Waking up to the Life That Is Forever: Samvega and Pasada: Rohatsu 2024 (1 of 6)
Dec 15, 2024
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Kaz Tanahashi, a Zen teacher at Upaya Zen Center, shares profound insights during the Rohatsu Sesshin. He explores the concept of Samvega, emphasizing the existential unease that pushes us to seek deeper meaning in life. The conversation also highlights the importance of community and shared practice in awakening, transforming individual pursuits into collective journeys. Kaz offers practical guidance on overcoming fear and anxiety through mindfulness techniques, inviting listeners to embrace silence for meaningful connections.
Roshi Joan emphasizes that the journey to enlightenment is a communal effort that thrives on fostering connections rather than individual gains.
During Rohatsu, practitioners are encouraged to navigate feelings of panic by engaging in mindful breathing and communal support.
Deep dives
Understanding Rohatsu and Its Significance
Rohatsu, occurring on December 8th, commemorates Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment and represents a time for intense meditation practice. It emphasizes the necessity for practitioners to be awake and aware, fostering a shared experience during this rigorous period. Individual struggles may arise, such as feelings of panic or fear, often stemming from irrational anxieties about endurance or performance during meditation. By practicing together, individuals can combat these challenges and develop resilience through techniques like mindful breathing and chanting.
The Nature of Enlightenment and Giving Back
The journey to enlightenment should not be seen as a personal attainment but rather as a collective endeavor that encourages giving rather than taking. Acknowledging the deep dissatisfaction and unease that many face, one must shift focus from extraction to fostering connections and supporting the community. Recognizing that true fulfillment stems from nurturing relationships and contributing to the greater good contrasts the common desire for individual gain that often leads to confusion and disillusionment. Personal growth and spiritual awakening often arise from a commitment to serve others and create a compassionate environment.
The Importance of Presence and Community in Practice
Practicing together in a supportive community enhances spiritual growth by cultivating an environment of care, attentiveness, and interconnectedness. By fostering sensitivity to one another and to the space shared, individuals can better appreciate the present moment and the sacredness within it. This practice invites a deeper engagement with one’s surroundings and responsibilities, blending the personal with the collective experience. Ultimately, the focus on communal practice nurtures a holistic awareness, encouraging participants to find solace and clarity in the interconnectedness of all beings.
On this first full day of Rohatsu Sesshin, Roshi Joan, alongside Senseis Kaz and Kodo, offers practical guidance for this time of deep practice. Kaz and Roshi address the heightened states of suffering that can arise during extended sitting practice. Drawing on Buddhist concepts like Samvega (existential unease) and Prasada (taking refuge), Roshi encourages us to let go of individual awakening and…