16 Comments

Another great piece. Your piece beautifully simplifies complex Zen teachings. The Rice Farmer’s wisdom, “Plant the seed, tend the soil, trust the process,” offers a practical takeaway, grounding resilience in consistent, mindful habits.

Expand full comment

thank you sir!

Expand full comment

I can relate to what you share here, Alex. I have been exploring Zen philosophy a significant part of my life. I love writing about these concepts from time to time. Last year, I explored the idea of having a beginner's mind. Also, about incorporating the philosophy of Kintsugi into our lives.

I'm also a big fan of Japanese aesthetics. Have you heard of Japandi design? I find it to be an inspiring blend of Nordic and Japanese styles. I think you might enjoy it too! ;)

Expand full comment

Japandi design is new to me though I have no doubt I've probably looked directly at it! Will look into it :)

Expand full comment

I am grieving 3 close family members who died in about half a year. As the fall gets colder and darker, I have been sinking into non-action at home. Reading the Zen principles, especially about non-attachment as you described it, teaches me the difference between loss, and suffering. I am letting go of my suffering-:)

Expand full comment

Sorry to hear that Phebe. There is a difference, and I'm glad these ideas help you.

Expand full comment

Japan for a year? What a dream! Eastern philosophy is so wise and gentle. Love all of these. Now to untether and apply these gems! Happy Sunday

Expand full comment

it was fun! All the best Paolo

Expand full comment

This was a great piece to read and has spiked my curiosity to look more into Zen and its teachings. Thank you for sharing

Expand full comment

very happy to hear that Richard!

Expand full comment

Thank you for sharing

Expand full comment

you betcha

Expand full comment

The empty boat parable hits home. When someone does something to you, even if it's slight, like driving too close when you're riding you're bike, you feel that burning sensation. And that feeling tells you, "I want to show them a lesson." It takes much awareness to limit the intensity of this feeling until it's reduced to another event to be appreciated and learned from.

Expand full comment

exactly this Ben!

Expand full comment

The single greatest aspect of a meditation practice, one I never imagined appreciating, has been the dhamma (or darma). These parables and the lessons land so much more profoundly than any I can recall from my years as a Christian. To be fair, this brain's memory files are pretty weak anyway.

Happy to have found you, Alex.

Expand full comment

Nothing quite like a lesson from the Ancients to really drive a point home Damon!

Expand full comment