Put It Down: Embracing Compassion Beyond Judgment

In this teisho titled "Put It Down: Embracing Compassion Beyond Judgment," Sensei Michael Brunner explores Shasekishu Case 14, "Muddy Road." This Zen case brings us face-to-face with the challenges of releasing guilt, shame, and the stories we cling to about ourselves and others. Sensei Brunner encourages us to examine how judgments and labels often obscure the reality of the present moment, keeping us bound to suffering.

Through the lens of "Muddy Road," we learn how to soften these boundaries, letting go of rigid ideas and allowing compassion to arise naturally. This practice becomes a way of moving beyond discursive thinking, helping us to actualize our Buddha nature in our daily lives.

Key points include:

• Recognizing and releasing attachment to guilt and shame
• Embracing the present moment without labels or preconceptions
• Allowing compassion to flow freely, unhindered by fixed judgments
• Practical guidance on embodying compassion in real-world situations

Tune in to deepen your understanding of how Zen practice teaches us to "put it down" and engage with life from a place of clarity and kindness.

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