“Compassion only really happens in community.” – Koshin

How does the nobility of our imperfection become a place of deep connection? 

In this dharma talk from the opening night of the Contemplative Care Retreat, Koshin Sensei introduces us to the Six Paramitas, often called the ‘six perfections,’ of dana, sila, ksanti, virya, dhyana, and prajna.  These are qualities to practice and life gives us chances to reflect on how our practice is going. How are we being generous, or stingy? Where in our lives can we be more patient? How can we bring more vigor or enthusiasm to our relationships?  It is actually not about reaching perfection, but about honoring however it is we keep showing up. Shakyamuni Buddha, Koshin reminds us, teaches us that the very thing we think makes us such a wretch is actually what makes us noble, which allows us to belong. Do you harbor a fear that if others really knew you, they would reject you? In this talk, Koshin encourages us to set down the artifice of perfection and allow the perfectly imperfect you to connect with others. That which you think will be the cause of your rejection, is really a gate through which true connections and relationship are possible. 

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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