Ummon Streches Out His Hands

“Transcending life and death. Actualizing Zen spirit he casually cuts through iron and nails, he lightly moves heaven and earth.” So begins the latest teisho (i.e. place where the truth is) of Genjo Marinello Roshi of Choboji, entitled Ummon Stretches Out His Hands.”

As ever Genjo Roshi delivers a lively expression of not of so-called “zen-spirit” but Zen (unification) itself. During his teisho he encourages us to share our realization of Buddha (one who is spiritually awake – 360 degrees) nature. This is not as we understand it but know it at this moment. With surgical precision - goes on to point out that “Zen is always pushing us deeper. Always telling us that though we are whole from the get go we are never complete. That we are always learning and that there is always more to learn. And that though right at this moment we are perfectly imperfect, we always have further to go. We are always pressing on, no matter where we are in our training or our practice, to more depth, greater realization and deeper actualization of our practice and training in our ordinary lives.”

As I listen and consider what he’s saying, I’m encouraged not just to think about what is being said, but some how to experience this moment. Not to think compassion but to be compassion. Not to talk about friendship but to be friendship. Not to talk about being a dad but being dad. Not just to embrace but to embody allowing for fewer points of separation and gaps in my life.

Please know that you can download the Genjo Roshi’s podcast using iTunes or Switchpod.com for free. Please keep in mind that podcasts are not just for people with a "iPod" but any computer or MP3 player.

Love and Respect,

Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO