Throughout the history of Zen and Taoism, masters and practitioners have spoken of “The Way” or “The Tao.” This refers to the great way, the way of reality. The Chinese say “the way of heaven and earth.” This great way is synonymous with awakening, enlightenment, our true nature, the lost coin.
At the same time, the great way is no different than “the way” of everyday life.
Harmonizing the great way and the way of everyday life, making them one is our practice. It is retrieving our true life.
Excellence in our daily life, relationship, business, science, art, parenting is the pursuit of the way. It is the way of the practitioner who is not defeated by adversity, but instead looks at challenges as an opportunity to create and perfect.
Lost Coin continues this tradition.
What a wonderful way to live our lives – fully and with great respect (energy) for everything we do, others and ourselves. To throw ourselves completely into our life, to study and utilize the knowledge of the “ways,” to close the gap and become one with our life – this is the “Way.” photo credit: James Jordan
Doen Sensei was recently interviewed live on Inside Out, an online radio program on Unity.FM.
Listen to archived MP3 below: insideout.mp3 photo credit: C.P.Storm
Doen Sensei’s insightful and though-provoking Wonderland: The Zen of Alice, which was published by Parallax Press in October 2009, was recently selected to appear in The Best Buddhist Writing 2010, edited by Melvin Mcleod. This is the seventh annual compilation of the most notable Dharma writings of the year, compiled by editors of the Shambala Sun and published by Shambala Publications.
In recent years this annual compilation has featured the work of John Daido Loori, Roshi; Thich Nhat Hanh; the Dalai Lama; Pema Chodron; Sylvia Boorstein; Natalie Goldberg; and many other deeply respected teachers and writers.
In the brief six months since Wonderland was first published, its critical acclaim has been gratifying. The book has received enthusiastic reviews, has climbed Amazon’s charts, and is being translated into several languages. Congratulations to Doen Sensei!
This photo of an inscription and calligraphy is inside a book called “The Flight of Dragons.” John Daido Loori Roshi gave it to me in 1986. I had been his student for 6 years at this time. The recent death of Daido the Old Dragon, reminded me to look for it. The lore of the Dragon is part of the ancient heritage of both the East and West. This lore was passed directly to me by Daido Roshi and is now part of the lore of Lost Coin. The dragon referred to here is the one that fills heaven and earth, past and present. Its gigantic body reaches in all directions. Its flight dims the sun and darkens the stars. It’s eye is the awakened eye – your eye.
Doen For Doen The word Dragon itself Means “Seeing” You must never Meet a Dragon’s Gaze or you will be Powerless. When you see as the Dragon’s Eye You are empowered. Remember the Dragon Speaks In Riddles and Koans. It Knows as Much about you As you know yourself. Happy Birthday Daido Tremper Mountain March 15, 1986
Observing ourselves can be difficult. Often we find that observing ourselves throws us into a state where we doubt ourselves, we dislike what we see. We identify with the negative aspects of ourselves instead of just seeing them and forget that we are perfect and complete to begin with.
Clarifying and embodying that perfection, that “Lost Coin”, is our practice. Still we get lost in the woods. The woods are what we are observing – so we can get out – so we can find home.
Most of us enjoy amusing stories about other peoples struggles with themselves, their practice, their teachers. Stories about getting stuck, but it’s something altogether different when we look at where we’re stuck. We don’t think that is so funny.
We can take a look at the places where we are stuck, even though it can be hard and try not to be too hard on ourselves in the process. When you practice just try to see yourself, see yourself being right or angry or feeling like a victim or whatever your mechanical tendency is.
Try to think of it like being an athlete: a tennis player might observe that she has a weak backhand. Her opponent will always hit to her backhand, but if she sees that’s a weak spot that is very important – she can work on it.
We all have a weak backhand, whatever it is, and that’s what we called the Chief Feature – the default behaviors and perceptions. This does not change the fact that we are perfect and compete. Even what we see as our greatest failings are part of the perfection. Becoming conscious of these area clarifies that perfection.
We can find that weak backhand and really look at it. Do it objectively, do it repeatedly, and don’t be too self-critical. Just seeing it, becoming conscious of it is our practice. Certain weeds only grow in the dark.
It was everything really
The sound of the snow as I shifted from foot to foot.
The air sharp, thin and cold
The white pines long arms reaching skyward
Needles turning in the wind.
The chanting.
Fire in the stone pit
The smell of char.
The burned paper notes of remembrance float
Around me
In the wind:
they are passing through the needled branches of the white pines,
black moths
set free.
In memoriam, John Daido Roshi
2009
~Caryn Silberberg
On Tuesday February 14, 2006, Doen Sensei started a study group called “Exploring Excellence.” Elena James, Steve Marteney, Joan Degiorgio, and I were there on that first night, and many others who have come and gone since those days. Other current students of Lost Coin started with the group soon thereafter including Sterling Okura and Tawni Anderson.
After four years of Lost Coin, I can sincerely say that you are all wonderful people and each of you have changed me and helped me endlessly. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Lost Coin; it is so important to have the support and help of others in this practice.
Most of all, thank you Doen for four years of effort, inspiration, and patience. And Caryn, thank you for your good humor and high tolerance as we invaded your home, your time, and Doen’s attention.
With students now in multiple countries and many states, and with groups in Dusseldorf, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco, the fifth year of Lost Coin promises to be the best yet! Thank you for making that so.
Love,
Rebecca Ryuen Long Okura
On March 13th & 14th 2010, Daniel Doen Silberberg Sensei will be leading a retreat, The Traveler’s Intentions. Participants will experience the freedom and joy that comes from approaching life as a traveler. This retreat is being held in Park City, Utah, and is open to the public as well as Lost Coin students. Doen Sensei encourages non-members to attend. Doen Sensei will be interacting directly and often with the participants and will provide plenty of opportunity through meditation, group processes and talks, to really look closely at beliefs, perceptions, attitudes, and habits which create barriers for us.
To register for the retreat, please click here. The cost of the retreat is $130 and includes lunch on Saturday. Please bring your own sitting cushions and whatever you will need to be comfortable. Saturday, we’ll begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, we’ll begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Lost Coin at contact@lostcoinzen.com or call 800-731-5061.
When Doen Sensei’s Wonderland: The Zen of Alice was first published in October, it received an enthusiastic welcome–many readers who came to book signings were turned away because booksellers had not anticipated how heavy the demand would be (one store sold more than 50 copies in less than an hour). Just four months later, the book is drawing more and more new readers. Wonderland currently ranks number 15 in Amazon’s “Zen Philosophy” category and number 26 in the vast, general “Zen” category. Wonderland‘s success has been so impressive that Random House will be publishing a German version in the near future. We’ll keep you updated on other new versions as they’re announced. Congratulations, Sensei, and bring on your next book!
photo credit: James Jordan
Recent Comments