Absolutely beautifully expresssed, Kojiki.
Many thanks and deep bows
Many thanks and deep bows
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Yes. That's the best have seen it said. Finding to resent the path "my" heart and kidneys have taken is ... dualistic ...
sat, some lah around here somewhere, sho
Visiting priest: use saltComment
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Simply beautiful!
Gassho, Kiri
Sat/Lah希 rare
理 principle
(Nikolas)Comment
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Kojitsu!
Although I cannot relate to your conditions, my MS, severe sciatica, spinal stenosis and arthritis cause pain and suffering that is also part of my life's practice. Lately, I seemed to have drowned in the fatigue and pain from my move. Although I have an excellent support network at Treeleaf and with friends, my morale. suffered. Sometimes, I began to think that my daily zazen became an act of avoidance. This is my practice that tends a garden.
I wish you and your loved well! Your practice is definitely a beacon.
Gassho,
Shinkon
satlahComment
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Dear Kojitsu,
I was deeply inspired by your article. Especially your assertion that zazen offers intimacy, not a solution. With this insight, I sat in zazen today with a new understanding. I did not fight the OCD that had haunted me for 21 years, but welcomed it wholeheartedly. Thank you so much for teaching me this.
Gassho
Fâtih
Sat/lahComment
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Kojitsu!
Although I cannot relate to your conditions, my MS, severe sciatica, spinal stenosis and arthritis cause pain and suffering that is also part of my life's practice. Lately, I seemed to have drowned in the fatigue and pain from my move. Although I have an excellent support network at Treeleaf and with friends, my morale. suffered. Sometimes, I began to think that my daily zazen became an act of avoidance. This is my practice that tends a garden.
I wish you and your loved well! Your practice is definitely a beacon.
Gassho,
Shinkon
satlah Wow, thank you for your thoughtful replay. If the story of my challenges help others in anyway, they were never challenges, just opportunities to share our practices
st/lah
kojitsuComment
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Dear Kojitsu,
I was deeply inspired by your article. Especially your assertion that zazen offers intimacy, not a solution. With this insight, I sat in zazen today with a new understanding. I did not fight the OCD that had haunted me for 21 years, but welcomed it wholeheartedly. Thank you so much for teaching me this.
Gassho
Fâtih
Sat/lah
thank you so much for sharing that Fâtih, that’s really makes me so happy that my minor contribution could help you, I’m honored by your words.
St/lah
kojitsuComment
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Koji,
Thank you for this post. Very well written and insightful. There are many challenges in dealing with chronic and acute illness and your perspective on practicing in these circumstances sets a great example. Although I may feel like I'm dying when my symptoms are bad, I am likely not going to in that moment. The existential threat that you are normally under, and especially these past few months, adds a whole other element to your practice that is so valuable (although I would very much prefer that you not have to learn that). For me, it's still challenging to not think that things should be otherwise and to think about what I have missed out on over the past 8 years. But that is the second arrow and part of my practice is on not getting hit by it. As much as I wouldn't wish chronic illness on myself or anyone else it sure can provide a learning opportunity. You have clearly learned a lot.
Gassho,
KorikiComment
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Thank you so much for that, you are someone that checks in on me to make sure I’m doing well, and provides me with advice just when I needed to hear it.
That is one aspect I should have written about as well, what to do if you’re the one that’s not experiencing these difficulties, but have people you know that are? It’s simple, call them, visit them, just listen to them. Some people have said things like “well, I didn’t want to bother you” or “I was planning to call you when you were better.” Well, as a sick person I have to ask, if not now, then when? If the answer is that you are uncomfortable around people that are suffering, how are you going to feel when it’s your turn to be in the bed,? Your only company is old TV reruns? I’m not trying to wag my finger at anyone, but making a call or texting someone only costs you a couple of minutes in your day, knowing there are people that care enough to spend those minutes with you instead, means the world.
st/lah
kojitsu
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Kojitsu,
Reading this post has shed more light on the concept of practice than I have found through all my study so far. I really don't think I'll sit the same way again - thank you deeply.
-Ben
SatToday
LAHComment
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Thank you for reading it and your kind words, it means a lot.
st/lah
gassho
kojitsu
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