Nansen Cuts the Cat

Genjo Osho delivers a deeply intimate teisho (trans. place where the truth is), on "Nansen Cuts he Cat," Case 63 from the Blue Cliff Record. As ever he boldly merges traditional Zen history and contemporary points of reference, providing a gripping and striking narrative.

Genjo Osho begins by reminding "This matter of life and death is quite serious." He continue forward with the most fundamental questions. "What is life? What is before life? What is after life? What is This all about? What is the meaning? What is real? Who am I? These questions are fairly synonymous with what we call in Zen This matter."

One thing that I carried away from Genjo Osho's teisho was to release any part or element of myself that is apathetic. To let it go completely by being attentive and ready to engage each moment fully. It reminds me of how many times that my body has been present but my Mind was not. When that happens I'm usually missing something.

Another interesting point, yet terribly obvious is the fact that life is so very fragile and precious. It seems that it's easy to lose track of that and take it for granted. And in the moments that we so-called "lose track" we can miss our sense of connection and need for commitment to each other.

There are many other facets to his presentation that are deeply illuminating and beautiful. You can hear for yourself by either click this link to download it or going to Genjo Osho's page at Switchpod Switchpod. Enjoy.

Gassho,

Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO

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