One koan, two sittings!
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 20th 7-9pm & SUNDAY, Sept. 24th 9:30am - 12pm Standing in Clarity... or Not - with Dan Kaplan The koan: Zhao Zhou instructed his assembly: 'The Supreme Way is not difficult; it simply refrains from picking and choosing.' As soon as these words are spoken, you might judge that this is picking and choosing, or that it is clear. I do not dwell in clarity. Can you stand by this and give me a response?" A monk stepped forward and asked, 'If you do not dwell in clarity, what do you stand by?' Zhao Zhou said, "I do not know that, either." There are many popular songs with some version of the lyrics, "I just want to be free." I don't know anybody who came to practice because they noticed how wonderful and smooth their lives were. When I feel confused, angry, in the dark about something, it doesn't feel good. I thought I'd find something that helped all this be put to rest. And here we have a famous zen teacher telling us, telling me, " I do not dwell in clarity?" Isn't that what I have always sought? Isn't that what we all yearn for? The other day, I was talking with my zen teacher, who was commenting on a talk I gave recently. Much of it was 'positive feedback'. Some of it was 'critical feedback'. I took his comments in and found myself grateful for the help pointing out areas where I was stuck and unclear. I noticed the lack of urgency I felt to do anything about it, other than to take it in. Noticing that response too is important when it occurs. Whatever the circumstances I find myself in, I will either welcome them or welcome the input that: I have NOT been welcoming them, and so prolonging my discomfort. For me, this noticing is the core of practice. And perhaps this has something to do with what Zhao Zhou is getting at here. Let's explore Zhao Zhou here and see what we notice and see how it can illuminate our conversation together. Dan 
UNCERTAINTY.CLUB - A Great Read from Pacific Zen Institute 
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RETREATS, RETREATS, COMING RIGHT UP Join John Tarrant in Bhutan - October 4 - 17 Join John and a group of Vajrayana teachers for 13 nights and 14 days in Bhumtang, the sacred valley of Bhutan, including a 5-day practice retreat. Tour includes retreat and dialogue with Western teachers and Bhutanese lamas, monks, and scholars, in Bumthang, the sacred valley of Bhutan. Hosted by Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery. REGISTER or Learn more. __________________________________________________________ There is Nothing I Dislike - with John Tarrant & Rachel Boughton November 4-5, 2017 Talaris Conference Center Seattle, WA In the dream of our lives, it can seem that there’s a lot to dislike. Dog bites, bee stings, other not so favorite things, grief, frustration and truly devastating setbacks, the end of civilization as we know it… But sometimes it’s not like that at all. There’s a feather in a pond, the green wavy leaves of the laurel tree welcome you, the breeze is cool, more REGISTER 
A Wonderful Gift- Support PZI
Pacific Zen Institute presents an exclusive DVD offer Scenes from an extraordinary retreat with two Zen masters, and a chance to support our ongoing work. In Autumn 2012, Zen koan masters John Tarrant and Joan Sutherland came together to converse about The Blue Cliff Record, the first great collection of koans, now almost 1,000 years old. It’s a text filled with stories that change you.We are thrilled to be able to offer this DVD record of the event—a chance to witness their collaboration in a set of live conversations about Zen, koans, and enlightenment. 
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