EPISODE · Oct 19, 2024 · 21 MIN
Wandering in the Mountains: Living Fully
from Awakening Streams: The One River Zen Podcast · host Sensei Michael Brunner
"Wandering in the Mountains: Living Fully with Positive Samadhi"In this episode, Sensei Michael Brunner reflects on the kōan from the Hekiganroku (Blue Cliff Record), Case 36: Chōsha Wandering in the Mountains. Through this powerful teaching, Sensei explains the difference between positive samadhi—the experience of fully living in the present—and absolute samadhi, which signifies the dissolution of the self in death.Sensei discusses how Zen practice is about embracing life as it unfolds, without getting caught up in expectations or intellectual judgments. He encourages us to stop living in the storylines we’ve created and to show up for the present moment, using the energy and compassion available to us right now.Key Topics Covered:The distinction between positive and absolute samadhiChōsha's journey in the mountains: how to live without attachment to outcomeThe fleeting nature of life and the importance of engaging fully in each momentThe significance of the scroll in the zendo: “The autumn leaves dance on the wind”Zen practice as a way to confront suffering with compassion, in both life and deathQuotes from the Episode:"If you're going to practice, you have to practice now. The autumn wind is blowing, friends. Don’t squander your life.""Positive samadhi is engaging with life, while absolute samadhi is the end of life as we know it. We must live fully before that final moment."Listen to this episode for:Insights on how to integrate Zen practice into everyday lifeReflections on the kōan and how it applies to your personal journeyEncouragement to let go of self-judgment and embrace positive samadhiConnect with One River Zen:Join us for live meditation: Monday-Friday 6:30-7:15 AM, Wednesday 6:00-6:45 PM, and Saturday 9:00-10:00 AM CSTVisit our website for more teachings and events: OneRiverZen.orgFollow us on social media for updates and daily reflections!Hashtags:#ZenPractice #PositiveSamadhi #Hekiganroku #Chosha #ZenMeditation #SotoZen #BuddhistWisdom #OneRiverZen #Mindfulness #PresentMoment 🪷 Awakening Streams: The One River Zen PodcastTeachings and reflections with Sensei Michael Brunner (Sōen) of One River Zen Center, 121 E Prospect St, Ottawa IL 61350.🌐 Learn more & join practice: https://www.oneriverzen.org🎧 Listen to more episodes: Awakening Streams Podcast🙏 Support the Sangha: https://www.oneriverzen.org/donate#SenseiMichaelBrunner #MichaelBrunnerOttawa #OneRiverZen #ZenKoan #ZenPodcast #OttawaIL #SotoZen
What this episode covers
In this episode, Sensei Michael Brunner explores the wisdom of Hekiganroku, Case 36: Chōsha Wandering in the Mountains. Through this kōan, Sensei dives into the importance of living fully in the present moment, without attachment to expectations or fixed ideas. He draws a distinction between positive samadhi—the act of engaging with life as it arises—and absolute samadhi, which refers to the dissolution of the self in death. Using stories from Zen tradition and reflections on everyday life, Sensei reminds us that life is fleeting, much like the autumn leaves dancing on the wind. By embracing each moment and stepping into life with compassion and openness, we can experience the fullness of positive samadhi and avoid being trapped by the limits of our judgments and intellect.
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Wandering in the Mountains: Living Fully
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