by Daniel Doen Silberberg | Jan 28, 2012 | Uncategorized, Zen
We all seek approval from others and if we are students of the way it is natural to seek the approval of our teacher. The prerequisite for our teacher’s approval is that we have earned our own approval.
A good teacher will show you how to win your own approval. It requires effort, commitment,determination and sincerity. If that work is done properly your teacher will give you his or her approval, which is a very special kind of empowerment. It is the empowerment of the lineage.
To do this it is often necessary to give up a great deal of self deceit, complacency and self- soothing.
Aside from approval and empowerment when we let go of our pretended self-satisfaction we can really hear the Dharma. We hear it with the whole body and mind. We see it with the the ear. We hear it with the eye.
Then we can manifest with the whole body and mind. With the wind of our own understanding and that of the lineage at our backs we can blow into the Dharma trumpet that is our life with a breath that comes not from the lungs, nor from the abdomen but from our feet.
photo credit: Tom Marcello
by Daniel Doen Silberberg | Jan 16, 2012 | Uncategorized, Zen
Every day Master Zuigan Shigen used to call out to himself, “Oh Master!” and would answer himself, “Yes?” “Are you awake?” he would ask, and would answer, “Yes, I am. Never be deceived by others, any day, any time.”
“No, I will not.”
I just taught a workshop on relationship. When I began, I said that the first issue and last would be that it is up to us – to “I”. Not to the other.
We say:
“I take refuge in the Dharma (The teaching). “I” take it .
“I take refuge in the Buddha (In my true nature). “I” take it
“I take refuge in the Sangha (The community) “I” do it.
Being a “master” means the work of mastering oneself. We do not need that word “master” The word “I” works very well.
Who is responsible for our life? Who creates the causes that manifest as effects. “I do.”
Who will create our relationships? Who creates the causes that manifest there? “I do.”
As in a marriage, “I do”
We have the opportunity to take our power back every day, all our life as Zuigan suggests.
Not power over others, power over the self.
Do not be deceived by others.
Do not blame others.
This is the Way.
I take refuge in the Dharma.
This post is dedicated to the memory of George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff who was born and certainly was alive after his birth date of January 13th, probably in 1877.
photo credit: David Spender
by Caryn Silberberg | Jan 4, 2012 | Uncategorized, Zen
Join Lost Coin and Doen Sensei in Salt Lake City on Saturday January 14 for an intensive day of practice focusing on relationships with partners, work colleagues, family and friends. Couples are welcome as well as individuals. This is a no-nonsense, inspiring Zen approach to creating harmony in relationship. Further information on the day and how to register is on the homepage of the website as well as this short video, in which Sensei talks about the spirit of the day. http://youtu.be/iSeI5IZRtVs .
photo credit: sarniebill1
by Daniel Doen Silberberg | Jan 1, 2012 | Uncategorized, Zen
As we enter the New Year, which I hope is a happy one for everyone, we have completed our first monthly update of the new Lost Coin Study Center. This update contains new videos, audio and conscious art by myself and others in our lineage. We are excited by the potential of The Study Center and hope you will check it out.
I happened upon this poem which was written by the great Zen poet Ryokan and posted on Facebook recently by Joan Halifax, Roshi. She is a teacher in the White Plum Lineage who I respect and admire. Here is the poem. Please consider it a New Year’s gift.
Leave off your mad rush for gold and jewels
I’ve got something far more precious for you:
A bright pearl that shines more brilliantly than the sun and moon
And illuminates each and every eye.
Lose it and you’ll wallow in a sea of pain;
Find it and you’ll safely reach the other shore.
I’d freely present this treasure to anyone
But hardly any one asks for it
photo credit: Harpagornis ~away~
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