In this Dharma talk, Sensei Sōen Michael Brunner takes us deep into the Platform Sūtra and the legendary verse contest between Jinshū and Daikan Enō. Through vivid storytelling and lived insight, Sensei explores how the desire to “polish the mirror” of the self can subtly undermine our realization of Buddha Nature.

The talk is both grounded and profound, moving from a humorous account of a temple bat rescue to the core question that still echoes through Zen halls today:
“Where did you get this dust?”

The story of Daikan Enō and the Sixth Ancestor transmission

Jinshū’s verse and the trap of self-perfection

Why true Zen practice dissolves form, hierarchy, and ambition

The nature of awakening as already complete

Practice as everyday life: pounding rice, catching bats, being present

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