Category Archives: Buddhism

The ease of meditation

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

Just rest in the Self-Enjoyment Samadhi of all the Buddhas, wandering playfully in the four practices of peace and bliss of those open to Openness. This is the profound and inconceivable practice of Buddhas and Awakened Ancestors. From “Zazen Yojinki: … Continue reading →

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Posted on July 20, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

Zazen is not based upon teaching, practice, or realization; instead these three aspects are all contained within it. Measuring realization is based upon some notion of enlightenment—this is not the essence of zazen. Practice is based upon strenuous application—this is … Continue reading →

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Go into the mountains

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

Go and stay in a monastery where there is a true teacher. Go deep into the mountains and valleys. Practice kinhin by clear waters and verdant mountains. Clear the mind by a stream or under a tree. Observe impermanence without … Continue reading →

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On Zen Meditation

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

If you want to cease your confusion, you must cease your involvement in good and bad. From “Zazen Yojinki: Notes on What To Be Aware of in Zazen” by Keizan Jokin (from The Art of Just Sitting, Wisdom Publications, 2004)

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water/waves

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

Water and waves are not separate; motion and stillness are not different. — From “Zazen Yojinki: Notes on What To Be Aware of in Zazen” by Keizan Jokin (from The Art of Just Sitting, Wisdom Publications, 2004) Photo Credit: Lucy … Continue reading →

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Heart Sutra Wisdom

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

If you seek a home, Remember, She has none. If you seek comfort, Remember, She opens to everything. If you seek security, Remember, She cannot be controlled. If you seek transcendence, Remember, She accepts things just as they are. – … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddhism, Death, Life, Spirituality | Tagged buddhism, heart sutra, spirituality | 2 Comments

Nothing to reject, nothing to accept

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

The exceptional approach is to recognize the true nature of afflictive emotions. When desirous thoughts arise vividly, looking directly at their essence, they subside in themselves. This is the dawning of mahamudra, bliss and emptiness inseparable. It is also called … Continue reading →

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More Fully Human

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

There is a Jewish tradition of the zaddik—the holy person. The zaddik differs, it is said, from ordinary people, in that the zaddik is more fully human. In the Christian tradition, Saint Irenaeus says something similar. He says that the … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddhism, Life, Psychology, Religion, Spirituality | Tagged buddha, buddhism, judaeism, mindfulness, psychotherapy, religion, spirituality, therapy | Leave a comment

Wise Returning

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Kestrel Slocombe

I just finished reading an excellent article, “Impermanence is Buddha Nature,” by Zoketsu Norman Fischer, published in the May 2013 issue of Shambhala Sun. The article was incredibly helpful in deepening my understanding of Buddhism’s teachings on permanence and impermanence. … Continue reading →