Kisagotami's Mustard Seed - Hidden Lamp 49

Will Western Buddhism lead us to selfish acts and an egoistic pursuit of enlightenment if we do not reintroduce the original communal aspects of Buddhism as they were present at the time of the Buddha?

In this Zen Talk, Sensei Kanko delves into the profound intersection of Buddhism and the universal experience of grief. She shares her journey from India to the United States, weaving in the poignant story of Kisagotami, Buddha, and the mustard seed to highlight the contrast between Eastern traditions of communal support and the Western approach to Buddhism that often overlooks these essential aspects. With vivid recollections of her initial retreats, Sensei Kritee critiques the ego-driven attitudes that were prevalent in her early practice in the United States, as well as in Western Buddhism in general, advocating for a practice that is not about escaping the world but about finding freedom within it. Drawing from grief practices, the koan tradition, and Zen breathing techniques, she suggests that facing life's harsh realities can lead to profound spiritual openings. At the same time, she questions whether just the solitary pursuit of enlightenment without the communal and ethical dimensions of original Asian Buddhism can address the challenges of today. Can Zen practices offer psychedelic-like insights? Are we, in essence, nurses for each other?

Sensei Kanko gave this talk during the May 2023 Zen retreat (sesshin).

Thank you for listening to the Boundless in Motion podcast. You can access more information about our programs and retreats by going to www.boundlessinmotion.org or www.kriteekanko.com.

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