Audio available in app
Dogen encourages practitioners to embrace the unknown and the ineffable in meditation from "summary" of Dogen's Manuals of Zen Meditation by Carl Bielefeldt
Dogen emphasizes the importance of approaching meditation with a sense of wonder and openness, rather than seeking to grasp or understand it intellectually. He suggests that practitioners should let go of preconceived notions and surrender to the unfolding of the present moment. In this way, they can cultivate a sense of humility and receptivity, allowing for a deeper connection with the ineffable nature of reality. By encouraging practitioners to embrace the unknown, Dogen challenges them to move beyond the limitations of their conceptual thinking and intellectual understanding. He suggests that true insight and realization can only arise when one is willing to let go of their attachment to fixed ideas and beliefs. Instead, Dogen encourages practitioners to cultivate a sense of curiosity and wonder, approaching meditation with a beginner's mind. Dogen's teachings on the ineffable nature of meditation point to the idea that true awakening cannot be captured or articulated through words or concepts. He suggests that the deepest truths of existence are beyond the grasp of language and can only be experienced directly through practice. By letting go of the need to define or label their experiences, practitioners can open themselves up to a more direct and intimate encounter with reality. In embracing the unknown and the ineffable in meditation, practitioners are invited to cultivate a sense of trust and surrender. Rather than trying to control or manipulate their experiences, Dogen encourages them to let go of their egoic attachments and surrender to the natural unfolding of the present moment. In this way, they can cultivate a deeper sense of connection with the boundless and mysterious nature of reality.
Similar Posts
Divine protection shielded me from harm
I was surrounded by danger, yet a mysterious force seemed to shield me from harm. Whether it was a near-miss with a speeding ca...
Mindfulness is about being present in every moment
Mindfulness is not about trying to achieve anything, nor is it about attaining a state of mind that is serene or peaceful. It's...
Dogen's manuals provide a comprehensive guide to Zen meditation practice
Dogen's manuals offer detailed instructions on the practice of Zen meditation, providing practitioners with a comprehensive gui...
Embracing change fosters insight
Change is an inevitable part of life. We can resist it, fight against it, or cling to what is familiar, but ultimately, change ...
The process of surrendering to the present moment is a key aspect of Zen meditation
The act of surrendering to the present moment is emphasized as a fundamental component of Zen meditation practice in Dogen's Ma...
The path to enlightenment involves selfdiscovery
The journey towards enlightenment is a deeply personal one that requires individuals to look within themselves and discover the...
Communal practices of prayer and meditation
The practice of prayer and meditation is a central aspect of the spiritual life in Golok. It is not merely an individual pursui...
Awakening to the true nature of reality is the goal of mindfulness practice
The goal of mindfulness practice is to awaken to the true nature of reality. This may sound like a lofty ambition, but it is ac...