“The flame of the dharma you have lit, humbly and respectfully, I transmit to the next generation.” —Shundo Aoyama Rōshi

In this opening dharma talk from our last Commit to Sit 90-day practice period (summer ’22), Koshin Sensei discusses a myriad number of things that a consistent practitioner will have to face as they deepen their practice. He touches on the importance of having friends who are able to see through the way we hide from ourselves and others. He also speaks about Shundo Aoyama Rōshi, the highest ranking nun in Sōtō Zen history, whose book, Zen Seeds, was the guiding text for our last practice period. He shares a letter she wrote recently, as she neared her 9th decade, in which she explains her hopes for those who pass on the light of the dharma.

ZENTALK NOTES

Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison, 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.

CONNECT WITH US

—Instagram

—Facebook

—Twitter

—Donate

UPCOMING PROGRAMS (as of November 21st, 2022)

—Commit to Sit Winter 2023 will start January 11th, 2023! Join 16 Zen teachers from across the United States and Japan for an in-depth, 90-day exploration of Zen practice and study guided by our study text, Ordinary Wonder: Zen Life & Practice, the latest collection of Charlotte Joko Beck’s clear and incisive teachings that cut to the core of our negative beliefs that prevent us from embracing every moment. | Learn more »

—Beginner’s Mind Sesshin: A Winter Silent Retreat of Wholehearted Practice—A cornerstone of Zen practice, the Japanese word for “sesshin” means “touching the heart-mind.” This is a rare opportunity for deepening our practice with a community of supportive practitioners. January 11th – January 15th, 2023 at the Garrison Institute. | Learn More »

—(New course) Deepen your practice while engaging study with the Zen Ancestors!—The Nature of Awakened Practice: Walking the Path with the Zen Ancestors—Starting January 25th, 2023, join Koshin Paley Ellison Sensei in a 13-week study of the Sōtō Zen lineage and how we can learn from and be supported by the ancestors’ examples of awakening practice in everyday life. | Learn More »

—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 »

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

Get your copy of Untangled (Koshin’s new book) here: https://bit.ly/untangled-book

Get your copy of Wholehearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake Up here: https://amzn.to/2JTKF1t

Get your copy of Awake At The Bedside here: https://amzn.to/3aijXdL

The post The Importance of Good Spiritual Friends | Koshin Paley Ellison appeared first on New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care.