‘Buddhism makes mind its foundation and no-gate its gate. Now, how do you pass through this no-gate?’ – Mumon

‘As you sit on the hillside, or lie prone under the trees of the forest, or sprawl wet-legged by a mountain stream, the great door, that does not look like a door, opens.’ – Stephen Graham, quoted in Robert Macfarlane’s The Wild Places.

Somewhat unwittingly, the first three Roaming Zen outings of the fall season all include the shoreline. On the 11th, a group of us went from the exposed cliffs of Land’s End along secluded – but popular – trails at the edge of the city, and down to Mile Rock Beach, where you would hardly know you were within the city limits. There is a timeless quality to sitting by the water’s edge; this picture from Shalamah evokes the scene from the roam very nicely.

This Saturday, the 24th, we will be further along the Golden Gate, taking in Aquatic Park and Russian Hill; a slightly more urban setting, but with just as many opportunities to find the door that is no-door. The weather is set clear for the week, so please join me if you can.
Here are some pictures from my reconnaissance walk the other day:

I would be very impressed if anyone could identify this staircase.

These two photos were taken from the same spot, one looking ahead, one turning to the left.

I did not know that there was a street of that name. It is only half a block long, mind.