‘If you spend your whole life not leaving the monastery, not talking for ten years or for five years, no-one will be able to call you a mute. Do not wonder whether not-talking might be vacuous. Entry is one monastery. Getting out is one monastery. The way of the birds is one monastery. The entire Universe is one monastery.’ -Eihei Dogen
Monday begins SJZC’s annual Rohatsu Sesshin, the most practiced Zen Sesshin around the world. Sesshin is a practice, a container, and a state of mind.
The state of mind of sesshin recognizes the monastery of the moment – be it an oryoki set, a flock of birds, or the entire universe.
The container of sesshin designs today, and tomorrow, such that we are more likely to recognize the monastery of the moment.
The practice of sesshin is is the intention to recognize the monastery of the moment.
Although in sesshin we emphasize ‘not talking’. Ultimately this ‘not talking’ is not about the mouth. It is about what we are. When what we are is the monastery of the moment, there may be both talking and not talking. Even ‘a mute’ can say far too much…
Have a nice week!!