#27 NEBRASKA!

OM  AHA   

Ha ha ha.  Actually, not much mantra in Western Zen, but zooming in to Omaha's Nebraska Zen Center was very centering and stabilizing.  Founded in 1975, NZC has a history linked to the combined Rinzai and Soto traditions, known as Sanbo Kyodan or Harada/Yasutani after the founders. 

Today's session began with brief instructions to sit straight, hold hands in Hokkaijoin (left hand in right hand thumbs touching).   This was followed by a talk on 'Case #87' from the book, The Record of the Empty Hall, by NZC's resident teacher (not present today) Dosho Port, which features 100 classic Koans. 

The talk was led by Zen student Terra Hall on #87: Manjusri’s “Kill and Give Life”

Manjusri directed Sudhana to gather medicine, saying,
“In the future, gather whatever is medicine.”

Sudhana went all over gathering, finding none that is not medicine,
and nevertheless returned to Manjusri and said,
“There are none that are not medicine.”

Manjusri said, “Next, gather whatever is medicine.”
Sudhana then picked up one blade of grass and handed it to Manjusri. 

Manjusri grasped the blade, held it up, and said,
“This medicine can kill and also can give life.”

I enjoyed Terra's talk on it, which included a personal reflection on dealing with destructive bugs on her organic farm, and also how much joy she found when friends unexpectedly welcomed and supported her after an operation, including completely cleaning her home. 

I don't get Koans but then I understand them to be meant for a significant time of reflection, until the grasping mind finally lets go.  Some members discussed the notion that 'everything is medicine', that our troubles and struggles and even our enemies give us a wake-up call. 

Ah, maybe that's it.   I own the prison of my mind, and it's pardon, my sickness and my cure.