The precepts.
Beyond precept study, reflection, and discussion, we emphasize the practice of zazen to clarify the precepts. Why?
The precepts are about living in integrity, harmoniously, in tune. But what are we tuning with? We are tuning with respect to our deeper nature.
What is our deeper nature? It is like a river. On the surface, there may be white water, eddies, obstacles, snags, times of fluidity and others of stagnation – yet below, the river has a clear, steady direction.
Our deeper nature goes with the flow. Going with the flow does not always look like the path of least resistance along the surface. Sometimes there are snags and white water on the horizon. But fighting the current is always burdensome and unproductive. As we sensitize and open, we awaken to the true situation in the river, and all it contains.
The precepts are about not opposing reality. Our personal reality, and reality around us – each in equal measure. Zazen is about being real, and reality has a direction.
May every obstacle further clarify this direction.