Dharma Talk: “Listen to the Heart of Things” with Maria Reis Habito
Feb 11, 2025
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Maria Reis Habito, a skilled speaker on Zen and spirituality, captivates listeners with her insights on reconnecting with our true nature through the sounds of nature. She explores how listening to simple elements like birds and rain can lead to profound self-discovery. Delving into historical koans and the teachings of Father Shigeto Oshida, Maria emphasizes the balance between oneness and everyday life. She also highlights the wisdom of Guan Yin and the importance of silence and compassion in fostering spiritual growth.
Listening to natural sounds like birdsong and rainfall can facilitate a deeper connection to one's true nature and presence.
The dialogue between Kyose and the monk highlights the challenge of perceiving one's true self amidst societal distractions and delusions.
Deep dives
Events and Community Engagements
The upcoming events at Mountain Cloud include a day-long Zazenkai sitting on February 15th, available both virtually and on-site, as well as a six-day session from March 17th to March 23rd. These events encourage community participation and cater to both remote and in-person attendees, highlighting the importance of accessibility within the practice. Applications for in-person attendance are recommended to be submitted promptly to secure a place. This structure fosters a sense of belonging and shared experience among participants, enhancing their engagement with Zen practice.
Listening to Nature
The talk explores the significance of listening to natural sounds as a means of reconnecting with one's true self. Maria Rice Habito references Father Shigeto Oshida’s profound experiences, particularly a memorable moment when he heard the haunting call of a bush warbler while in a monastery. This moment served as a bridge to the sacred, showcasing how sounds such as birdsong can transcend ordinary life and foster a peaceful state of being. The importance of being present and open to these experiences is emphasized as a path to understanding the world around us.
The Nature of Delusion and Enlightenment
The discussion revolves around the idea of delusion in human perception, as illustrated by a dialogue between Kyose and a monk regarding the sound of raindrops. Kyose highlights that living beings are often deceived about their true nature, seeking fulfillment through external objects rather than understanding their inherent sacredness. The monk’s inquiry and Kyose's reflections stress the challenge of recognizing one’s true self amidst societal distractions. Ultimately, the talk underscores that genuine enlightenment involves returning to the ordinary world while remaining connected to the profound experiences that reveal our oneness.
In this talk, Maria sheds light on how listening to the voice of a bird or the sound of rain can bring us fully back home to our true nature. In this context, Maria takes the experience of Fr. Shigeto Oshida as a spring board for Koan No. 46 in the Blue Cliff Record: Kyôsei’s “Voice of the raindrops.”
Recorded on February 7th, 2025
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