Dharma Discourse by Konrad Ryushin Marchaj, Sensei

In this discourse we’re calling, Ryushin Sensei says the most insidious kind of self-deception is the one that lurks within our spiritual practice. When practice is used as a venue for self-improvement, getting what we want, or accomplishing something, we die within the very teachings that are designed to help bring us to life. To really be free from suffering, every attachment, and self-centered motive must be seen clearly. To do this isn’t always easy, but a life of no regrets is what hangs in the balance.

The koan in this talk is “Touzi’s All Sounds,” case 79 of the Blue Cliff Record. This discourse was given at Zen Mountain Monastery in April 2012.