Learning from spiritual friends, practising humility.

Main text: River of Fire, River of Water by Taitetsu Unno

What we can learn from the Japanese Pure Land tradition

Main Text: River of Fire, River of Water: An introduction to The Pure Land tradition of Shin Buddhism by Taitetsu Unno

More on how and why our sitting practice is woven with vows. Examples of other formulations of vows within the Mahayana tradition.

A look at four essential ingredients of our practice of the Buddhadharma, (besides zazen), and an introduction to Ko Ngā Oati e Whā (the four great vows in te reo).

The Emperor of China doesn't understand the National Teacher's request for him to build a 'seamless monument'. After he dies, his heir Tangen recites a poem to answer the Emperor's query, saying, "Beneath the shadowless tree a community ferryboat."

What is the meaning of Zen? What is the meaning of life?

How we cling to the self-identities we create, even when they are painful.

Main Source(s): Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui Translated by Christopher Cleary

Renunciation is not an outward but an inward action, a gradual transformation of our attitude toward the world around us.

Main Source(s): Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui Translated by Christopher Cleary

Who or what is in the way of our waking up? How do we get out of the way?

Main Source(s): Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui Translated by Christopher Cleary

How subjective emotional consciousness distorts our experience.

Main Source(s): Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui Translated by Christopher Cleary