2026-03-01 | Dharma Talk | Ocean Mudra Samadhi (Kai-In-Zanmai) | Jon-Eric Steinbomer

This is a Dharma talk on the Ocean Mudra Samadhi (Kai-In-Zanmai) from the Shōbōgenzō, written by our Sōtō Zen ancestor, Eihei Dōgen in 1242. In this writing, Dōgen points to “attaining the way and entering realization” as nothing other than this moment, appearing through this very body. We reflect on what shifts when we move from trying to grasp the dharma with the mind and instead allow it to be lived and embodied within the mudra (shape) of Zazen. Below is an excerpt from the text: The Buddha said: Elements come together and form this body. At the time of appearing, elements appear. At the time of disappearing, elements disappear. When elements appear, I do not say “I” appear. When elements disappear, I do not say “I” disappear. Past moments and future moments do not arise in sequence. Past elements and future elements are not in alignment. This is the meaning of Ocean Mudra Samadhi. Full text available here: https://kokyohenkel.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/7/4/127410773/kaiin_zammai__tanahashi_.pdf. We make every effort to share the teachings with those who cannot attend at the scheduled time by posting recordings to both Soundcloud and YouTube. Everyone has the option to be edited out of the recording, whether audio or visual. If that is your choice, please use the “contact us” link at the bottom left of the Appamada website.