Letting Go of the Story

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - ZMM - 6/23/24 - From The Record of the Transmission of the Light, Case 10 – Buddhamitra (or Fudamitta, the Ninth Zen Ancestor) - Our identity is built up with stories we learn to tell about ourselves, and many of these keep us in a state of suffering of which we’re barely aware. When a story we carry in our minds meets reality, often there is resistance. To relinquish this habit takes strength and mindful awareness. To just let ourselves live in harmony with changing circumstances, in accord with our true nature, is a benefit of zazen practice.