Sub-commentary for ‘A Blueprint of Enlightenment: A Contemporary Commentary on Dōgen Zenji’s “Gokudō Yōjinshū” (Guidelines for Studying the Way)’ by Gien Inoue

At Confluence Zen Center’s recent five year anniversary gathering and book signing in Maplewood, Missouri, I picked up a copy of A Blueprint of Enlightenment: A Contemporary Commentary on Dōgen Zenji’s Gokudō Yōjinshū (Guidelines for Studying the Way) by Gien Inoue translated by Daigaku Rummé and Keiko Ohmae. [Also available via Amazon.] Having attending ConfluenceContinue reading “Sub-commentary for ‘A Blueprint of Enlightenment: A Contemporary Commentary on Dōgen Zenji’s “Gokudō Yōjinshū” (Guidelines for Studying the Way)’ by Gien Inoue”

Dharma Questions: The Jhanas

There seem to be plenty of variation on the descriptions of the jhanas (especially surrounding “Nimittas”); the history and backgrounds of the jhanas — which were supposedly established well before the historical Buddha; — as well as some emotional charge surrounding what is and isn’t jhana and how to properly practice the jhanas, or meditativeContinue reading “Dharma Questions: The Jhanas”

Why We Practice | (8/25/2020 — Introducing: ‘Ask Us Anything’ With Denny K Miu)

This “pilot” of sorts called ‘Ask Us Anything’ marks the start of a monthly, open-audience, open-discussion with co-host Denny K Miu mostly about meditation practices and related topics. Our format isn’t set in stone, but it may gel more over time. We may invite guests. Audience members may talk more. We may freestyle with zeroContinue reading “Why We Practice | (8/25/2020 — Introducing: ‘Ask Us Anything’ With Denny K Miu)”

Sarah Edwards: Past Lives, Translating Intuitive & Empathic Guidance, ‘The Emplacement’ And The Nature of Time

In Conversation with Sarah Edwards — show notes Part two of my conversation with medium and spiritual counselor Sarah Edwards recorded July 23rd 2020 at Mary’s House of Healing in St Charles, Missouri for IntegratingPresence.com. Sarah is an intuitive guide, medium, Usui Tibetan Reiki Master Teacher, and Clairaudient delivering profoundly wise, insightful and skillful messages.Continue reading “Sarah Edwards: Past Lives, Translating Intuitive & Empathic Guidance, ‘The Emplacement’ And The Nature of Time”

Dharma Questions: Awareness / Consciousness

Whatever [one] keeps pursuing with her thinking & pondering, that becomes the inclination of her awareness. Two Sorts of ThinkingDvedhāvitakka Sutta  (MN 19) What is the difference between mind, thoughts, thinking, cognition, consciousness, attention, remembering, knowing, realizing, mind objects, mental formations, mental phenomena, volition, mindfulness, awareness? And what is the relationship between each of these and withContinue reading “Dharma Questions: Awareness / Consciousness”

Dharma Questions: Intent

Intent How and why does intent work? Is retro-causal intention setting possible. If so, is doing so wise and skillful? Can intention be amplified and/or intensified‪? Is ignorance the same as unawareness? Do either ignorance or unawareness relate to amount or quality of consciousness? If there is no existence on an ultimate level, what changesContinue reading “Dharma Questions: Intent”

What is Integrating Presence?

Integrating Presence today looks like allowing for the process of embodying heart-centered awareness — balancing holistic wisdom with the love flavors of unimpeded friendliness; compassion; vicarious joy; and equanimity — leading naturally to true freedom while unfolding our innate courage as we align into wholeness upon our continuing progressive evolution into completing our full potentialsContinue reading “What is Integrating Presence?”