In this episode I am once again joined by Daizan Skinner, a British Zen Roshi trained in both the Soto and Rinzai schools.

Daizan reveals the iconic Zen training technique of the Koan, and explains its manifold uses within the tradition.

Dazian explains how waking up works, how he diagnoses his students’ enlightenments, and why he is very demanding on his trainee teachers’ psychological maturity.

Daizan also discusses how awakening relates to moral purification, why so many famous Zen teachers have engaged in abusive behaviour, and reveals the esoteric energy and health practices of the Rinzai Zen lineage.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/ep75-daizan-skinner-esoteric-energy-practices-of-zen/

Audio version of this podcast also available on iTunes and Stitcher – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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Topics include:

0:00 - Intro

0:42 - The Koan system of Zen

11:03 - How waking up works

18:36 - How Daizan diagnoses his students’ stream entry and spiritual attainments

22:19 - What to watch for during the waking up process

23:15 - Does enlightenment produce moral perfection?

24:16 - Recognising enlightened people

30:27 - How Daizan relates to morally flawed students

34:48 - How Daizan trains his trainee teachers in morality

36:42 - How Zen teachers can damage their students

37:53 - The significance of Inka transmission in Zen

43:17- Why Daizan has never given Inka transmission to a student or named a successor

44:48 - Does Daizan miss monastery life?

49:15 - The story of Hakuin and the energy practices of Zen

58:52 - Rikan and Naikan, the two wings of practice

1:00:53 - Daizan’s experience of the Zen energy practices

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Previous Daizan episodes:

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep56-daizan-skinner-zen-and-the-unknowing

- https://www.guruviking.com/ep63-daizan-skinner-chaos-temple/

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To find out more about Daizan, visit:

- www.zenways.com

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James