A Student of the Way

by Daniel Doen Silberberg on June 20, 2011 in Zen

Something I often said when I was Vice Abbot at Kanzeon:

“We get a lot of people who become members here but very rarely do we get a student.” Instead we get teachers – people who think they know a great deal about everything including the Dharma.

When we finally get a student it is clear that person has what it takes to be a teacher.

It is even clearer to me today. The real student, the empty cup, is the real dragon – the right stuff.

photo credit: filtran

9 Responses to “A Student of the Way”

Jeff Markham June 20, 2011 at 5:21 pm #

Sensei, this hit home. Thanks for the kick in the butt.

Reply
Daniel Doen Silberberg June 20, 2011 at 9:33 pm #

@Jeff

Thanks Jeff. I hope it wasn’t a kick, just a reminder.

Reply
Jenny June 21, 2011 at 6:56 am #

Thank you for this. An wonderful reminder for starting my day

Reply
- Daniel Doen Silberberg June 21, 2011 at 7:57 am #
  
  @Jenny
  
  I hope its a great day. A famous teacher once said “Every day is a good day”
  Thank you Jenny
  
  Reply
Chris June 21, 2011 at 1:41 pm #

I’ll forget everything.

Reply
Daniel Doen Silberberg June 22, 2011 at 5:41 pm #

@Chris

Most of it you really do want to forget – wouldn’t hurt a bit. Thanks Chris

Reply
Elena James June 29, 2011 at 5:50 pm #

Thanks for the encouragement to empty my cup, put it beneath yours, to keep trying and never give up.

Reply
- Daniel Doen Silberberg June 29, 2011 at 5:56 pm #
  
  @Elena
  
  I am happy to do it and happy 60s.
  
  Reply
kris sarkady June 30, 2011 at 1:43 pm #

Doen,
It will be a relief for me to empty my cup. Lots of clutter and useless information/stuff in there that doesn’t need to be. Looking forward to filling it with wonder.

Reply