip and rope are necessary, else he might stray off down some dusty road. Being well trained, he becomes naturally gentle, then, unfettered, he obeys his master. Taming the Ox Mindfulness of Feelings The sixth dharma realm is the dharma realm. Counting from the… Continue reading Mindfulness of Feelings Zen
Mindfulness of the Mind Zen
Step Six – Riding the Ox Home The Fifth Dharma Realm Mounting the Ox, slowly I return homeward. The voice of my flute intones through the evening. Measuring with hand-beats the pulsating harmony, I direct the endless rhythm. Whoever hears this melody will join me. Riding the Ox Home Mindfulness of the Mind The fifth… Continue reading Mindfulness of the Mind Zen
Mindfulness Of Mind Objects Zen
Step Seven – Self Alone, Ox Forgotten The Fourth Dharma Realm Astride the Ox, I reach home. I am serene. The Ox too can rest. The dawn has come. In blissful repose, Within my thatched dwelling I have abandoned the whip and ropes. Self Alone, Ox Forgotten Mindfulness of Mind Objects The fourth dharma realm… Continue reading Mindfulness Of Mind Objects Zen
The Garden of Zen Practice
Buddhism teaches that there are three worlds: The world of sense desire (the crude one we’re in now; it has six realms and is often referred to as the six worlds), the world of form (a much more subtle world where sense desires have ended but the desire for bodily existence has not), and the… Continue reading The Garden of Zen Practice
Mudita And Zen Always Win
Of the four Brahma Viharas, mudita is the one we find to be a little strange. When we cultivate mudita, we are never envious or jealous of anything. If we cultivate this Brahma Vihara well, we really don’t mind when the home team loses a big game; we’re happy for the people who rooted for… Continue reading Mudita And Zen Always Win