The Zen Studies Podcast 324 - Yunmen's "Every Day Is a Good Day"
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Feb 13, 2026 A close reading of Yunmen's koan about "every day is a good day," unpacking symbolisms like the 15th-day moon. Short reflections on before/after narratives and whether enlightenment changes daily satisfaction. Discussions on the psychology of goal pleasure, genetic affective styles, and how zazen reveals ease in the present. Ends with the idea of loving each day beyond mood or achievement.
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Before And After Aren't The Point
- Yunmen's reference to the 15th day points to a pivotal moment separating before and after in spiritual life.
- The koan asks not about past transformation but about the nature of life after that pivotal event.
The Journey Often Trumps The Destination
- Human beings get more pleasure from pursuing goals than from attaining them, so 'after' often disappoints.
- Yunmen may be probing what life tastes like once the expected relief of attainment arrives.
Use Zazen To End The 'After' Habit
- Practice zazen to settle into the present and remove the habit of always waiting for 'after'.
- Let surrendering ambition reveal the satisfaction you've been seeking all along.
