Defining the call of Buddha nature in everyday life
This refers to the awakening nature of our life, or the alertness required in the insecurity of constant, daily change.
How awareness of impermanence drives practice
One realization leading toward way-mind is a feeling about change, rapid change, bringing a realization of the transient nature of all things, which drives you to practice. You want to find some kind of subtle, unchanging self.
Describing bodhicitta as unstoppable inner fire
The drive to seek enlightenment is like a fire which, once lit, you cannot stop. In Sanskrit it is called bodhicitta.
The natural movement between monastery and world
If you are too different from all other people, you will find yourself in the monastery. And if you spend some length of time in the monastery, you may sort of flow out of the monastery. It is like a persimmon tree whose fruit drops after ripening, and you discover you are among people, all alone.
The essential independence within way-seeking mind
This way mind includes an almost painful recognition of independence. Not necessarily aloneness, rather, it is being born alone, and passing on all alone, that kind of realization.
On essential equality before the Absolute
You can say that before the Absolute all are equal, but there are not two, but one person, who is you.
Kobun's personal experience of suffering in India
Recently, when I traveled through New Delhi, Calcutta, and other places in India, I felt Buddha's life very close. It wasn't just imagination. I felt a slim, very slim, hand pulling me, holding my sleeve, walking with me.
Witnessing a street birth in Calcutta
In the midst of a busy street in Calcutta, we saw a baby being born. It was a beggar's family who had just had their third baby, a slippery, shiny, big head and tiny body. Still had the enormous cord attached. They were so happy to have this baby. I have never seen such a glorious face as that father.
Buddha's sensitivity to others' suffering
He was young, but he couldn't stand the thought of becoming aged. One time he saw a baby being born. On such occasions, most people when they see a poor person in this kind of situation, don't feel that this is happening to them, telling themselves it's others' business.
Looking to history for guidance
As we seek out examples, guiding teachings, we discover a jewel-like light in the dark, forgotten past.