We’re looking for any reference point by which to gauge our meditation practice and try to derive meaning. Thoughts are so addicting and seductive, we feel we need to do something with them. Regardless of what happens, our intention is to observe. When we return to the intention we see we can’t fail in meditation.

https://youtu.be/4l2kyf6UUtU

Stop blaming others for what you think and feel. You don’t know what causes anything. Don’t leave what’s in front of you for what you think about it. By intending to follow the vow to be with all things, the consciousness begins to open up and see.

https://youtu.be/q6d8JdiH2gE

In some Korean and Zen traditions there are very intense controls. Be responsible for your own practice as soon as possible. Instead of holding the form no matter what, there should be some flexibility in how we observe the standard. You will not even know the way in which your mind is trained.

https://youtu.be/bSaBnjtLT8U

Shikantaza is a Japanese word meaning ‘ just precisely this.’ It means that whatever shows up in your mind is your object of meditation. Shamatha practice is about focusing on one thing, or following the breath. One way of practicing is not superior to the other.

https://youtu.be/XBuwvekU4w0

This talk is about encouraging you to work with your awareness to see what’s in front of you without reaffirming your ideas, opinions or emotions. ‘Don’t step out’ is another way of teaching patience. Receive the karma that is your business; the comments are extra.

https://youtu.be/N4UPmw4plZk

The paramita of meditation carries a lot of weight; it’s the vehicle for our practice. Without this practice we tend to do mental gymnastics, but unlike other practices, meditation doesn’t provide a safety net.

https://youtu.be/7r8bi_CmVeE

https://youtu.be/_UNoDgeRB5I

“Don’t waste your time” comes from the last lines of the Sandokai. How this shows up for each person will be so different. Maybe it’s working at a job you hate, or a relationship you think you can’t get out of. Sitting meditation over time will help you get closer to the very area where you are probably wasting your time.

https://youtu.be/mB8tqc_K3xo

https://youtu.be/CRwXazx3s8Y

https://soundcloud.com/sokukoji-buddhist-temple/where-thoughts-arise-04-10-24-with-sokuzan-sokukojiorg?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=202e21e817e64fe5a0cc368a7dab4b86

https://youtu.be/v3OKQKAr6Jw