"I often see those who are trying to study Buddhism just use their worldly intelligence to sift among the verbal teachings of the buddhas and ancestral teachers, trying to pick out especially wondrous sayings to use as conversation pieces to display their ability and understanding. This is not the correct view of the matter. You must abandon your worldly mentality and sit quietly with mind silent. Forget entangling causes and investigate with your whole being. When you are thoroughly clear then whatever you bring forth from your own inexhaustible treasure of priceless jewels is sure to be genuine and real."
–Zen Letters: Teaching of Yuanwu (1063-1135)
A practice without a practice is not a practice.
To settle the matter, settle the matter.
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book chat - winter break edition, vol.2
1 hour ago
8 comments:
Sage advice and exactly what was needed today. What a surprise. : )
settle the bum to settle the matter? where's my pillow...
You mean that listening to Lady Gaga on my iPod doesn't count?
I joke!!!
Thank you, Karen.
Love,
Mary
Darn you!
"investigate with your whole being". gorgeous! so nicely said.
Thank you!
ah yes. the silent sit down.
so much more difficult!
An insistent echo of what my teacher reminded me yesterday - time to settle the matter.
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