by D Shapiro
Creative words
flow downstream
with the current.
Embarrassed..
writing thoughts
in the meditation room
TASSAJARA DESCRIPTION: (from brochure):is a natural hot springs located in a remote valley in the heart of the Ventana Wilderness in California. Tassajara, also referred to by its monastery name of Zenshinji (Zen Heart-Mind Temple), is dedicated to San Francisco Zen Center’s mission, which is “to embody, express, and make accessible the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha.” Surrounded by inspiring mountain vistas, Tassajara encourages a more spacious and present way of being. The hot springs melt away the stress and dust of daily living. Carefully prepared food nourishes body and spirit. The air and the skies are crystal clear, and the stars shine brightly at night. Away from the distractions and demands of daily life, supported by the sounds of the creek and the breeze in the sycamores, the opportunity to deeply relax and connect with the natural world is readily at hand.
A POEM WRITTEN DURING MY RETREAT THERE
From the top of the mountain
I look down on the beauty of Tasahara,
From within the sanctuary of Tasahara,
I see the beauty of my home
* * *
A journal note:
At Tasahara I thought of leaving in the middle of the meditation. Is it a compulsive goal-oriented pushing it through or is it learning the discipline that’s necessary to still oneself. To leave or not to leave is a “left brain” analytical decision Adolescent rebellion? The shadow of me seemed to disappear. Was it habituation or the fact that the sun was rising and getting lighter. Very aware of the master walking with his stick — shadow on shadow. At Tasahara meditation was (no research project) — like footprints in the sand learning, possessing is a research project. Often I find myself wanting to do
I remember when talking at Tasahara with one of the monks in training about what Suzukiroshi thought during meditation. He said “That’s like asking the sky what it feels”. The monk said that Suzukiroshi once said that it’s really unimportant to discuss insights during meditation because it doesn’t make any difference anyway. Certainly it was ok to have thoughts “but just don’t invite them to have tea”.