Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei
Zen Center of New York City, Fire Lotus Temple, Sunday 03/27/2022
From The Blue Cliff Record, Case 21 – Chih Men’s Lotus Flower, Lotus Leaves
In this talk Hojin Sensei explores the title of the Lotus Sutra and the koan Lotus Flowers Lotus Leaves as a teaching about our Buddha nature. That there is no before and after, that we are all already included and pierced as a Buddha —just know this wondrous Dharma! That the lotus grows out of muddy waters. How do we make good use and find freedom in the darkness of our suffering just like the lotus needs the nutrients of that muck to giving and make its way to the light?