Awakening Streams: The One River Zen Podcast

Sozan Shows Heidegger the Way

Episode Summary

In this episode, Sensei Michael Brunner explores the deep intersection of Zen and existential philosophy through Shoyoroku Case 87, "Sozan's With or Without." Drawing on the teachings of Martin Heidegger, Sensei highlights how our clinging to conceptual ideals—our “knowing”—creates a gravitational pull that binds us to inauthentic living. Heidegger’s concept of das Man and the call for a Kehre (radical turning) are woven seamlessly with Sozan’s journey, Isan’s laughter, and the one-eyed dragon that awaits us all. Through this dynamic talk, listeners are invited to step beyond the dualities of "with" and "without," to loosen the grip of reason, and to meet the clarity that lies just beyond our judgments and roles. A profound reminder that the Way is not something to find—it’s right here, waiting to be seen.

Episode Notes

In this episode of Awakening Streams, Sensei Michael Brunner examines Shoyoroku Case 87, "Sozan's With or Without," through the lens of Zen and Martin Heidegger’s existential philosophy. Sensei explores how both traditions challenge our reliance on conceptual clinging and habitual ways of knowing, urging us to step into a direct and authentic encounter with reality.

Key Points Discussed:

• The Gravity of Knowing: How our questions about existence often become tangled in conceptual clinging, keeping us trapped within the limits of reason.
• Heidegger’s Insight: An introduction to das Man (“the They” or “the One”), inauthentic being, and the Kehre(radical turning) toward authenticity.
• Sozan’s Journey: Sozan Kyōnin’s 1,000-mile trek to Isan, seeking clarity about the nature of words and meaning.
• The Koan’s Depth: Isan’s laughter, the prophecy of the one-eyed dragon, and Sozan’s eventual realization—“From the first, Isan’s laughter had a sword!”
• Practical Takeaways: What roles, judgments, or certainties are we clinging to? How can we release them and see through the one-eyed dragon of clarity?

Reflection Questions for Listeners:

1. What question brought you to this moment in your life, and how might it be shaped by conceptual clinging?
2. What happens when the "tree of knowing" falls? What remains?
3. How can you step beyond the pull of reason’s gravity and experience the Way directly?

Join Sensei Michael Brunner as he guides us through this profound koan and the teachings of Heidegger, inviting us all to laugh with Isan, awaken the one-eyed dragon within, and see the Way that is always right here.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Shoyoroku and other koans: https://oneriverzen.org
• Explore upcoming retreats and talks with Sensei Michael: https://oneriverzen.org
• Follow Awakening Streams for more episodes
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