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Thread: The nothing-specialness of this practice

  1. #1

    The nothing-specialness of this practice

    Don't feel insecure that you don't go to a brick and mortar zendo every week to listen to a dharma talk. Don't worry that your practice is not sincere. You're here, and that intention makes you sincere about the Way.

    In Zen we sometimes elaborate on the idea of nothing-special. Read whole books about it, even! But in a way, going to a center to take time out that's separate, pure, and holy, is glorifying specialness and uniqueness. Sitting in a holy place, with other spiritual people, fetishizes the unusual. Most of us will never be able to expend the time and effort it takes in our own lives to transform a monastery or practice center from novel and unique to mundane and everyday. Don't be disheartened!

    I don't point it out to say that we should elevate the trash bins and the messy kids instead - I just call attention to it to remind myself that the real authenticity happens when you don't elevate anything above anything else.

    You're here, this is your practice, and this is your home. Now drop your baggage at the door, turn around, and go back into the world. Your voice is needed.

  2. #2

    Re: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    Thank you for this reminder Shinkai.

  3. #3

    Re: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    Very nice Shinkai!

    Gassho,
    Ekai/Jodi

  4. #4

    Re: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    I don't point it out to say that we should elevate the trash bins and the messy kids instead - I just call attention to it to remind myself that the real authenticity happens when you don't elevate anything above anything else.
    Don't feel insecure that you don't go to a brick and mortar zendo every week to listen to a dharma talk. Don't worry that your practice is not sincere. You're here, and that intention makes you sincere about the Way.
    Shinkai,

    One of the finest teachings on this forum so far.

    Thank you.


    Gassho


    Taigu

  5. #5

    Re: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    My teacher hated the word ordinary as attached to Joko Beck s school.

    I just love it.

    And I am sure we both are on the same wave s length.

    T.

  6. #6

    Re: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    Words of wisdom.
    Gassho

  7. #7

    Re: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    _/_

  8. #8

    Re: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    This is great, Shinkai!

    Thank you.

  9. #9

    Re: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    _/_

    Jen

  10. #10

    RE: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    Thank you, Shinkai

    _/_

    Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express

  11. #11
    Yugen
    Guest

    Re: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    Shinkai,

    There is nothing special about our practice, and we must go out into the world. It begins with our actions, words, deeds.

    Truly, Thank you for your words.

    A deep bow,
    Yugen

  12. #12

    Re: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    Thank you very very much.

    Gassho

    Risho

  13. #13
    Treeleaf Engineer Seimyo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Yuba City, California, USA

    Re: The nothing-specialness of this practice

    Well said. Thank you Shinkai. I needed to hear that.

    Gassho,
    Chris

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