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As we approach our first retreat this year, we may hesitate at the threshold. Should we attend the retreat? Can we sit in silence for three days? Perhaps there is something else that seems more urgent.
Or are these some of those mistaken views which are endless? Rest assured that, however you answer these questions, you are always accepted in this sangha.
Our temple rules say that “for nine years Bodhidharma sat silently in Sorim.” According to some accounts, this occurred after he was rejected by the Shaolin Temple in China. While we don’t know much about Bodhidharma, we can guess that he had his own mistaken views to cut through during those years in silence.
Bodhidharma persisted and, after nine years, returned to Shaolin Temple where he established the Chan tradition. He is considered the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism whose lineage includes the Chinese ancestors we are focusing on in Kyol Che this year.
So in the months ahead let’s embrace our practice wholeheartedly, regardless of our thoughts. And know that you are always welcome in the Blue Heron Zen Community.
Yours in the dharma,
Bob Kutter, Dharma Teacher
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