Joan Halifax & Enkyo O'Hara & Kaz Tanahashi: 12-07-2013: Rohatsu: Morning Star (Part 6, last part)

Summary: Episode Description: In this sixth and final talk from Rohatsu, each of the three teachers offer their own insights and thoughts on a number of topics. This talk concludes the sesshin, but also serves as an introduction. Inviting us practice within our everyday lives. Sensei Kaz opens the talk by describing what he deems "The Triangle of Way," having sides comprised of conventional wisdom, wisdom beyond wisdom and compassion. Kaz believes that the antithesis of this triangle is violence. That there is so much violence within ourselves and within the world. That we must find a way to end this vicious circle of violence. However, we must not shun it. We must "say hello" to these violent moods and try to understand. Roshi Enkyo then picks up on the theme of violence. Suggesting that the reason that we come together is to look at the serious questions in the world. One of which being violence, that we must ask "what is the violence in us, in our culture and in past societies and cultures? What is the antidote? What might change the world?" Enkyo continues by discussing the story of Joshu's Stone Bridge and "What is the Great Way?" After closing with a gatha about the Morning Star, Enkyo turns the talk over to Roshi Joan. Roshi offers an insightful and inspirational discussion about suffering. The nature of suffering within ourselves, our practice and society. She recites Wu-tsu's "A Buffalo Passes Through a Window." "Wu-tsu said, the buffalo passes through the lattice window. His two horns get through. His head gets through. His front and back legs get through. Why can't it's tail get through?" Just as obstructing thorns flourish everywhere, the little tail of the buffalo is always there. We must learn to ride the waves of suffering without drowning in them. We must also be careful to "not believe our thoughts!" That it is these amazing constructions which are dismantling the world. That we must see how much harm we cause ourselves, society and the environment all in the name of self. Roshi then talks about how the way is ordinary. That realization is not a "pow!" Rather it is the capacity to experience things as they really are in our everyday lives. Roshi finishes by stating Wu-men's verse to the koan of the buffalo. "This tiny little tail. What a wonderful thing it is." For teacher BIOs, please visit Part 1. To access the entire series, please click on the link below: Rohatsu: Morning Star Series: All 6 Parts