The Zen Mountain Monastery Podcast

Song of Zazen

01.29.2023 - By Zen Mountain MonasteryPlay

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Bear Gokan Bonebakker, Senior Monastic and Dharma Holder - Zen Mountain Monastery, New York, Sunday 01/29/2023 - From Zen Master Hakuin: "Song of Zazen" - At the conclusion to our New Year’s sesshin, Mn. Gokan explores “Song of Zazen,” an 18th century poem by Master Hakuin Ekaku. This text has served as an inspirational touchstone for generations of practitioners and is even chanted at some Zen temples as part of their daily liturgy. “The gateway to freedom,” Hakuin promises, “is zazen samadhi.” Gokan encourages us to develop "enthusiasm for meeting the rigors of practice" with a “joyful effort.” He summarizes that effort—and Hakuin’s intent—with the following prescription: "Don't grasp, don't crave, don't push away, relax the mind, stop fighting with yourself; be gentle."

More episodes from The Zen Mountain Monastery Podcast