This is the second in a series of koans centred on the natural world. The koan is Case 37 in the Mumonkan, Zhaozhou's Cypress Tree in the Courtyard.

Sources: Pilgrim at Tinker's Creek by Annie Dillard and Two Zen Classics by Katsuki Sekida.

Not-self is the third of the Three Marks of Existence, and is also referred to as emptiness of self, or just Emptiness. It can be understood intellectually when examined through the lenses of impermanence and dependent co-arising. It can also be directly experienced when we forget ourself.

Sources: There is No Suffering by Master Sheng Yen, Dharma Drum 2001, and What makes you not a Buddhist, by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, Shambhala 2008.

This is the third in a series on teachers in the Auckland Zen Centre's lineage.

Sources: Endless Vow: the Path of Soen Nakagawa Roshi by Roko Sherry Chayat

Original Dwelling Place by Robert Aitken

Remembering Nakagawa Soen Roshi by Estelle Gerard.

Description: Teachings on determination, generosity and gratitude.

Source: Ichi Tantei One Doing -- Tangen-roshi of Bukkokuji Teisho, translations by Belenda Attaway Yamakawa, Edited by Ron Klein.

Description: Anecdotes and teachings.

Source: Ichi Tantei - One doing, Tangen-roshi of Bukkokuji, teisho translations by Belenda Attaway Yamakawa, edited by Ron Klein.

Description: Anecdotes and teachings.

Source: Ichi Tantei - One doing, Tangen-roshi of Bukkokuji, teisho translations by Belenda Attaway Yamakawa, edited by Ron Klein.

Description: Constant flow.

Source: Zen's Chinese Heritage by Andy Fergusson.

Description: Constant flow.

Some pointers and cautions for zazen at the beginning of our 7-day sesshin.

Sources: Various.

Second in a series of talks on The Three Marks of Existence, Impermanence, Suffering and Not-Self. Suffering is a core teaching of Buddhism. The Buddha said "I teach but two things; suffering and the way out of suffering." Buddhism addresses our personal suffering as well as equipping us to be able to effectively help other beings to find liberation.

Sources: Dharma Rain eds Stephanie Kaza and Kenneth Kraft and There Is No Suffering Master Sheng Yen.