Zazen for Beginners Series: THREAD for QUESTIONS, COMMENTS

[Jundo]

Looking forward!

Gassho, Hōzan
Satlah

I meant that I am planning a dance with "Blue Cliff Record" this time, not Book of Serenity ...

Gassho, J

stlah

[nima]

Hi Nima,

In Soto Zen, Koans are typically used more as teaching stories, not as some phrase to ponder during Zazen, and not as some curriculum to be moved through with mysterious answers expected like a test to be passed.

If you would like examples, please look at some past reflections on the Koans of the Book of Serenity. For example, here is one such Koan ...



And here are some reflections: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...NIMITY-Case-94

I am preparing now to soon begin a new, similar dance with the Koans of the Book of Serenity.

Gassho, Jundo

stlah

Many Thanks dear Jundo. Most of the Koans are two times harder for me (because of my almost poor English)

Gassho,
Nima

Sat/Lah

[Houzan]

I am preparing now to soon begin a new, similar dance with the Koans of the Book of Serenity.

Looking forward!

Gassho, Hōzan
Satlah

[Jundo]

Many thanks or the clear videos for beginners. In many Zen schools Koans are also used for students. Does this method use in Treeleaf too? may be for non-beginners?

Gassho,
Nima

Sat/Lah

Hi Nima,

In Soto Zen, Koans are typically used more as teaching stories, not as some phrase to ponder during Zazen, and not as some curriculum to be moved through with mysterious answers expected like a test to be passed.

If you would like examples, please look at some past reflections on the Koans of the Book of Serenity. For example, here is one such Koan ...

Case 94: Tozan Unwell

Tozan was unwell. A monk asked,
"Your Reverence is unwell. Is there anyone who does not become ill?"
Tozan said,
"There is."
The monk said,
"Does the one who does not get ill take care of Your Reverence?"
Tozan said,
"The old monk is properly taking care of that one."
The monk said,
"How about when your Reverence takes care of that one?"
Tozan said,
"Then the old monk does not see that there is illness."

And here are some reflections: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...NIMITY-Case-94

I am preparing now to soon begin a new, similar dance with the Koans of the Book of Serenity.

Gassho, Jundo

stlah

[nima]

Many thanks or the clear videos for beginners. In many Zen schools Koans are also used for students. Does this method use in Treeleaf too? may be for non-beginners?

Gassho,
Nima

Sat/Lah

[Shigeru]

My deepest gratitude to Jundo for these talks. I keep returning to the symbolism of the hand of thought whenever I find myself caught up in grasping too much at the clouds of my mind, both on and off the cushion. Powerful meaning in simple packaging

Gassho
Will
SatLah

[nima]

Dear Jundo and Bion,

Thanks so much. I will continue.

Gassho,
Nima

Sat Today

[Jundo]

Hello everyone, Today is my first day of sitting in Treeleaf Sangha. I have a problem. I breathe naturally with my mouth (because of the problem in the nose from childhood). Of course I can push myself to breathe with nose; but it is not my natural way. May I continue breathing with mouth?

Gassho,
Nima

Sat Today

I'm a mouth breather too! Terrible allergies and asthma that sometimes sneaks up.

Just relax, breathe at a natural, comfortable way for you, nice from deep in the diaphragm without forcing. Nose or mouth really is a minor thing.

Gassho, Jundo

stlah

[Bion]

Hello everyone, Today is my first day of sitting in Treeleaf Sangha. I have a problem. I breathe naturally with my mouth (because of the problem in the nose from childhood). Of course I can push myself to breathe with nose; but it is not my natural way. May I continue breathing with mouth?

Gassho,
Nima

Sat Today

I had a cold twice this year and my nose was stuffed to the point I couldn’t breathe, so I had to breathe through my mouth during zazen. I keep tongue pressed gently to the back of the upper teeth and mouth slightly open, aiming for natural breathing. I guess if breathing through the nose is impossible, I would consider mouth slightly open a necessity. This is just my opinion though, and take it as such, but I am sure Jundō will give you a more appropriate response.

Gassho
Sat and lah

[nima]

Hello everyone, Today is my first day of sitting in Treeleaf Sangha. I have a problem. I breathe naturally with my mouth (because of the problem in the nose from childhood). Of course I can push myself to breathe with nose; but it is not my natural way. May I continue breathing with mouth?

Gassho,
Nima

Sat Today

[Aldora74]

Beginner talk #3 on sitting posture, etc., was well done, Jundo. I’ve been sitting for years but keeping open to beginner’s mind and just listening seems to always result in learning something new or remembering something that was forgotten or previously disregarded. Grateful for your talk and for Treeleaf Zendo!

Gassho,
Rory

sat today

[Shinkon]

Started watching the introductory videos, I find it always good to review the basics. Shikantaza drives my practice and keeps me centered. Even with all my years of practice, I find that I still allow the thought hammer to strike, not as often as when I first started. Every once in awhile, I allow myself to follow a thought. Then, BANG - Ow!
Also, I do three priming breaths at the beginning of my zazen. It allows my breath to settle gradually into the hara. I was first introduced to that technique by Sojun Mel Weitsman, and happy to be reminded by Jundo.
Gassho,
Joe

[Jundo]

Thank you Jundo, for the help. Gassho.

It is good news. He has been in physical pain for a very long time.

Gassho, J

stlah

[Steve Rossiter]

Thank you Jundo, for the help. Gassho.

[Steve Rossiter]

Micheal, thank you. This was very helpful. Gassho.