Dharma Logic

Because cross-country skiing exists, there is non-cross-country skiing. Because poetry exists, there is non-poetry. Because breathing in exists, there is breathing out. Because hatred exists, there is compassion. Because greed exists, there is generosity. Because birth exists, there is the unborn. Because death exists, there is no-death. Because the self exists, there is no-self.

And when you hear about no-self don't be sad, as Yasutani Roshi once remarked. Thanks to no-self, the entire universe is self.

On Devouring and Being Devoured

Deep winter nights definitely encourage and evoke inwardness and stillness—a chance to stop and reflect on what's vital. In deep zazen we devour the breath and the breath devours us. There's no separation. The barking of the neighborhood dog devours us. The sound of traffic replaces us. The cell phone in the other room rings in the center of the mind.

We light lights and come together in gratitude for each other and for being alive. We're pretty sure the sun's long days will return but what about this planet? What about us humans and the blind devouring we do so brilliantly at the expense of others? We're sophisticated when it comes to manipulating the physical world but so primitive when it comes to living together in peace on this great earth here in deep space (see photo above). And this time can also be hope's rekindling--that this silent night is indeed a holy night. That all can never be lost. After all, our true nature—buried here, realized there—and shared with coffee grounds, supernovae, maggots, and ferns, is unborn and undying.

Buddha's Enlightenment Day

Thanks to James Ishmael Ford's blog Monkey Mind for this video posted today, the day widely recognized as the anniversary of the Buddha's supreme enlightenment. It's gratifying to see scientists speak in a more holistic way than usual, ie, that our investigation into the nature of the cosmos is, in fact, the cosmos investigating itself, the cosmos being aware of itself. We are made of star stuff, as Carl Sagan says. We are star stuff. It's all star stuff and our neverending practice and joy is uncovering this living reality for ourselves, beyond mere intellectual understanding or belief. This wood stove. These cold, snowy hands. This sleepy dog by the fire. When we wake up, the world wakes up.