Xuefeng’s Turtle Nose Snake – A talk by Lee Shields, September 13, 2024
Xuefeng said to the assembly, “On South Mountain, there’s a turtle-nosed snake. You must all have a close look at it.” Changqing said, “Today, in this very hall, there is definitely someone who has lost his body and life.” A monk told Xuansha about this. Xuansha said, “Only Brother Leng [Changqing] would put it that way. I wouldn’t say it like that.” “What would you say, Your Reverence?” asked the monk. “Why use South Mountain?” responded Xuansha. Yunmen picked up his staff and threw it down before Xuefeng, and made a...
Read MoreBeing Human – A talk by Madelon Bolling September 11, 2024
Emperor Wu of Liang asked Bodhidharma, “What is the first principle of the holy teaching?” Bodhidharma said, “Really empty, nothing holy.” The Emperor said, “Who is this accosting me?” Bodhidharma said, “I don’t know.” The Emperor could not reach accord. Bodhidharma then crossed the river and went on to the kingdom of Wei. (Blue Cliff Record Case 1)1 Do you wrestle with the business of being human, doing the right thing, looking for truth or transcendence? I think I have failed miserably in this endeavor. Of course, that’s the old familiar voice of the inner critic speaking. It served a...
Read MoreMeaning – A Talk by Madelon Bolling (August 7,2024)
A monk asked Hsiang Lin, “What is the meaning of the Patriarch’s coming from the West?” Hsiang Lin said, “Sitting for a long time becomes toilsome.” (BCR Case 17) A monk asked Chao-chou, “What is the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming from the West?” Chao-chou said, “The oak tree in the courtyard.” (GB Case 37) Both of these koan begin with the phrase, “What is the meaning . . ?” Well, what is . . . meaning? You might say, “What is the implication of . . .?” which is literally, what is folded into this statement, this...
Read MoreZenkai (August 11, 2024) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom
Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. Zoom Link: Send email to ttssangha@gmail.com. If this will be your first event with TTS, we will arrange for an orientation prior to the...
Read MoreHow do you realize the realm where no wisdom can reach? – A Talk by Leland Shields (June 9, 2024)
Upon meeting Shitou, Daowu asked, “By what method do you reveal liberating wisdom to people?” Shitou said, “There are no slaves here. From what do you seek liberation?” Daowu said, “How can it be understood?” Shitou said, “So you’re still trying to grasp emptiness?” Zen’s Chinese Heritage: The Masters and Their Teachings, by Andrew Ferguson. (Please sit comfortably) Tianhuang Daowu is you, and is me in this story, as we meet the inseparable condition of being already liberated, and not yet realizing the fact. At this moment we are completely free, and even now we can release all binds. I say...
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