What is the universality of the guru? First you need a living teacher who inspires you. They introduce you to your world, the one you’ve been covering up with your ideas, opinions, your hope and fear, etc.. If you’re able to do that then everything becomes your teacher.

https://youtu.be/A2um5JkHYTQ

Sokuzan was introduced to this practice in 1974 by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche starting with a 10 day solitary retreat. We continue this tradition for varying lengths of time as an opportunity to look at our mind without interruptions.

https://youtu.be/f5wdiZs7KHM

When we return to stillness, we see how crowded the whole thing is and how the mind is overflowing with subconscious gossip. Just watch the thoughts come and go. A willingness to not know is the space that shows up around the thoughts.

https://youtu.be/M7uHfNSwKZY

We take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. The emphasis in this talk is on the Buddha; relating to a teacher. Buddha represents the immediate, living quality of awakening. It’s not something unique, but something universal. Every form is the body of Buddha.

https://youtu.be/kE3G5yrSTys

There is a deep cluster of lies that support an artificial self. Just receive whatever arises without comment. Whatever occurs needs to be seen. You can’t see all of it, but you can see the leading edge - you have to see it yourself.

https://youtu.be/_ROrpU1jeEo

We’re always looking for causation. The ego wants to know why. Stop asking why questions. A “what” question stops at whatever it is you’re questioning. This is done with your awareness.

https://youtu.be/BjucTupxJLs

There are many examples of skillful disruption in our lineage. Sometimes the disconnect can be so strong that the gap between concepts and seeing can’t be bridged through intellect. The disruption that the teacher causes to our conditioned experience with an erratic word or function is meant to bridge that gap.

https://youtu.be/rGeoy72_YVY

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