Summary: Episode Description: Ray discusses what he considers a deep mystery: reality. What is reality? How do we perceive it? Even if we are able to perceive it, does it not last for just a moment? Ray begins his exploration of reality by looking at it is opposite: delusion. Delusion is all of our thoughts, dreams, illusions or ideas. Basically anything that we conceptualize is delusional. He discusses the role of media in promulgating delusion and why we are so content to live in this fantasy world. Ray then offers the story of Fayan's Not Knowing. Fayan was on a pilgrimage. Dizang asked, "What is the purpose of your pilgrimage?" Fayan said, "I don't know." Dizang said, "Ah! Not knowing is most intimate." Which points to the problem with unreality or delusion. It prevents us from truly being present, from catching the momentary bird song. In the Zen tradition we learn that reality is raw perception, it can be thought of as a blank slate. Ray then discusses the non-dual nature of delusion and reality, suggesting that we need both. We need reality to seek out the wisdom to live in a way that provides greater loving kindness. Delusion helps us to navigate the everyday, "bread and butter" world that we live in. BIO: Ray Olson an internist by training, was a longtime Professor of Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. He has been a Zen student for over 30 years and received Jukai in 1989. He was ordained as a Novice Priest by Roshi Joan Halifax in 2009 and was made a Dharma Holder at Upaya Zen Center in 2010. Ray serves as coordinator of Upaya's Prison Outreach Program, and in that capacity he corresponds with many inmates in prisons around the country, offering spiritual guidance to the incarcerated. He also makes weekly visits to inmates in the high security units of the local state penitentiary. Ray is long-married to Nancy; they have three grown children and four growing grandchildren.
