Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast Monkey Grasping for the Moon
Oct 13, 2025
Sensei Shinzan Pama, a Zen teacher and guide in mindfulness, delves into Dōgen’s Genjō Kōan, using the metaphor of a monkey grasping at the moon's reflection. He explores how the pursuit of enlightenment can cloud our understanding of reality. Shinzan emphasizes that true awakening is found in everyday life, where authentic presence shines through ordinary actions. He encourages listeners to let go of their expectations and highlights that real clarity comes from continuous practice, even in simple tasks like cleaning dishes.
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Awakening As Ordinary Reflection
- Awakening is like the moon reflecting in water: the reflection appears without changing moon or water.
- Enlightenment shows up in ordinary life rather than as a dramatic, separate event.
Keep Living Your Ordinary Life
- Do continue your ordinary activities after awakening; do not abandon daily responsibilities.
- Practice brings clarity and less self-centeredness, so show up fully in everyday tasks.
Awakening Illuminates Everyday Presence
- When awakening occurs everything becomes illuminated and present in the moment.
- That illumination dissolves filters between you and experience so you can be fully absorbed in tasks.
