"My Damned Mother" number 73 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.
In this miniature, Aitken Roshi points out how our self-righteousness prevents us from experiencing the support our circumstances present for zazen. There are two things going on here.
First, biggest problem is self-righteousness or the desire to be the right self or the thought that it is right and true that I am or have a self. This is the first mistake, the root cause of suffering and delusion. All other hindrances follow.
Second, we take for granted the vast circumstances that have come to gather in order for us to be. To have the opportunity to practice is the greatest blessing.
Any error or confusion created by my commentary on
Miniatures of a Zen Master
is solely a reflection of my own delusion and ignorance.
Any merit generated by this activity is solely the result of
Aitken Roshi's clear teaching and is dedicated to
all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time.
In this miniature, Aitken Roshi points out how our self-righteousness prevents us from experiencing the support our circumstances present for zazen. There are two things going on here.
First, biggest problem is self-righteousness or the desire to be the right self or the thought that it is right and true that I am or have a self. This is the first mistake, the root cause of suffering and delusion. All other hindrances follow.
Second, we take for granted the vast circumstances that have come to gather in order for us to be. To have the opportunity to practice is the greatest blessing.
This is a video response to a hecklers assertion that Atheists find life meaningless and have nothing to celebrate. At the end of this short video Neil deGrasse Tyson gives a wonderful and impassioned answer to what everyone can celebrate. Even me.
Any error or confusion created by my commentary on
Miniatures of a Zen Master
is solely a reflection of my own delusion and ignorance.
Any merit generated by this activity is solely the result of
Aitken Roshi's clear teaching and is dedicated to
all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time.