Without our fantasies we would never become who we are Barry Magid April 16th 2016

When we embark on our practice of Zen we are inevitably in the grip of fantasies of what it will do for us. And they may be just that. They may bear no resemblance to what practice might actually do. Dogen tells us not to think that ash is after firewood or that firewood becomes ash. Each is complete as what it is. This radically goes against our notions of progress. And yet, without our fantasies, we would never become what we are.

Download Talk

Gary Snyder The Great Clod

The great clod burdens me with form, labors me with life, eases me in old age, and rests me in death. So if I think well of my life for the same reason I must think well of my death.

If you found this talk helpful, consider donating to Ordinary Mind

This talk was brought to you by the generosity of people like you. Ordinary Mind Zendo is a non profit organization that depends entirely on the generosity of people like you for its continued existence. If sitting with us, listening to our talks, or supporting a Zen center in New York City is in line with your values, you can make a donation here.