Zen Community of Oregon Dharma Talks The Foundation of Sesshin - Hogen Roshi
Mar 29, 2025
Hogen Roshi, a prominent teacher at Great Vow Zen Monastery, dives deep into the essence of Sesshin. He emphasizes the sacredness of direct awareness and its role in Zazen meditation, comparing it to appreciating music without distractions. The discussion touches on the Platform Sutra's profound teachings, exploring non-duality and the historical evolution of Buddhism. Hogen elucidates Bodhidharma's insights on presence, humility, and the journey towards enlightenment, underscoring that true peace comes from letting go of arrogance and embracing our shared realities.
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Bodhidharma and Emperor Wu
- Bodhidharma told Emperor Wu that all his religious deeds yield no merit or benefit.
- Instead, he said what one truly gets is this very moment of alive, awake life right here.
Wei Kuo's Encounter With Bodhidharma
- Wei Kuo sought Bodhidharma but was ignored until snow fell on him standing outside a cave.
- After Wei Kuo offered to let go of his arrogance, Bodhidharma engaged and taught him about the mind’s restlessness.
Realization Beyond the Body
- True realization transcends physical illness; the mind can be at peace regardless of body suffering.
- This teaches that our identity is more than the body we inhabit, which is always changing.
