Bill Evans on Miles Davis' vision of the direct deed, and how they improvised something that evaded explanation.
Category: Texts
As Long as Your Dewlike Human Life Lasts
Dogen answers the questions of his students regarding monastic renunciation - how can one have faith that one's basic needs will be met?
Returning Home – From Keizan Jokin’s Zazen Yojinki
The Zazen Yojinki, written by 14th century Japanese master Keizan Jokin, covers the fundamental aspects of zazen, the form of Zen meditation.
Boshan and Fostering Great Doubt
Doubt is a key incentive of the spiritual journey, and, as per the old adage 'Great doubt, great awakening', it is foundational to the enquiry of Zen.
Hakuin’s Song of Zazen
Hakuin's Song of Zazen is an encapsulation of the merits of meditation, in which he encourages the student to focus on the immediate experience of presence.
The Self is Everywhere – Isha Upanishad
The Isha Upanishad is concerned with the non-duality of the Self and the role of action in tune with dharma in one's life.
Life and Death Do Not Exist
In this short chapter from the Shobogenzo, Sho-ji, Dogen plays with the distinction between the nuances of the two different meanings, life and death being static and self-defined events, which he argues have no substance or existence, and living and dying which are an endless flow of events and dynamic being
The Dexterous Butcher – Zhuangzi
Zhuangzi's story of the dexterous Cook Ding who teaches a lord a profound life lesson through the workings of his knife.
Fukanzazengi – Universally Recommended Instructions for Zazen
The Fukanzazenki is a 13th century Japanese text that provides the most fundamental instructions for Zen meditation, including details on the ideal environment and posture for practice.
Bankei and the Unborn
17th century Zen master Bankei on the Unborn, the unconditioned mind that comes up spontaneously and is fundamental to every person, without exception.