Zencare Podcast Not Enough: The Practice of Surrendering the Self | Chodo Robert Campbell
Jan 27, 2026
A talk about bowing as a practice of surrendering the constructed self and letting go of egoic resistance. Stories include struggles with body image, addiction recovery, and adapting to physical limits in practice. A koan about Gray Wolf and Zen Master Raven reframes humiliation as dissolving self. Reflections on breath, impermanence, and releasing expectations of dramatic awakenings.
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Sesshin Is Rigorous Practice Not A Retreat Spa
- Sesshin (silent retreat) is rigorous practice, not a spa weekend, and resurfaces desires to run and judge.
- Robert Campbell emphasizes staying present each moment and resisting the urge to mentally leave early, illustrating common retreat challenges.
Chodo's Journey With Body Image And Prostration
- Chodo shares his history with addiction and body dysmorphia and how practice helped him relate to his body.
- He describes losing the ability to prostrate fully, feeling initial humiliation, and learning to bow as deeply as he can.
Bowing As Letting Go Of The Constructed Self
- Bowing in Zen signals letting go of the constructed self rather than submission to authority.
- Using the koan of Gray Wolf and Zen Master Raven, Campbell shows humiliation indicates a solid ego still present.
