r/zenbuddhism

I've been thinking a lot about the classic Zen proverb lately: "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water; after Enlightenment, chop wood, carry water."

​Most people interpret this as a reminder that the world doesn't magically turn into Eden once you’ve had a breakthrough; you still have bills and all the rest of the mundane bullshit. But I want to deconstruct this further. What if chopping wood and carrying water after enlightenment is actually the transition into service?

​The physical act remains identical, but the "Why" may have a different meaning;. You aren't just chopping wood for your own fire anymore. Instead you’re keeping the hearth warm for whoever walks through the door.the effort becomes an offering to the collective. With no expectations for accolades or reciprocation.

​Helping others doesn't always require a grand gesture.. It’s the ego-less work of clearing a path. If you are "enlightened", you realize that carrying water for another is effectively carrying it for yourself.

Maybe the most profound way we help others is by how and why we do it.:When you chop wood with total presence, Your work becomes a fulfilling and selfless act that lightens the burden for everyone around you.

​Enlightenment isn't a retirement plan from the physical world; it’s a deeper immersion into it.

​The acts didn't change. U DID!. And because you changed,the work becomes an act of love.. This is the attitude of the empathetic and compassionate with a need for something tangibly positive.

To keep it, you have to give it away

r/endotheology 101

🕉️💟♾️

I know koans are meant to be done in an interview style with a teacher but I’ve been wondering if anyone has found use for them outside of the interview style even if they can’t be utilized in the same way. Does any teacher/master comment on how to integrate them into your daily practice or how to read these stories so they’re more effective?

This is a really special talk. Guo Gu gives a short recap from the previous talk about the Sangha’s function and purpose, then dives in on the “how” and “why” of it, along with individualism and his own monastic sangha experience and things that can be done to foster Chan in the West.

What really struck me is when he started talking about monasticism in the US, the challenges that the Chan tradition, and by extension Dharma Drum Mountain, faces and the goal of the Tallahassee Chan Center and its residency programs. It’s also very relatable as he speaks on practicing Buddhism in the South/the Bible Belt and how that can affect those challenges and the challenges of building a community with strong authentic Buddhist roots. As someone from the heart of southern Appalachia, these kinds of things are beyond important to talk about.

Another short section I found really illuminating is where he speaks on the tendency of western students to leave monasticism in favor of pursuing “spiritual counseling,” academic, or otherwise careers that essentially leave Buddhist tradition behind; as well as the potential repercussions of this often overlooked issue. This kind of stuff has to be addressed if we have any hope at all for a true Western Turning.

There is a lot to say about this community and the vision it holds. In the talk, Guo Gu speaks on the wider TCC community from online to overseas and the ways in which TCC provides support for that wider community- from practice, to texts, to neurodiverse support, and breaking limitations through community.

Really a great talk with a lot of substance. If you’re gonna listen to a Dharma talk today, consider giving this one (and part 1 for context) some of your time

Hope yall have a good day 🙏

Hello 30(m) here

I have been into zen and mindfulness since I was young but didn't pick up the mantel of zen until about 4-5 years ago.

Anyways

My biggest issue in my day to day is I feel my higher self talk to me and show me the path to walk. But I usually fall to lower impulses and succumb to temptation more often than not.

I guess instead of addictions and bad habits what can I replace it with ?

I feel like when I try to ignore it. It just grows in my head and like literally it's all I think about.

I want to delve deeper into Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu philosophy, and I'd like to meet people who share this same lifestyle. I also welcome recommendations for books and YouTube channels, please.

Hi I am have been practicing TM meditation for quite a while. It has helped reduce anxiety but nothing else. It’s actually made me quite miserable, joyless. Once I do Shikantaza meditation I feel great, relaxed, energised happy. Just wondering does Shikantaza work as well to get rid of anxiety as TM because I prefer the formers benefits more.