“This practice is actually about liberation, not about being comfortable, feeling good, or getting a reward.”

What are you afraid of? Can we remain focused and grounded when what we fear is right in front of us?

In this recent Zazenkai dharma talk, Koshin Sensei challenges us to look our fears in the eye, to get curious about what limits us, and to courageously find our way into the wild, wide stream of practice. “Conditions are always optimal for practice,” Koshin reminds us. Through our commitment to practice and with support from others on the path, we can steady ourselves when confronting what scares us. We can learn how to move with and through fear to notice what else is true. Finding new possibilities is a form of generosity. Can we be a little more generous, clearer in our resolve to practice, and notice more ways to care deeply for one another? 

Koshin Paley Ellison Sensei Zen teacher, Jungian psychotherapist, leader in contemplative care, and co-founder of an educational non-profit called the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care. His books, grounded in Buddhist wisdom and practice, have gained national attention. Through its numerous educational programs, contemplative retreats, and Soto Zen Buddhist practices, the New York Zen Center touches thousands of lives every year.

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.

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• Untangled 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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The post This Practice is About LIberation | Koshin Paley Ellison appeared first on New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care.