“Life always presents us with pairs. There are always two aspects that complement each other – sun and moon, day and night, mother and father, life and death – but how easily our minds become occupied in a one-sided way. When we see one aspect and ignore the other, however, we feel incomplete and the circumstances of our lives seem insufficient.” — Taizan Maezumi Roshi

 

On the twenty-eighth anniversary of Maezumi Roshi’s death, Koshin Sensei celebrates his humble roots and the legacy of his unwavering practice and clear-eyed teaching. The New York Zen Center, Koshin reminds us, would not be here without Maezumi Roshi, as his dharma heirs through Tetsugen Glassman, Muryo Matthiessen, and Dai En Friedman lead directly to Koshin and Chodo. The world, we are told in many different ways, is divided. Maezumi Roshi spoke about this division saying “Life always presents us with pairs.” The challenging invitation, the practice of cultivating One Buddha Mind, is to resist choosing one of the two.

 

 

ZENTALK NOTES

Koshin Paley Ellison Sensei, MFA, LMSW, DMIN, is an author, Zen teacher, Jungian psychotherapist, and Certified Chaplaincy Educator. Koshin co-founded the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care.

 

 

UPCOMING PROGRAMS (as of June 29th, 2023)

—The Contemplative Medicine Fellowship is accepting applications for the 2023–2024 cohort! Now in its second year, the Contemplative Medicine Fellowship is a twelve-month training for physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who want to lead change in the culture of care. The program is designed to immerse participants in the true experience of the alleviation of suffering in their personal and professional lives. Contemplative Medicine Conversations with esteemed visiting faculty are offered monthly, free of charge. | Learn more »

—Foundations in Contemplative Care is accepting applications: Since 2007, the Foundations in Contemplative Care training has transformed the lives of individuals from across the country and around the world by supporting the integration of spiritual practice and care. This program is open to anyone who feels called upon to respond to the suffering in the world. | Learn more »

—Blooming Wisdom: Cultivating Interdependence and Joy with the Flower Garland Sutra with Ben Connelly — The Flower Garland (Avatamsaka or Huayan) Sutra provides a comprehensive dive into the Dharma—join us as we learn to live more deeply from the awareness of interdependence. | Learn more »
—Catch Your Mind: Unveiling the Zen Path with Koshin Sensei — Join us for ten months of study and learn from the writings of various teachers, connecting with the community and practicing wholeheartedly. | Learn more »
—Zen Precepts: Living an Ethical Life with Koshin Sensei and Chodo Sensei — The Precepts serve as guidelines for our daily lives, developing skillful ways to navigate relationships and life itself. This course consists of in-depth study, experiential learning, reading assignments, writing exercises, and discussion. | Learn more »
—Join us on retreat: allow your contemplative practice to unfold!

 

 

MUSIC

Heart Sutra by Kanho Yakushiji –  Buddhist priest and musician of the Rinzai sect and Imaji temple in Imabari, Japan. In 2003, he formed “KISSAQUO”, a songwriting duo based in Kyoto.

 

 

NYZC PUBLICATIONS

• Untangled (Koshin’s new book) here: https://bit.ly/untangled-book
  
• Wholehearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake Up here: https://amzn.to/2JTKF1t
  
• Awake At The Bedside here: https://amzn.to/3aijXdL
  

 
 
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