Zencare Podcast From Demons to Dharma: Transforming Our Difficulties | Koshin Paley Ellison
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Dec 3, 2025 A contemplative tour of Fudo Myo-o’s fierce, hara-centered presence and how that image shapes spiritual leadership. Reflections on binding fears, demons, and control to the path using sword and rope imagery. A retelling of the burning house parable and how difficulties can be turned into protectors and gates to practice.
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Abbots Hold The Stone Mountain Seat
- Koshin Paley Ellison describes meeting many abbots and learning about the abbot's mountain seat ceremony as a holder of the stone mountain role.
- He recounts the historical continuity from Dogen's model to modern Zen organizations and the symbolic importance of someone holding that seat.
Fudo Represents Immoveable Present Practice
- Fudo Myo-o embodies immovable wisdom: fierce, exposed, standing on stone amid flames that burn away what is unnecessary.
- Koshin links Fudo's hara energy and uncompromising presence to functioning in the present rather than clinging to past practice stories.
Bind Difficult Feelings To The Path
- Bind difficult feelings and fears to the Dharma so they become part of the path instead of obstacles.
- Use the image of Fudo's rope and sword to actively fold anxiety about the future into practice as fuel for transformation.
