Words of Wisdom for Aug. 6, 2019:
Shohaku Okumura on
Essential Existence

"The Buddha taught that the atman or self does not ultimately exist. He said that everything living or existing is a collection of different elements that are constantly changing. Our lives are dependent on other beings and elements that allow us to be alive as the person we are in this moment. So if one of these things that we depend on changes, whether it is within or outside us, we also must change. This is in fact what the Buddha meant when he said that everything is impermanent and without essential existence. This is the basic reality of our lives, but it is difficult for us to accept."

— Shohaku Okumura
Realizing Genjokoan:
The Key to Dogen's Shobogenzo


19024