Understanding shikantaza

[Stephen E. Kauffman]

Both on and off the meditation seat I am increasingly seeing each moment as “independent” from moments before and after. Each moment is complete unto itself without reference to past or future. Further, while sitting, the sounds and sensations around me sort of rise from and then disappear into the silence below it. Watching the silence, he silence below seems vast, deep and quiet. My ego (thoughts, “me” etc) are still there, however - also kind of floating thru the silence. It all feels “real” but the fact my ego is still there makes me question what I am feeling. I am not asking for “validation” but, well, is this a small genuine outcome of shikantaza?

Gassho,
Stephen
sat/lah

[Stephen E. Kauffman]

Gassho,
Stephen

Sat/Lah

[Jundo]

Here is the best description, in my understanding, of Shikantaza that I was able ever to cook up ...

WHAT's OFTEN MISSING in SHIKANTAZA EXPLANATIONS ....

https://forum.treeleaf.org/forum/teacher-talks-tips/teacher-talks-tips-aa/vital-points-of-shikantaza-zazen/9866-what-s-often-missing-in-shikantaza-explanations

Read that and let me know if something resonates.

As to what you wrote: Just Sit, letting this moment be perfectly this moment, the past just the past, tomorrow just tomorrow. Each is complete unto itself. Also, each is each other (yesterday is tomorrow back then, tomorrow is today tomorrow), and the whole thing is just what it is, whole and complete. Each and all is/are just what is.

Silence is just what it is, annoying noise is just what it is. Ego is just what it is, the absence of ego is just what it is. My neighbor's very annoying lawn mower is just what it is. Buzzing barn swallows in the Zendo are just what it. My itchy haemorrhoids is just what is.

Do not expect your ego to completely disappear (although it might sometimes.) It too is just what is.

In other words, sit radically without resistance to just what is.

Gassho, J
stlah

[Stephen E. Kauffman]

Jundo,

Appreciated!
Gassho,
Stephen


sat/lah

[Tai Shi]

When I was trained by Onkai, what I have as part of a great honor, is exactly as I was taught by for example Opening like good morning, good afernoon, good evening", As taught "This session is dedicated to{ ...}Robe Verse, sit 30 minutes. "have a good day"" " or "dedication," bell three times, Zazen, sit 30 minutes"All are sitting for 30 minutes, "Thank you for with me; have a good day." Are you telling me not to do as others do, and as I was taught? Should I be entirely quiet? for example,r" bow, ring bell three times, bow, sit 30 ring bell once, bow, exit. (?)," Gassho-- Tai Shi! As is common practice with Shokai, "Conversation and greetings with members with bows, bell three times, bow, sit 30 minutes, bell twice, bow, "Have a good day!. bow, have wave, exit," Which is as you are telling all are wrong except this?," bow to each, bell three times, bow, sit 30 minutes, ring once bow, 'exit.' "? Which usu


o

[Onkai]

Tai Shi, take anything I say with a grain of salt. I'm a priest in training and have a lot to learn. I'm glad you are bringing up this question for clarification. I only hope nothing I say becomes an obstacle to anyone's practice.

Gassho Onkai
Sat lah

[Jundo]

When I was trained by Onkai, what I have utererd as part of a great honor, is exactly as I was taught by Onkai for example Opening like Wasdshin good morning, good afernoon, good evening", As Onkai taught "This session is dedicated to{ ...}Robe Verse, sit 30 minutes. "have a good day"" " or "dedication," bell three times, Zazen, sit 30 minutes"All are sitting for 30 minutes, "Thank you for sittting with me; have a good day." Are you telling me not to do as others do, and as I was taught? Should I be entirely quiet? for example,r" bow, ring bell three times, bow, sit 30 ring bell once, bow, exit. (?)," Gassho-- Tai Shi! As is common practice with Shokai, "Conversation and greetings with members with bows, bell three times, bow, sit 30 minutes, bell twice, bow, "Have a good day!. bow, have wave, exit," Which is corrct as you are telling all are wrong except this?," bow to each, bell three times, bow, sit 30 minutes, ring once bow, 'exit.' "? Which is correct?
Gassho

You know TS, our good Ubasoku senior member, we trust you here. All and any of that sounds good, and you follow your heart there. Any of those patterns of ritual are good, so settle on the one that feels appropriate to you, TS.

Gassho, Jundo
stlah