The Zen Studies Podcast 313 – Ten Fields of Zen, Field 8 – Learning the Self: This Very Body Is Buddha (3 of 3)
8 snips
Sep 14, 2025 Discover the intriguing process of examining karmic patterns to enhance your Zen practice. The discussion unravels how self-examination can lead to significant personal growth. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own karma without falling into the trap of self-blame. Learn how to conduct a personal morality inventory, gaining clarity on the interplay of positive and negative karma. This enlightening journey ultimately connects these insights to a deeper realization of one's true self.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Do A Fearless Karmic Inventory
- Take a thorough, objective inventory of your karmic issues, noticing harmful patterns in body, speech, and mind.
- Treat the work as practical curiosity, not self-blame, and learn to compensate to minimize harm.
Use Reactivity As A Practice Cue
- Notice every time you break precepts, cause suffering, or feel tightness; treat these as opportunities for practice.
- Avoid judgmental rumination and instead investigate bodily reactivity and thought patterns with openness.
Investigate With Curiosity And Patience
- Cultivate curiosity and humility about a specific karmic issue and examine triggers, sensations, and desires in detail.
- Be patient and persistent; gently work the knot rather than yanking at it for quick fixes.