Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast cover image

Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast

The Responsibility to Awaken with All Beings

Sep 16, 2024
Sensei Kozan is a Zen Buddhist teacher who dives into the enlightening concept of 'suchness' and its ties to social justice. He reflects on Dogen's teachings, urging listeners to examine their motivations within Zen practice. The conversation explores 'thusness' as a lens for understanding existence and interconnectedness, celebrating life’s absurdity and beauty. Kozan also discusses the transformative power of forgiveness, emphasizing self-acceptance and the release of emotional burdens, all while highlighting the journey toward enlightenment.
44:10

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Recognizing 'thusness' as an inherent quality within oneself, rather than a distant goal, helps deepen connection to true nature.
  • Embracing challenges and failures as integral to the journey of awakening fosters resilience and encourages personal growth in practice.

Deep dives

Understanding Thusness

The concept of 'thusness' is introduced, which refers to the true essence or nature of things as they exist in their simplest form. It is essential for practitioners to recognize that they are already embodying 'thusness' rather than aiming to attain it. This realization underscores the idea that enlightenment is not a distant goal but an inherent quality that exists within oneself at all times. By acknowledging this, practitioners can alleviate undue worries and cultivate a deeper connection to their true nature.

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