Feb 3 – 9

Even a strong wind is empty by nature.
Even a great wave is just ocean iteslf.
Even thick southern clouds are insubstantial as sky.
Even the dense mind is naturally birthless.

Milarepa, Drinking the Mountain Stream

Practice Meetings

Tuesday Feb 5, 8:30am

Friday Feb 8, 7:00pm

This Week’s Reading

Thich Nhat Hanh, Old Path While Cloud, Chapter 29, “Dependent Co-Arising”.

This Week’s Koan

Gateless Gate #6: “Buddha Holds Up A Flower

When Buddha was in Grdhrakuta mountain he turned a flower in his fingers and held in before his listeners. Every one was silent. Only Maha-Kashapa smiled at this revelation, although he tried to control the lines of his face.

Buddha said:

“I have the eye of the true teaching, the heart of Nirvana, the true aspect of non-form, and the ineffable stride of Dharma. It is not expressed by words, but especially transmitted beyond teaching. This teaching I have given to Maha-Kashapa.’

Mumon’s Comment:

    At the turning of a flower
    His diguise was exposed.
    No one is heaven or earth can surpass
    Maha-Kashapa’s wrinkled face.

 

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