Archived Posts
Shouldering Hay – April 12, 2012 Meditation
Shouldering Hay “It is not difficult to shoulder a load of hay and stay unburned in the fire at the end of the kalpa of destruction.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XI) Can you imagine actually doing this? This has always stuck with me, the image of carrying a load of hay on my shoulder through a…
Doubts – May 31, 2012 Meditation
Doubts I think it is natural for us to have doubts. We as humans have probably an unlimited potential for doubting, and it seems sometimes a rather limited potential for certainty. Perhaps this is because so much of our lives are unpredictable, every day is like a journey into the unknown and seemingly unknowable. When…
Five Implements of Skillful Means for Entry to the Dharma
Zeal, Vigor, Mindfulness, Discernment, Single-Mindedness These Five Implements were presented by Chih-i in his “Essentials for Practicing Calming and Insight and Dhyana Meditation” Zeal – First a person much possess the desire, the willingness to change something. Without this aspiring to change there is no initial cause for implementation. Vigor – Next a person must approach the task with effort, and a willingness to accomplish the task without letting up. Not being afraid to challenge…