“Our commitment to distractions and our commitment to not committing actually takes a lot of effort.”

The newest telescopes can see stars being born hundreds of millions of lightyears away. Innumerable stars, like the sun in our solar system, are scattered across the farthest reaches of the cosmos. It boggles the mind, challenging our self-, species-, and planetary-centeredness. What is the nature of reality?

In this dharma talk, during NYZC’s June Zazenkai, Koshin Sensei invites us to approach life with the wonder and attention of an astronomer. Can we see beyond our own limited view? Too often we get caught up in our own small story and demand that everything be the way we want it to be. This is especially true about those experiences and people that challenge us the most so we push them away, create divisions. What if we look closer at what makes us uncomfortable? The practice of zazen, Koshin reminds us, is a fastidious and tender adventure of attention. What else can we see and experience? Are we more similar than different? The heart of all reality, Buddha nature, is original to all things and manifest through three different standpoints, according to Maezumi Roshi. Koshin teaches us about shoin bussho, ryoin bussho, and enin bussho. Can we realize true nature? “It is not a matter of being smart or dull, well-learned or foolish. But when one practices wholeheartedly to find the way that is nothing but the accomplishment of the way.” (Dogen Zenji) Can we return to the original place?

Koshin Paley Ellison Sensei is a 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 Innumerable Stars: Returning to the Original Place | Koshin Paley Ellison appeared first on New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care.