Master Dongshan Is Unwell

December 16 · · determination, faith, hindrances, humanity, illness, Mara, obstacles, taking care, tenderness

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi

The Book Of Equanimity, Case #94

Zen Mountain Monastery, 12/16/2018

Until the end of his life, the Buddha continued to encounter Mara, the insidious voice which tries to undermine the faith of the practitioner. Here, Shugen Roshi speaks of the need to continually meet Mara’s voice with tenderness and courage, emphasizing that no length of practice or depth of realization silences Mara – nor should it.

The Buddha’s Enlightenment

December 09 · · bowing, Buddha's Enlightenment Vigil, enlightenment, faith, practice, Shakyamuni Buddha, veneration, Vesak Day

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi

The Transmission of the Light, Case #1

Zen Mountain Monastery, 12/9/2018

In this talk, given following our annual vigil to celebrate the Buddha’s enlightenment, Shugen Roshi evokes the Shakyamuni’s profound humanity and exceptional faith, emphasizing that we show our reverence for the Buddha and his teachings by actualizing them in our own place and time, our own bodies and minds.