Fall Practice Period 2024: The Dustless Practice of Hui-neng

In this Zazenkai day Dharma talk during the Fall Practice Period, Sensei Kozan introduces us to the teachings of the sixth Chinese ancestor, Hui-neng. He focuses on Hui-neng’s written work, the Platform Sutra, beginning with Hui-neng’s own story of awakening. Kozan shares the tale which involves a chance encounter, a way seeking mind, rice pounding, a poetry challenge, and a hurried escape from danger. Through the full telling of Hui-neng’s story, we learn that our practice is not simply a single moment of realization but a blend of unadorned everyday practice, aspiration, and our inherent Buddha nature. Kozan concludes the talk with kind encouragement and guidance to help us let go of drifting or gaining thoughts, allowing us to return to our true life in the present moment. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.