In this episode, Sensei Michael Brunner explores the wisdom of Hekiganroku, Case 36: Chōsha Wandering in the Mountains. Through this kōan, Sensei dives into the importance of living fully in the present moment, without attachment to expectations or fixed ideas. He draws a distinction between positive samadhi—the act of engaging with life as it arises—and absolute samadhi, which refers to the dissolution of the self in death. Using stories from Zen tradition and reflections on everyday life, Sensei reminds us that life is fleeting, much like the autumn leaves dancing on the wind. By embracing each moment and stepping into life with compassion and openness, we can experience the fullness of positive samadhi and avoid being trapped by the limits of our judgments and intellect.
"Wandering in the Mountains: Living Fully with Positive Samadhi"
In this episode, Sensei Michael Brunner reflects on the kōan from the Hekiganroku (Blue Cliff Record), Case 36: Chōsha Wandering in the Mountains. Through this powerful teaching, Sensei explains the difference between positive samadhi—the experience of fully living in the present—and absolute samadhi, which signifies the dissolution of the self in death.
Sensei discusses how Zen practice is about embracing life as it unfolds, without getting caught up in expectations or intellectual judgments. He encourages us to stop living in the storylines we’ve created and to show up for the present moment, using the energy and compassion available to us right now.
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