Third summer camp 2024

Kusen from L.Tenryu Tenbreul

Mornings- Zazen 

Over many generations, the Way and its essence have been passed down with deep trust. The outer form has always changed somewhat, but the essence remains unchanging. 

Naturally, the question arises: what is the essence, the nature of the Way? It expresses itself in the interplay of form and emptiness, sound and silence, and then, as Wanshi Zenji says, becomes ‘intimately familiar in the heart’.  The outer form has a certain strictness and clarity, but through the interaction of form and emptiness, a great freedom, a wide space, a space of inner resonance arises within it.  We try to internalise the transmitted form as precisely as possible, but in doing so we are sometimes too rigid or too soft at the beginning. However, over time we can see that the true form is a process of inner resonance. 

We try to embrace the transmitted form as precisely as possible, but sometimes we are too rigid or too soft at the beginning. However, over time we can see that the true form is a process of inner transformation. If we only had form without resonance with the whole, our practice would be nothing more than folklore. But the spirit of transmission is to become open to this inner resonance. 

That is why there is transmission from a living person to a living person, and in the living person the whole depth of the path can be realised. Master and disciple are not a top-down hierarchy, but an example of the resonance that arises in practice

Over time, we learn about the many different aspects of the form and essence of transmission. On the one hand, there are many aspects to it, and at the same time, it is ‘one spirit,’ this moment. 

Therefore, we need not be discouraged if we do not understand everything right away. It is enough to practise this moment with sincerity, this action now. Then something will grow naturally.