Between aspiration, practice, enlightenment and nirvana there is not a moment’s gap. Continuous Practice is the Circle of the Way. —Dogen Zenji

In Dharma practice we are invited to reflect on our view—the beliefs that rest at the root of our hearts and influence how we perceive, make sense of and respond to our lives.

For what we think and believe has a deep effect on what we see and perceive. Our thoughts have power. As anyone who has observed or studied conflict may know—so much of the violence in the world stems from a difference in opinion, belief or view.

In Dharma practice—we are invited to ask the radical question.

What am I believing?

What is my mind thinking right now?

And is it true? Is it really true?

When we take thoughts or beliefs as ultimate truth—divisiveness, conflict or isolation often follow suit. Our thoughts are powerful. And we can actually use this insight to try on other ways of viewing our lives or reality.

What happens when we take up a view of unconditional acceptance?

Love unbounded?

Freedom for all beings?

This is the heart of what we call—the Bodhisattva Vow. And it is often articulated as a vow to work towards liberation for all beings.

This podcast episode is a recording of a Dharma Talk given on Monday June 17th during my online Zen Meditation gathering. During it I explore the power of Bodhisattva Vision. So often we engage our own dharma practice or meditation practice from a view of “what can I get out of this” and then judge the practice for “not giving us what we want.”

Bodhisattva vision is grounded in the insight that we are interconnected with all beings and this living earth. 

What happens when we ground our practice and our living in compassion for all beings (including ourselves)?

When our view of liberation is a view of liberation for everyone? 

When we recognize or even imagine that all being is shared being?

….

I’m Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Meditation Coach, Astrologer and Artist. In my Spiritual Counseling Practice, I practice at the confluence of spirituality and psychology, integrating mind, body and spirit. Spiritual Counseling can help you:

* Companion Grief + Loss

* Clarify Life Purpose

* Healing Relational Conflict + Inner Conflict

* Work with Shadow Material

* Heal your relationship with Eating, Food or Body Image

* Spiritual Emergence

* Integrate Psychedelic or Mystical Experiences

* Move Through Creative Blocks, Career Impasses and Burnout

I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dream Work, Hakomi (Somatic Therapy) and Mindful Eating.

I also lead a weekly online meditation group, you can read more about below.

Monday Night Meditation + Dharma

6P PT / 9P ET

Join me on zoom for 40 minutes of meditation and a dharma talk. We are currently exploring embodiment, compassion and the principles of engaged buddhism. All are welcome to join.

Zoom Link for Monday Night

I currently live in Columbus, Ohio with my partner, we facilitate an in-person meditation gathering every Wednesday from 7P - 8:30P at ILLIO in Clintonville through Mud Lotus Sangha. If you happen to be in Columbus, feel free to stop by!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe