Mountain Cloud Zen Podcasts Dharma Talk: “How to See in the Dark” with Valerie Forstman
Oct 29, 2025
Dive into the thought-provoking discussion about the ecological crisis and the potential for intelligent life on exoplanets. Explore the essence of being human through the lens of the Buddha’s teachings and the significance of the Middle Way. Uncover the concept of 'seeing in the dark' and how it relates to awakening. Valerie introduces the intriguing koan of Unman's Bright Light, emphasizing non-attachment and the beauty of having empty hands. The talk concludes with a reflection on engaging with both light and dark in our practice.
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Stop And See Beyond Concepts
- Valerie Forstman urges us to "stop and see" by quieting discursive mind and habitual framing.
- This practice reveals a deeper, present reality beyond conceptual projections.
Bright Light Revealed As Darkness
- The koan "Unman's Bright Light" asks what your own bright light is and then calls it complete darkness when looked at.
- This paradox points to a self that cannot be objectified by ordinary seeing.
Unman's Awakening After A Shove
- Valerie recounts Unman's awakening after being shoved by his teacher Bokshu, which precipitated immediate realization.
- The physical shock and the shove illustrate sudden dissolution of the separate self.