In this powerful teisho, Sensei Sōen Michael Brunner invites us to stop searching for what has never been lost. Drawing from Case 67 of the Book of Equanimity—The Avatamsaka Sutra’s Wisdom—he illuminates the truth that all beings are already endowed with the Tathagata’s wisdom and virtue. But because of deluded thoughts and attachments, we fail to realize it. Sensei explores the metaphor of Indra’s Net, the reality of karmic momentum, and Dōgen’s teaching on traceless enlightenment, urging us to release our stories, identities, and self-made obstacles. Even our delusions, fears, and wounds become gates to liberation when held with awareness. This talk reminds us that awakening isn’t somewhere else—it’s here, in each breath, step, and moment. The priceless jewel has already been sewn into our robe. What will you do with it?
In this teisho from sesshin, Sensei Sōen Michael Brunner explores Case 67 of the Book of Equanimity: The Avatamsaka Sutra’s Wisdom. Shakyamuni Buddha proclaims that all sentient beings are already endowed with the Tathagata’s wisdom and virtue—but due to deluded thoughts and attachments, they fail to realize it.
Topics covered in this talk include:
The liberating power of wonder over mere knowing
The vision of radical interdependence found in Indra’s Net
Karmic momentum and how it conditions our experience
Dōgen’s teaching on traceless enlightenment
The parable of the hidden jewel from the Lotus Sutra
How even confusion, pain, and delusion can be gateways to awakening
The importance of practice-enlightenment in everyday life
“Your life, just as it is, is that jewel sewn into your robe.”
Let go. Sit down. Realize what has always been yours.
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