![]() ![]() Or, as I suggested in my study of koans, the grammar, or language of dragons. They’re usually short and give us the sense of how to engage koans, the language of koans if you will. In his draft document Eido Roshi mixed these in with what in many traditions are called “Miscellaneous Koans.” These are in-house collections used in specific lineages and follow the breakthrough koan, in our Japanese derived traditions flowing from the great Eighteenth century Hakuin Ekaku, that breakthrough koan is almost always Mu. And it included a number of koans derived from the Western traditions. Truthfully, I can testify to this out of my own life, as well.Īll that said, there’s this wonderful collection in draft form. But, a complete spiritual life requires other things, as well. I can testify to this out of my own life. The dynamic mystery constantly unfolding. Or, perhaps more correctly everything as that openness. It genuinely helps us to see into the fundamental matter of our wild openness as well as the preciousness of everything thing as it arises and falls within that openness. ![]() There’s that, as well.įor me a very important lesson in this is that koan introspection is not everything. I know and deeply respect several of his dharma successors. The upshot was that Shimano was removed from leadership in the sangha he led and only a few years later he died disgraced.Īnd, he was a creative and successful guide along the koan way. There are other words that perhaps are more appropriate. Seduce feels the mildest of possible terms for his misconduct. ![]() He was charged with targeting vulnerable women and taking advantage of his position as a prominent spiritual leader to seduce them. In the final years before his death this erupted into the public sphere. And throughout his teaching career there were rumors of sexual misconduct. He was a very important figure in the establishment of Zen in the West. Shimano Roshi is at the very least a controversial figure. In any case, I hope that many people find this audiobook as, if I may use the term, enlightening -□- as I have, and may the light of love and peace find a place in their hearts.So, I was pleased when a friend pointed me to a draft copy of a koan curriculum for Western students compiled in 1990 by the late Eido Tai Shimano. I also find myself listening to that album often as well. I have always been enamored by the musical interludes, as I’ve always felt that the Matsu Take Ensemble’s “The Mysterious Sound in the Bamboo” adds so much character to this audio version that I would find it a bit hollow if it didn’t have it. I will say in all honesty that I originally wasn’t a big fan of the narration - at first - however, I think it works well, and at times when I read the stories in text form, I hear it as Freda’s voice and it can be quite comforting. I feel compelled in part to leave this review due to the number of lower star reviews that speak of the dissatisfaction of the music or the narrator, and this have struck me as quite ironic given the subject matter. It brings clarity and thoughtfulness back to the forefront of my mind. I have had this audio version of the wonderful work Zen Flesh, Zen Bones for several years now, and I find myself drawn back to play it over again many times a year, particularly when I’m feeling drawn off the Path in my own life. ![]()
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