Essays by Fa Dao
The Intrinsic Nature of Meditation
by Fa Dao Shakya
Published Jun 01, 2011
Meditation is a key factor in Chan / Zen and Buddhism in general -- and yet we have no monopoly on the concept of meditation as a spiritual pursuit. Every religion has a tradition approaching meditation although most in the Western World do not focus on that aspect as... Read more
Bodhi day: the day of enlightenment
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published Dec 07, 2007
It was the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, the story goes, that Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Shakyamuni, awoke from a week of meditation to view of the morning star - Venus - and exclaimed, "That's it! That's it! That's me! That's me that's shining so brilliantly!" In... Read more
In the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published Dec 05, 2006
Like the Buddha's Disciple Moggallana in search of his mother, I have entered the Preta Realm with a mission. oggallana entered this realm in an effort to save his mother. She had been reborn in this hell-realm as the result of greed. A spirit ever-hungry as the result of the... Read more
Zen's Spiritual Guide
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published Nov 29, 2006
What does it mean to be a spiritual guide? A Zen Roshi or Sifu? It means we strive to balance heart and mind;to live our Spirit. It means we have lived and learned and are still living and learning.That we are one in an ancient succession of teachers, offering to... Read more
The Monk, The Man and the Fish
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published May 03, 2005
A solitary monk was carrying a large fish to his home to prepare it for his meal. As he walked along the path, a man approached from the other direction. As he reached hailing distance, the man called out “Hey monk! I see you coming! What is that you're carrying?”Not... Read more
A Loose Garment
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published Apr 04, 2005
Speaking with a friend on the phone recently and asked about her practice. Just the general sort of conversational "how's it going" type of question.She answered "I'm wearing my practice like a loose garment." Not concentrating or striving or actively "Being Buddhist," she said. Sitting fairly often, but otherwise not... Read more
Denial of Beauty by Austerity?
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published Dec 22, 2004
The simplest of foods or the meanest of meals is a banquet if we appreciate it for what it is -- sustenance, a gift from the earth and the fruit of the labors of men and women. A simple noodle is fit for a king when we appreciate its texture... Read more
When Righteousness Goes Wrong
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published Nov 11, 2004
Chan Buddhists, just like followers of other religions, want to do what's right. We strive to be righteous and to avoid self-aggrandizing actions and activities. It's imperative that we consider what it means to "do right" since we often fall into the trap of "doing wrong." We must identify and... Read more
The Buddhism of Zen (in 10 minutes or less)
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published Oct 26, 2004
Dependent upon whom one asks, Zen is either a school of Buddhism or a school of thought and ethical philosophy adjunct to Buddhism. While zen often teaches the folly of differentiation, hard definition and non-malleable mental categorization, it also teaches that all things should be understood by their very nature.... Read more
Using the Sutras
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published Sep 02, 2004
We study the Sutras as a guide as we embark on our own spiritual adventures. They provide us strength in times of difficulties, give us solace in times of despair, and motivate us in times of apathy. Eventually, as we travel on our own unique journey, we learn to navigate... Read more
A True Story
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published Aug 22, 2004
Once upon a time there was a lone wolf. All of his life he had been free, independent and secure in the knowledge that he was a wolf (and a fine one at that) despite the opinion of certain other wolves. One day, in about his 30th year of "wolfness" and... Read more
Jack Dudney - Dharma Drummer
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published Mar 13, 2003
Jack Dudney wasn't a zen teacher. Well- he was, but I don't think he knew it.Jack Dudney was my drum teacher when I was a kid. A professional musician, Jack played Big Band with Ed Gerlach's Orchestra in Houston and he taught music lessons on the side. I took lessons... Read more
Sharing The Journey: The Wasted Moment
by Fa Dao, OHY
Published Jan 08, 2003
Sitting and not thinking -- quietly watching the snow on the lawn, doing nothing including nothing itself. A wee curl of smoke from the incense stick twists and twirls and takes shape - a face almost human. Oh no!!! Not him!!!! It's the Prince of Pragmatism! The... Read more