In yesterday's post, See, I discussed the phrases "Nothing exists" versus "No thing exists". Let's recap that discussion from another point of view because this is a fundamental Buddhist/Zen topic. Think of having heard a Buddhist priest saying, "Everything is an illusion. Nothing exists." Does the priest mean there are no stars, no Earth, no chair I'm sitting in … Continue reading No Thing Exists
Category: Zen
Three Zen Stories
As with all old stories, Zen stories have spawned very many variations. I’ve chosen to take many liberties, recounting the stories in less “dated” (i.e.. “… a samurai entered a tea house …”) fashion. These three Zen stories are the foundation of Fishnu's teaching. They are extremely powerful, and at first sound simply like "Ah, … Continue reading Three Zen Stories
What are Enemies?
I once asked the Etnernal Fishnu, "Do you have any enemies?" EF: By your definition, yes, I do. But 'enemy' is a concept with meaning only in your fragmented view of the Universe. Me: Oooo, Oooo, Is he Lucifer, Satan ... Beezlebub?! No! Mara! EF: I know him as Master Pi Lau. Me: 'Pie-Lau'? Is … Continue reading What are Enemies?
Which Way Do We Go?
On our last hike at Redfish Lake last week, The Eternal Fishnu swam onto this trail sign (he swims through air, space, things …) and said: "There is really an arrow pointing in EVERY direction, including upwards, downwards, and even through more dimensions. But for your flesh and blood vehicle, not all directions are available. … Continue reading Which Way Do We Go?
How Many More Springs Would You Like?
As I did some yard work earlier this Spring, I happened upon my friend, the Eternal Fishnu. He thanked me for planting these tulips for him to sit under. I mentioned how fleeting it is, in fact how fleeting life is. Oh oh, I should have just shut up, because here goes Fishnu: "Are the … Continue reading How Many More Springs Would You Like?
The Empty Cup Trail
I had not seen either Rubber Ducky Buddha of Joliet or Fishnu since after Bodhi Day in December 2017. On that Bodhi Day I was ordained a Zen priest by Rubber Ducky and given the name, Dukkha Hanamoku. It was my understanding that I would never see them again in this life. So I was … Continue reading The Empty Cup Trail
The Beginner’s Mind – Listen
There are three modes for using our brain: 1. Learning - The ability to assimilate knowledge and obtain skills. 2. Thinking - The ability to use learned knowledge to design strategies or optimize a skill. 3. Doing - Executing a strategy or skill. All of us excel at those three brain modes to different degrees. I … Continue reading The Beginner’s Mind – Listen
The Path
Rubber Ducky Buddha of Joliet is in samadhi, which has been the case as we approach Bodhi Day two weeks from today. So he wanted me to share the story of what he said as we looked at the petroglyph during this past sabbatical. I pointed to the spiral and self-deprecatingly joked that it looks … Continue reading The Path
Bright Dot in the Sky
One morning during the Fall 2017, as Rubber Ducky Buddha of Joliet and I watched Venus rise (for the last time on this sabbatical), he asked, "What are we seeing?" The first thing that came to my mind is a bright dot in the sky. "Is that what it is?", Rubber Ducky asked. What didn't … Continue reading Bright Dot in the Sky
Tori and Uke
Sigh ... Rubber Ducky Buddha of Joliet, has something else he wishes me to convey. I did warn him that everyone will be tired of him if we don't pace the messages. He said he is honored that someone who speaks for everyone else and is in charge of what tomorrow will be is in … Continue reading Tori and Uke
Fishnu 