Loneliness without separation – bare mountains and fallen leaves (A talk by Lee Shields)
Text available to members and participants by email request to ttssangha@gmail.com).
Read MoreTalks from 7-Day Retreat (April, 2023)
Everyone we meet is our teacher – True World imposes on us A talk be Lee Shields (Text available to members and participants by email request to ttssangha@gmail.com) The form of Zen in relationship – attention, attention, attention A talk be Lee Shields (Text available to members and participants by email request to ttssangha@gmail.com) Sesshin, Distractions, and Turning Away A talk be Lee Shields (Text available to members and participants...
Read MoreLonliness – a talk by Madelon Bolling (April, 2023)
This week we’ve been exploring relationship: various ways of relating with one another, with our practice, with ourselves, with the world in general and in all its amazing particulars. Seeing that we are interrelated in so many respects, I wondered at the plague of loneliness that sweeps through traumatized people whether from a pandemic or from dangers of other sorts – shooters on the loose for instance, railroad accidents, war, or uncontrollable weather events. How are we to deal with these realities and their effect on us? In the last forty of his 120 years, starting in 857 CE,...
Read MoreWhy Does It Come to That? – A Talk by Madelon Bolling
One time when the Master was washing his bowls, he saw two birds contending over a frog. A monk who also saw this asked, “Why does it come to that?” The Master replied, “It’s only for your benefit, Acarya.” (Record of Tung-shan, case 98) As descendants of generations of colonizers here in this country, we are slowly coming to terms with our deep, personal, and inextricable connections with the natural world. The quality of life we have, the luxury of our...
Read More(Trust) – a Talk by Madelon Bolling
Raven took his perch on the Assembly Oak and addressed a special meeting of the Tallspruce community, saying, “It’s time for me to be to moving on.” [snip] A hush fell over the circle. Grouse could be heard sniffling. At last, Porcupine asked, “Do you have any last words for us?” Raven said, “Trust.” (Aitken, Zen Master Raven. p.201) How is it that trust would be the last word, the encompassing summary of Zen master Raven’s life work, his legacy to the sangha? Life is puzzling: unsatisfactory, painful. Sometimes we glimpse something just out of sight—a notion comes up that there is more to...
Read MoreTalks from 7-day meditation retreat
Every Moment Zen A talk by Lee Shields Sesshin, Distractions, and Turning Away A talk by Lee Shields Beyond Intention A talk by Lee Shields Distractions: Meeting With Mara A talk by Madelon Bolling Touch the Mind A talk by Lee Shields Until Only the Mountain Remains A talk by Lee Shields
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