Understanding shikantaza

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  • Stephen E. Kauffman
    Member
    • Jun 2023
    • 19

    Understanding shikantaza


    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
    Last edited by Stephen E. Kauffman; 07-09-2024, 12:46 PM.
  • Stephen E. Kauffman
    Member
    • Jun 2023
    • 19

    #2
    Gassho,
    Stephen

    Sat/Lah

    Comment

    • Jundo
      Treeleaf Founder and Priest
      • Apr 2006
      • 40288

      #3
      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 ....
      Dear All. I am writing a longer chapter for a book that points up some aspects of sitting Shikantaza that seem to be often missing, misunderstood or understated in many explanations I've read and heard regarding "how to" Shikanataza. In my belief, neglecting these points robs Shikantaza of its power, like fire


      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
      ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

      Comment

      • Stephen E. Kauffman
        Member
        • Jun 2023
        • 19

        #4
        Jundo,

        Appreciated!
        Gassho,
        Stephen


        sat/lah

        Comment

        • Tai Shi
          Member
          • Oct 2014
          • 3414

          #5
          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
          Last edited by Tai Shi; 07-27-2024, 05:34 PM.
          Peaceful, Tai Shi. Ubasoku; calm, supportive, for positive poetry 優婆塞 台 婆

          Comment

          • Onkai
            Treeleaf Unsui
            • Aug 2015
            • 3014

            #6
            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
            美道 Bidou Beautiful Way
            恩海 Onkai Merciful/Kind Ocean

            I have a lot to learn; take anything I say that sounds like teaching with a grain of salt.

            Comment

            • Jundo
              Treeleaf Founder and Priest
              • Apr 2006
              • 40288

              #7
              Originally posted by Tai Shi
              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
              ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

              Comment

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