Comments on: BG 164: Now That's Zen

By: A Journal of a Spiritual Journey » Wherein Adyashanti Explains Why I Keep This Journal

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:58:50 +0000

[...] Adyashanti Interview Part 1 of 2: Now That’s ZenAdyashanti Interview Part 2 of 2 I’m Not Babysitting Your Ego [...]

By: Eddie

Eddie — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 09:03:55 +0000

I just listened to the podcast a few moments ago and it really struck a chord. It was when I was "at the brink", on my own, that I experienced a sudden shift during meditation. I don't consider it enlightenment but I think it was, as Adyashanti mentions, a sudden end to seeking externally.

By: apliskin

apliskin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:00:50 +0000

It interesting to hear the relation of student to teacher as the student reinterprets the style that was passed down. Bernie Glassman, another successor of Maezumi, often mentions that Maezumi told him that he would have to find an American style of Buddhism and that when Bernie left LA, Maezumi refused to visit for two years because he knew that Bernie would alter his style to please his teacher if his teacher was present.

Its also interesting that for Adyashanti rejecting the trappings of Zen ultimately resulted in moving away from Zen while some Zen teachers have fought to reject trappings and introduce new things and still call it Zen. I do, however, agree that in the final analysis, all that matters is what works-no matter what we call it.

By: Lydia

Lydia — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:29:58 +0000

I am a 76 yr old, drinker from many streams; living my full life (six kids etc) as well as i am able. I find your teachings, talks, voice – all warm, soft places to sit silently in and allow my confusions and struggles to settle into calm abiding. Thank you, sweet being of light.

By: Lin

Lin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 07:07:27 +0000

A refreshing take on Zen. I am reminded of Charlotte Joko Beck. To do "what works" as well as what is traditional. To understand that the Dharma is not the form of the teaching but the result of the experience of the practice. I have lead a few sittings where a great deal of humor and laughter just came about, and full of self doubt I would ask "Am I supposed to be having this much fun." and of course the answer was "This was this because that was that", and I would move on.

One day the old guy at the monetary says to me, pointing around to all the buildings and the stuff of the monastery, "Where all this loosely like your summer robes, pay attention to whats in here", pointing to my heart.

By: Sokuzan Bob Brown

Sokuzan Bob Brown — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 01:27:32 +0000

This is very interesting, Adya. Just the idea that you were awake or realized and yet you seemed to need or at least were sensitive to your teacher's approval..sort of. This of course is how it "feels" to not be separate…nothing is for sure. The preconception about how being awake would be, is interesting too. You'd think you would be sure of your own perception but since there is no longer a solid identity, the usual reference points may not be there.. Actually being awake is so non-separate that even this kind of lack of being sure of oneself is not opposed. No more warfare you might say. Though I had teachers, I had no one to confirm this for me, so it took me awhile to trust myself..so to speak.
Thanks,
Bob