Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘Reality itself is also a teaching. All beings in this universe – trees, leaves, and animals – teach us to awaken to the reality that is impermanent and egoless. We are not sensitive enough to hear this teaching without effort, so we must actively listen and study.’ (Living By Vow)

My student group will be studying this wonderful book this year. The above quote, which I have posted before, is perhaps the first time I really felt this idea articulated, though it is abundant throughout Dogen’s writings. It is a cornerstone of my practice these days – although perhaps I might quibble with the “also” in the first sentence. There isn’t really anything but reality.