Katsu!
by Janice
According to Professor John Stevens, a Soto Zen priest, in order to avoid the constraints of temple life, the original Zen masters of China lived mostly outdoors. As well, in several of his translated works including Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf: Zen Poems of Ryokan and Mountain Tasting: Zen Haiku by Santoka Taneda, Professor Stevens provides examples of Zen Masters such as Ryokan and Santoka walking and walking outdoors as part of their regular practice. In short, for modern times, being, sitting, learning, walking, swimming, drifting, flowing and practicing outdoors in Zen Temple of the Clear Blue Sky - a vast resource that spans the globe - is important to an individual’s overall spiritual development. As in this example pictured above, over time one can discover more about the Light of Heaven that resides within by learning to sit quietly, observe and study nature.
Outdoors under clear blue skies, the Universe acts as each individual's silent, yet active guide, quite similar to Helen Keller’s teacher. It is up to each individual to wake up and begin to listen, notice and see. Being outdoors aids an individual in waking up to the wonders of the Universe in a naturally flowing manner.
To the trees, to the shore, be fully present with whatever is in your heart!
The Universe is our greatest teacher, our greatest friend.
Kwatz! (Practice!)
Katsu! (Wake up! Victory at the speed of Light!)
Ai!
Ishhh!
The Pure Flowing Light of the Universe is our Light
Janice
Rideau Lakes Zen
Rideau Lakes Zen
Text, calligraphy, photographs and art Copyright © 2024 Rideau Lakes Zen.
All rights reserved.
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Family, Friends and Monastic-Oriented - A Flowing Zen Perspective
The Pure Flowing Light of the Universe is our Light.
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