Rochester Zen Center Teisho (Zen Talks) Mumonkan #47, “Tosotsu’s Three Barriers”
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Oct 3, 2025 Explore the fascinating history of Tosotsu and his encounters with Zen masters. Discover how his pride turned into humility through transformative training. Delve into deep questions about existence, impermanence, and the essence of life and death. Reflect on the importance of mindful practice and the present moment, with a reminder not to rush through experiences. Sensei Dhara also shares insight on nurturing one's nature and the significance of consistent effort in spiritual growth.
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The Gateless Gate Paradox
- The Mumonkan's 'gateless gate' points to a barrier that's present yet not real, revealing paradox at the heart of practice.
- Sensei Dhara Kowal emphasizes that 'what is, is not; what is, not, is' to invite direct seeing beyond concepts.
Kong Yu's Humility And Training
- Sensei Dhara recounts Kong Yu's exchanges with Master Ji and later training with Master Wen-Hu to show his path to realization.
- Kong Yu's humility and willingness to follow Ji's provocation led to deep realization and later teaching.
Life As Continuous Transition
- Life is a continuous series of transitions rather than isolated beginnings and endings.
- Sensei Dhara frames birth and death as ongoing moment-to-moment processes, not singular events.
