Practice as if Your Life Depends on It | Shōyorōku Case 32 | Kyōzan's State of Mind

In this episode, Sensei Michael shares reflections from the closing of a September 2024 sesshin at One River Zen. As the retreat draws to a close, he explores the powerful insights that arise when we step out of the stories we've created about ourselves and engage with the present moment. Drawing from Shōyōroku Case 32, "Kyōzan’s State of Mind," Sensei Michael invites us to observe our thoughts and experience life directly, without being swept away by mental constructs.

The episode also weaves in the teachings of Carl Jung from his Red Book, emphasizing the importance of letting go of fixed ideas and embracing the natural growth of our true selves. Just as Jung encourages growth without knowing the law of it, Sensei Michael reminds us that our practice is about meeting life as it is—not as we think it should be.

Join us as we explore how to shift beyond intellectual understanding and step into the boundless nature of being. Remember, once you’ve seen your true nature, you can’t unsee it—but continued practice is essential, as the weeds of delusion can quickly grow back.

Key Points:

• The seductive power of personal stories and how to step beyond them
• Reflections on Shōyōroku Case 32 and Kyōzan's guidance on observing thought
• Insights from Carl Jung’s Red Book on natural growth and letting go of the small self
• The importance of continued practice to prevent delusions from creeping back in

Takeaway: Let go of who you think you should be, and find your life where it is, right here and now. But don’t stop practicing—true insight requires ongoing effort.

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