Tesshin announced that this week marks the second anniversary of Yorktown Zen.  Looking back on the past two years, we realize how lucky we are to have Tesshin’s teaching and guidance.  This anniversary also serves to remind us that the time to get serious about practice is right now!  The following quote by Dogen comes to mind…

 

“Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life.”

 

Tesshin is always exhorting us to wake up and intensify our practice.  This milestone for our group serves as the perfect reminder to take our practice to the next level.  Perhaps this involves recommitting to a daily sitting practice.  It could mean approaching a koan in a totally new and risky manner.  It could also mean facing up to the delusions we hold so close and are afraid of letting go.  

 

Tesshin has quoted Dogen many times.  He has taught us that the question of life and death is really the question of “What is this?”  What are we doing here?  What is this thing right in front of your nose?  This is not a minor question.  We do not fool around on the cushion – we are investigating a matter of great importance.  

 

“Time swiftly passes and opportunity is lost.”  Tesshin has recounted many parables and stores in Buddhism stating that being born human is precious as only we can truly unwind the Dharma and transcend suffering and delusion.  However, being human comes at a cost – mortality.  We do not have infinite time to solve this riddle.  Our time is short.  Can you believe that two years have already passed?

 

“Awaken!”  This is why we practice.  Our practice is not exercise.  It is not mental hygiene.  It is not an “enrichment activity.”  It is a process of liberation from delusion.  It is awakening from a dream and facing reality “straight up.”  It is starting to live authentically.  Time is limited – do not squander your life.  Awaken!  Do the hard work – it is worth it.   

 

Tesshin wrapped up by leading a discussion on what concrete steps we could take to improve our practice and what Yorktown Zen could do to facilitate this process.  One theme is that many students are finding it hard to meditate during the week.  Tesshin stated that he is willing to guide us in practice during the week by “live casting” his meditation sessions via Zoom conferencing.  In the next few days, we will be sending out a link with the exact times Tesshin will be casting.  The link will include instructions on how to download the client to your phone so you can see Tesshin.  To begin with, Tesshin will cast a 15 minute meditation session once a week.  The goal is to provide a sense that we are sitting together without having to travel to a central location.  Please try to participate if you can.