Charlotte Joko Beck, a renowned American Zen teacher and author, shares profound insights from her talk rooted in 'Everyday Zen'. She discusses the evolution of spiritual practices, shifting from mere comfort to genuine transformation. Joko highlights common misconceptions newcomers have about Zen, emphasizing that true fulfillment goes beyond material gains. The significance of selflessness and compassion in personal growth is also explored, stressing the journey of understanding through meditation and the importance of patience in navigating emotional landscapes.
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insights INSIGHT
Initial Desires in Practice
Many begin Zen practice seeking comfort and problem relief.
They demand happiness, peace, and control over their lives.
insights INSIGHT
Two Viewpoints of Practice
There are two approaches to Zen practice.
Most people seek personal gain, while true practice focuses on serving life.
insights INSIGHT
Serving Others
The second viewpoint emphasizes serving others and personal growth.
Difficult situations become opportunities for learning and service.
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In 'Everyday Zen: Love and Work,' Charlotte Joko Beck presents a series of dharma talks that emphasize the integration of Zen practice into daily life. The book addresses various aspects of human experience, including love, relationships, work, fear, ambition, and suffering. Beck's approach is characterized by its straightforward and compassionate tone, encouraging readers to practice Zen in a way that is relevant and effective in modern American culture. The talks are organized by themes and include discussions on embracing human feelings, the importance of consistent practice, and finding fulfillment in everyday activities. Beck's teaching stresses the importance of facing emotional realities and cultivating compassion and mindfulness in all aspects of life.
This is a reading of extracts of a talk given by Charlotte Joko Beck taken from the text 'Everyday Zen'.
Charlotte Joko Beck (March 27, 1917 – June 15, 201) was an American Zen teacher and the author of the books Everyday Zen: Love and Work and Nothing Special: Living Zen.
Born in New Jersey, Beck studied music at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and worked for some time as a pianist and piano teacher. She married and raised a family of four children, then separated from her husband and worked as a teacher, secretary, and assistant in a university department. She began Zen practice in her 40s with Hakuyu Taizan Maezumi in Los Angeles, and later with Hakuun Yasutani and Soen Nakagawa.Beck received Dharma transmission from Taizan Maezumi Roshi in 1978, but broke with Maezumi over his actions and opened Zen Center San Diego in 1983, serving as its head teacher until July 2006.
Beck was responsible for a number of important innovations in Zen teaching. Because she was adept at teaching students to work with their psychological states, she attracted a number of students who were interested in the relationship between Zen and modern psychology.
🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Wisdom of the Masters 