Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi

Zen Mountain Monastery, 8/21/2020

Book of Serenity, Case 85: “The Appearance of the National Teacher’s Monument”

“Meeting difficulties,” Shugen Roshi reminds us, “is not a sign of lack.” He urges us to regard the unavoidable moments of dullness, frustration, or self-doubt as propitious opportunities in practice. These are chances to turn away from our well-worn habits and “do something unheard of,” to stop creating cycles of suffering and to appreciate the depths and mystery of what is right here.