Cultivating Inquiry and the Open Hand of ‘Thusness’: FPP2024 Sesshin Day 1

On this first full day of the Fall Practice Period sesshin, Sensei Kathie introduces the teaching of The Jewel Mirror Samadhi and shares stories about Zen Master Dongshan, the co-founder of the Caodong School of Zen. Reflecting on the evolving nature of history and the practice of inquiry, Kathie highlights the importance of mindfulness in each moment and the quiet beauty of observing life with open-hearted curiosity. Sensei Kozan also delves into The Jewel Mirror Samadhi, using it as a foundation to explore the concept of “Thusness,” or the inherent wisdom of a Buddha. Kozan examines the poem for its profound insights into practice, focusing on the delicate balance between the relative and the absolute, as well as the pitfalls of striving for or clinging to knowledge or emptiness. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.