#Dharmatalk

[onemindzen]

~The Great Way is not difficult for those not attached to preferences~

Xinxin Ming, 3rd Zen Patriarch Sengcan

One of the great opening sentences of all time, better than “Call me Ahab,” better than “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Certainly that one.

For the last six weeks, the One Mind Zen Sangha have been sharing our favorite/go-to Sutras and other teachings. This one ranks among the best for me.

We tell a story about something to ourselves, and we believe them. Likes & dislikes are mental formations determining goodness or badness. They’re the manifestation of ignoring impermanence and non-self. Its denying emptiness. Attachment to them is the trigger that leads to our dis-ease, our dukkha, our suffering.

We’ve seen the statues our the Buddha looking peaceful, even having the hint of a smile. We’ve seen the equanimity. That equanimity is the lack of attachment to preferences.

~When not attached to love or hate, all is clear and undisguised.~

When we go to the extremes of love and hate, we’re also missing the Middle Path. When our “love” is clingy, needy, and possessive, it is not the love of the buddhas. Hate is just another emotional form of anger. It’s an oversimplified “I’m right, you’re wrong!” It’s the expression of the separation of self/other, denying the buddhas teaching of non-self and emptiness, where the story is that the separation is real and permanent.

~As long as you remain attached to one extreme or another you will never know oneness.~

Tenaciously grasping for what we determine to be the self or the other gives rise to the environment that creates our sense of separation. The duality of our preferences separates of from reality. And what is our practice if not the direct experience of reality?

For me, Sengcan could have ended the Xinxin Ming with the first sentence. It is only his compassion to go further for the benefit of all beings who need more meat to chew on.

~Words! Words!
The Way is beyond language, for in it there is no yesterday,

no tomorrow

no today.~

Myeong Jin Eunsahn gave the Dharma talk October 9, 2024.

[legendarytigertriumph]

(Kali Franciska Von Koch)

Inom meditationen är och förblir vi nybörjare, det ligger i sakens natur. Därför att vi utgår ifrån nuet, det som finns här och nu. Vi uppmärksammar andningen i nuet och vi börjar om i nuet när vi förlorar vår närvaro och uppmärksamhet. Här är ett så kallat dharmatal fårn en endagsretreat jag höll hösten 2023. Kanske kan det vara till glädje för någon. Inspelat på IphoneSE med extern mikrofon. Trevlig trettonhelg! Värme Franciska (Kali)

[acaringcounselor]

Join us for ‘Awaken In Nature’ Retreat Start 2023 with a GIFT to yourself! A daylong retreat to support your contemplative insight, pause your digital devices and reconnect in Nature. Jan 22nd, 2023, 8am-4pm in the beautiful, peaceful Patch of Heaven Sanctuary in Homestead, Florida. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/awaken-in-nature-retreat-tickets-492649025497 #retreatinnature #mindfulness #soundhealing #dharmatalk #meditation #walkingmeditation #contemplation #natureishealing (at West Broward Insight Meditation Community) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm5Tr4MLtOD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[nowarinfo]

DharmaTalk 06 "Die Kunst des Atmns"

[ifilmyoga]

#Repost @miamilifecenter ॐ🎬💕 ・・・ Practice with @kinoyoga 💗 Dharma Talk, guided meditation & Yoga Class all in one! This Thursday February 28 at 4pm sign up now! On MiamiLifeCenter.com #yoga #yogamiami #yogatalk #dharmatalk #meditation #guidedmeditation #yogaforeveryone #downwardfacingdog #chatandchai #chatandchaiyogatalksfrommlc #chatandchaipodcast #podcast #yogapodcast (at Miami Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuVzFoNB33n/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=udgwrn5zkzni

[thelightclinic]

The Monks will be here in 2 days!!! Join us for their Frankfort kick-off Sunday for Tibetan Yoga at My Old Kentucky Om at 11:15a and a Dharma Talk at 1p at TLC. Sand mandala and much more starting Monday! Come! #thelightclinic #myoldkentuckyom #yoga #tibetanyoga #dharmatalk #tibetanmonks #tibetanbuddhism #tashikyil #buddhistmonks (at Frankfort, Kentucky) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtolvY4gyN6/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1486orgm4qt2

[mantrapiece]

Pure crystal Buddha pendant and beaded necklace with Chinese sliding knot. @mantrapiece . #mantrapiece #hindudharma #dharmayogi #medicineart #dharmadaiva #buddhadharma #waterismedicine #buddhatattoo #buddhapaintings #buddhalife #medicinestudent #medicineman #buddha #dharmatalk #buddhatobuddha #medicinewheel #naturesmedicine #dharmaproductions #medicineballs #sportsmedicine #dharmashala #bodhisattva #dharmaandgreg #dharmann #dharmajanbolgatty #buddhabowl #dharmapuri #buddhajewelryorganics #veterinarymedicine #buddhapants (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/mantrapiece/p/CY6whJjsB4c/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thecrusher007]

I had the honor and the pleasure of sitting down for a chat with Professor Bob Thurman and discussing many matters that are close to the heart. It was a lot of fun! Tine in tonight and enjoy! 🙏🏽 Link in bio https://youtu.be/vxp35Vu6ziw @bob__thurman #buddhism #tibetanbuddhism #dharma #dharmatalk #dharmaandthearts #paldenlhamo (at Stockholm, Sweden) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ1J9pRsnRG/?igshid=zty2jlwpxgyj

[onemindzen]

In the days of the original Sangha, it was thought that only a monk of the Sangha could become an Arhant—someone who sees the True Nature of existence. If you were a woman, the best you could hope for is a fortunate rebirth, possibly as fortunate as to be reborn as a monk. Fortunately the teachings have evolved since then, and due to all of us intrinsically having Buddha Nature, gender, lay or ordained status, occupation, none of that matters. We just need to realize our True Buddha Nature to actualize our inherent buddhahood. Some may still contend that it’s a lot easier to pull that off in a monastic environment, without all the distractions of modern life in the “real world.” That may be a romanticized view of life in a Zen center or temple; modern life doesn’t stop at the front door, it might just wear robes.

Dahui Zonggao, Chan Master from the 11th Century CE, lived as a monastic, but his Dharma teaching wasn’t limited only to monks. The writings we have of his (as compiled in “Swampland Flowers”) are largely correspondence he had with lay practitioners. He understood what it took to realize one’s Buddha Nature, and he also understood that there were those who were no less dedicated to the Dharma, but circumstances dictated that “leaving home” was no more an option for them than it was for Layman Pang or Vimalakirti. Being a lay practitioner does not relegate us to second-class status or being unable to awaken in this very lifetime. 

Bodhidharma said that the “Great Way is beyond words and letters.” But to function in life, there are many words-everything from Sutras to recipes—that we need to use. While knowledge does not equate to wisdom, and you can’t intellectualize yourself into awakening, knowledge and intellect do not have to be a hindrance. 

As Dahui said, “At the very moment one speaks of knowledge, knowledge itself is mind, and this very mind itself is knowledge….People with great wisdom have all taken knowledge as their companion, considered knowledge an expedient means, practiced the compassion of equanimity in knowledge, and done all the business of buddhas in knowledge, like dragons reaching the water, like tigers taking to the mountains—they never considered this knowledge an affliction, because they thoroughly understood the origin of knowledge.” 

Knowledge is nothing more than a collection of facts. In and of themselves, these facts aren’t good or bad. When our knowledge gets us in trouble is when we use it to escape from this moment, right hereandnow, and let the concepts that knowledge can bring become a hindrance. Right now, you are reading this piece. When reading, just read. When watching the video, watch the video. There may be some combination of words, ideas, and facts contained in them that will be of benefit to you and help you realize your True Buddha Nature. And more importantly they may help you point the way so that all beings can realize their True Nature as well. There is no reason to “escape the real world” in order to facilitate our following the Great Way. It’s all the real world.

Myeong Jin Eunsahn gave the Dharma talk April 10, 2024.

[villagewellness]

Enjoy this very special evening with Anish Balakrishnan, a devotee of Indian mysticism, Amy Isakov, Shamanic Teacher and Lance Isakov, Five Element Acupuncturist, yoga & meditation teacher. We will gather, meditate together, sip tea and open up a potent space for inquiry and investigation into all aspects of being and becoming. No experience is needed, all are encouraged to attend and participate in bringing your own insight and spiritual tradition. Simply come with a curious mind! This month's theme: Gratitude ' Cost: Free - Donations are welcome Please register below as space is limited: ❤️❤️ Event link in bio 💫 villagewellness.net 🌈 #Ittakesavillage #acupuncturelove #villagewellness #dharmatalk #gratitude #thanks #givingthanks #thanksgiving #sacredreciprocity #stessrelief #feelbetter #womenshealth #phillyacupuncture #bewellphilly #mainlinewellness #mainlineacupuncture #mainlineparent #mainlinepa #bestofthemainline #berwynpa #waynepa #devonpa #brynmawrpa #radnorpa #phoenixville #kimbertonpa #malvernpa (at Berwyn, Pennsylvania) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-nCNxDB4b/?igshid=rz8iy4ux78tn

[acaringcounselor]

Yes, this is the practice. So inclined towards piece compassion kindness another break qualities of the heart and mind. And an important part of this is to practice in community. There are many free resources out there on the Internet. You can also visit us at WB Mindfulness.com to learn more about our group and practice. #Mindfulness #SpiritualCommunity #DharmaTalk #Meditation #LovingKindness #Mindfulinquiry #CoralSprings #MedspaSuitesCoralSprings #WBMindfulness #SeatedMeditation #WalkingMeditation #LovingKindnessMeditation https://www.instagram.com/p/BuwBlCqHPNi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12eefhnmye7p

[dharmatalks]

What is accomplished is more important than what is said. Truly understand what is said and written, then put them to practice. 🙏💗 ‪#DharmaTalks ‬ * * #Contemplation #contemplative #contemplativelife #reflections #innerguidance #authenticself #wisdom #love #truth https://www.instagram.com/p/B6p5vcyHqwv/?igshid=k8e6o5m30cwh

[zenmister]

The first of 4 great meditation lessons from Chan Master Guo Gu and Ticiycle.org

[thelightclinic]

Come to TLC today to see the Monks! From 10:30-Noon and 2:30-4p, Jinpa and Lobsang will be teaching meditation, dharma and chanting. COME!!! All welcome!!!! This is the last chance before they head back to India for a few years to be in presence of their amazing kindness, peace, laughter and knowledge. A true gift. We hope to see you for one or both sessions today.✨✨ Suggested $30 donation for one session or $50 for both. Or pay whatever donation you can afford. All donations are going to Jinpa to help pay his final medical bill after falling off a horse then being fallen on by that same horse in April. Whew! #thelightclinic #buddhistmeditation #tashikyil #meditation #chanting #dharma #dharmatalk #tibetanmonks (at The Light Clinic, Inc. ~ Classical Chinese Medicine) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx7OEkUgi9g/?igshid=js427f19y6q2

[medanreview]

Sotthi hotu, Namo Buddhaya teman teman seDharma.. 🙏🙏 Dalam rangka menyambut Tahun Baru 2018 maka KMB Mikroskil akan mengadakan Dharmatalk untuk memulai Tahun Baru dengan mendengarkan Dharma Dharmatalk kali ini akan dibawakan oleh YM. Bhiksu Nyanapada Sthavira dengan Pemoderator Upi.Dharmawati Chang.,SS , C.HT Dharmatalk kali ini berjudul "NEVER OUT FROM DHARMA" Di Dharmatalk ini akan banyak pembahasan-pembahasan menarik mengenai pentingnya memiliki fondasi dan pedoman yang kuat sebagai umat Buddhis terutama kaum muda.. Tanggal / waktunya kapan...??? Terus kita hadirnya dimana nihh 😏😏😏 Hehehehe Nih di catat ya 😄😄 Hari/Tanggal : Minggu/07 Januari 2018 Tempat : Hall lt.5 Kampus C Mikroskil, Jl.Thamrin No.112 Waktu : Pukul 13.00 - Selesai Acaranya bayar ??? Ga dong acaranya ini GRATIS DAN TERBUKA UNTUK UMUM 😆😆 Jadi tunggu apalagi pastikan kalian hadir ya !! untuk info hub : Peter - 08216676025 Wilsen - 082276669706 Ivander - 081361670968 Kita tunggu kamu di Dharmatalk NEVER OUT FROM DHARMA Terima kasih 😊😊 Maitricittena KMB Mikroskil #Dharmatalk #Mikroskil #Event #medanreview #medan #indonesia #myxlsumatera #jaringanxtra