Thinking is the Problem: Let Go

[@madelinebrennan9636]

Interesting that body is really important in this practice.

[@Interiormythos]

Madeline, excellent observation! Nice to hear from you again! Yes, the physical body is our first classroom, our last classroom, and the classroom within which all lessons and practices in-between happen! Keep an eye on the Interior Mythos Journeys KZbin channel for the release of “The Ultimate Body” exploring this reality in 11 sequential segments. The public release will take place in 2025. GO Deep!

[@madelinebrennan9636]

@@Interiormythos I'm very curious about something related to the point about the body being the important place of practice. Why, then, if the body is tired during sitting, would one ignore that to continue practice? why wouldn't one sleep when the body says it is tired? isn't that the way to really pay attention to the body in practice? Or am I misunderstanding how the body is important in this practice?

[@Interiormythos]

Madeline, thank you for this beautiful question! Human beings have been wrestling with this question since we crawled out of the cave. To simply satisfy the myriad needs and cravings of the body is to quickly become obese, an alcoholic, or addicted to one of many sensate options. To severely deny the needs and cravings of the body is to practice asceticism to a degree capable of removing us from much of life. Clearly there is a delicate tension for each of us to personally discover and practice. It is somewhere in this “tension” between inhabiting a physical body and grasping at a deeper level that we are something more; a relational being capable of affirming or denying our physical nature, that we encounter our essence. It is this struggle “Life Journey #8 - The Ultimate Body” explores. We hope you will engage it fully when it is released in 2025. GO Deep!

[@gedfi]

This is one of the best descriptions of how to meditate that I have come across! The one thing I had to learn was to open the hand of thought without judgement or self-criticism. Thoughts happen. There is no "to fail" when you notice a thought, or you notice yourself dreaming. Just awaken and let go. With compassion.

[@Interiormythos]

@gedfi, thank you for confirming these important insights. Yes, “thoughts happen” and letting go, with compassion, is an endless practice. The Life Journeys series found on the homepage of this channel is a sequential and experiential guide to becoming a contemplative practitioner; one skilled in the task of managing consciousness. Check it out! GO Deep!

[@Fedaalis]

This guy reminds me of a modern day Suzuki Roshi, which is not surprising given they both trace their lineage to Dogen. The ordinariness and simplicity of the instruction is perfect for someone like me who tends to over-intellectualize everything and/or wittingly or unwittingly set up convoluted and delusional goals or conjure up mystical interpretations of Zen.

[@Interiormythos]

Fedaalis, good words! Thank you for these reflections. We hope to encounter more of you on this special channel. GO Deep!

[@richardofhearts3190]

So many spiritual videos on medication make it complicated and outside of realistic everyday life for me; he mikes it wonderfully simple and usable. His talk was very helpful for my meditation practicing.

[@Interiormythos]

Richard of Hearts, thank you for this simple and profound reflection. Abbot Okumura points out that there is nothing more difficult than being “natural;” “just sit.” May we all continue to find our way back into our own real lives. May real life become our practice! Here is a module exploring this insight: Re-Awakening Experience-Based Life kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZKoYqltrrN3epY

[@cowzah8551]

Just seeing and hearing him speak is meditative.. even though he does not meditate, he just sits ☺

[@Interiormythos]

Cowzah, thank you for this observation. Example remains the best teacher! Continue to explore the journey Abbot Okumura exemplifies. Check out the Life Journey series on the home page of the Interior Mythos Journeys KZbin channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for learning and practicing contemplation. GO Deep!

[@squidward9191]

He seems soo sweet!!

[@Interiormythos]

Squidward, Yes, you are correct. And…it is important to grasp that this “sweetness” of Abbot Okumura emanates from over 5 decades of practice in sitting in the presence of “immeasurable Reality;” a task most of us daily resist. Abbot Shohaku Okumura is the real thing. Thank you for visiting this channel. We hope you will return often. Abbot Okumura and many other contemporary teachers-of-depth share their messages here. Please also encounter: Befriending Reality kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4HRhGSGm9Oggrc

[@AndreasDelleske]

But he is no longer a good boy as he said :)=) that cracked me up, coming from his mouth, grinning :)

[@rafaelecattonar1506]

@@Interiormythos can you explain me why Chants are important in Zen Buddhism? Which is their meaning?

[@divine-wind]

Attachment to thinking. We must free ourselves from self clinging. The ego needs to let go of itself. Meditation is the practice of letting go. Each moment then merges into the one eternal

[@Interiormythos]

@divine-wind, thank you for this reflection. May we all practice finding our way into the timelessness of each moment! We are grateful you have discovered this special channel. We hope you will return often. Consider an encounter with the Life Journey series, available on the home page of this channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for contemporary contemplative practitioners. It can provide a helpful teaching tool for solitary inquiry or group discussion. Check it out! GO Deep!

[@siewkonsum7291]

Okumuru 🙏🙏🙏 (To share) Breath in, is "Nir" Breath out, is "Vana". Inside blow out to extinguish; All sufferings means Nirvana! Based on some Pali interpretations spoken by some Buddhist Gurus. 🙏🙏🙏

[@apostatepaul]

Absolutely fascinating. I really understood your points about becoming empty skandhas by dropping off of the body and mind. Thank you for such clarity. 👌

[@Interiormythos]

@apostatepaul, yes…yes! Contemporary clarity, regarding the Deep Well nurturing us all, from whatever tradition, is precisely what the world and each of us personally, now need. Thank you for this confirmation. GO Deep!

[@acedanger75]

Excellent. All signs seem to point in the same direction…no separation, no dualism.

[@Interiormythos]

Ace Danger, yes…yes! Thank you for this affirmation. We are grateful you discovered this channel. We hope you will return often and share your comments freely. If you wish to adopt a regular practice of exploring a deep personal journey within this 21st Century global village we share, consider the sequential steps of the “Life Journeys” series you can discover in the Playlists on this channel. We know of no more important practice for humanity today than re-connecting with the universal Deep Place and allowing this connection to modulate our thinking and action. This material can nurture the beginning seeker or the well-practiced master. Our world needs contemporary contemplative practitioners. The “Life Journey” series uses material from some of the greatest living teachers who are mostly unknown to the popular culture; including Abbot Shohaku Okumura, Sister Joan Chittister, and many others from the East and the West. These sequential cinematic art form modules guide one deeper and deeper into consciousness and the practices of a contemporary contemplative. Think of each module (Station) as a component of daily practice or study like a foundational dharma talk or contemplative catechism. To advance in becoming a contemplative practitioner, we suggest encountering one sequential module per day, or some other regular schedule that works for you. The journey begins with an awareness of “The Presence.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbOl4Vnn9emodE. This sequential journey is an excellent opportunity for solitary inquiry or shared group discussion. The top Comment listed under each module contains a context for the specific video on screen and a link to the next sequential station. We hope to see more comments and reflections from you again soon. We will always attempt to respond. Here is a link to a short context that will help you understand the “Life Journeys” series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWmmad4j8mkn9k GO Deep!

[@madelinebrennan9636]

That distinction between concentration practice and a general awareness practice (as one has when driving a car) was very eye-opening and helpful to me. Thank you.

[@Interiormythos]

Madeline, thank you. We are grateful this important image of driving-consciousness what helpful to you as it has been to us. We are also grateful you have discovered this special channel and hope you will return often. Please consider a sustained encounter with The Life Journey series on the home page of the Interior Mythos Journeys KZbin channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for the contemporary contemplative practitioner. You will discover this dynamic profoundly in all the Life Journey series. But to get a feel for the material, Life Journey #7 - The Ultimate Journey is a good place to start. Just scroll down the home page. Check it out and keep in touch! GO Deep!

[@FTWbiology]

Hands down one of the best explanations I've ever heard. Just sitting and watching, not focusing on any particular thing, not creating a duality between body and mind OR self and outside world. Watch the Watcher. Namu Amida Butsu 🙏

[@Interiormythos]

FTWbiology, we are deeply grateful you have discovered this channel, its’ profound message, and the teachings of Abbott Okumura. We hope you will return often. Please continue to explore the Life Journey series on the home page of the Interior Mythos Journeys KZbin channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for learning and practicing contemplation. Namu Amida Butsu 🙏 GO Deep!

[@nicholasgrover2558]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Thank you for the teachings. With palms together, Nikko

[@Interiormythos]

Nicholas, yes 🙏. We are grateful you have discovered this special channel. We hope you will return often. You will appreciate the mission of this channel to communicate the message of Abbot Okumura and other great teachers. Please consider an encounter with the Life Journey series, available on the home page of this channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for the contemporary contemplative practitioner. It can provide a helpful teaching tool for solitary inquiry or group discussion. Check it out. GO Deep!

[@davidmickles5012]

Authentic teaching from an authentic teacher. Like my own teacher.. Katagiri Roshi😉🙏

[@Interiormythos]

David, Yes, it is good…in fact, necessary, to journey under the guidance of an authentic teacher. Thank you for this comment and for connecting with this channel. We hope you will return often and refer your friends. This channel reveals many great teachers living among us today who are mostly unknown to the popular culture. Please also consider an encounter with: Interior Dialogue with Great Voices kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKqbiJqgqMt8f7c

[@uladzislaushulha1994]

Okumura is a great, great speaker. One has to has a special attitude to listen to such talks. Then a very special 1x1 or 0x0 connection is established with the speaker.

[@Interiormythos]

Uladzislau Shulha, Thank you for these perceptive reflections. And…thank you for visiting this special channel. We are grateful you are here and hope you will return often and invite your friends. Two classic works you may wish to encounter, which will also provide a feel for the material on this channel include: The Practice of Deep Listening kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmXRgmCJfM5kgdk and The Practice of Deep Breathing kzbin.info/www/bejne/roqykH-VmZ5sl7s .

[@sebastiank9175]

I often come back to these videos again and again , each time I watch the video again , I found something new and informative, his teachings is simple and profound and easily digestible , thank you okumura, I wish I could meet you someday.

[@Interiormythos]

Sebastian, yes, this deep well is without bottom; if we are open to the journey, it continues to call us deeper. It is in this deep journey that we are each nurtured. If you ever venture to Bloomington, Indiana, USA we will be delighted to connect you with the sangha of Shohaku Okumura. Until then, the wisdom of Shohaku Okumura infuses the Life Journeys KZbin series. The Life Journey series is presented on the home page of the Interior Mythos Journeys KZbin channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for the contemporary contemplative practitioner. You will discover this dynamic profoundly in Life Journey #7 - The Ultimate Journey. This can be a good place to start. Check it out and keep in touch! We are grateful you have discovered the essence of this special channel. GO Deep! 🙏

[@maelysmorelle8981]

THANK you very much! (me) in the grip of object and subject " i love you" in the grip of the mental and emotionel conditioning . THANK you for the inspiration to practice SITTING and OPEN THE HANDS

[@Interiormythos]

Maelys Morelle, yes! May we all practice sitting and opening the hands! We are grateful for your presence and affirmation. Thank you! If you wish to adopt a regular practice of exploring a deep personal journey within this 21st Century global village we share, consider the sequential steps of the “Life Journeys” series you can discover in the Playlists on this channel. We know of no more important practice for humanity today than re-connecting with the universal Deep Place and allowing this connection to modulate our thinking and action. Our world needs contemporary contemplative practitioners. We are grateful you discovered this channel. We hope you will return often and share your comments freely. The “Life Journey” series uses material from some of the greatest living teachers who are mostly unknown to the popular culture; including Abbot Shohaku Okumura, Sister Joan Chittister, and many others from the East and the West. These sequential cinematic art form modules guide one deeper and deeper into consciousness and the practices of a contemporary contemplative. Think of each module (Station) as a component of daily practice or study like a foundational dharma talk or contemplative catechism. To advance in becoming a contemplative practitioner, we suggest encountering one sequential module per day or some other regular schedule that works for you. The journey begins with “The Presence.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbOl4Vnn9emodE. This sequential journey is an excellent opportunity for solitary inquiry or shared group discussion. We know of no stronger existing guided material to nurture a deep journey in today’s world; for a beginning seeker or a master. The top Comment listed under each module contains a context for the specific video on screen and a link to the next sequential station. We hope to see more comments and reflections from you again soon. We will always attempt to respond. Here is a link to a short context that will help you understand the “Life Journeys” series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWmmad4j8mkn9k GO Deep!

[@kubik6646]

Thanks for sharing! 🙏🍀🌞☺

[@Interiormythos]

Michael, Thank you. As always, your participation in this channel is appreciated. Return often and refer your friends. You may also appreciate: The Practice of Deep Listening kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmXRgmCJfM5kgdk

[@kubik6646]

@@Interiormythos 🙏 Best wishes!

[@ThoseWhoDare]

Great wisdom, thanks.

[@Interiormythos]

Torben, Nice to share this channel with you! Thanks for being here. Please return often and refer your friends. This channel explores life-in-the-depth yet with contemporary language. You may appreciate this module: Practice an Intentional Interior Life kzbin.info/www/bejne/epLCf6xvo9ergKs

[@alfreddifeo9642]

Thanks for sharing truth. 🎯♥😶 🙏☮ Happy Holidays to everyone

[@Interiormythos]

Alfreddifeo, Thank you for this kind affirmation and holiday greeting. We are grateful you found your way to this special channel which is home for many pure teachers and deep truth. We hope you will return often. Please continue to explore the Life Journey series on the home page of the Interior Mythos Journeys KZbin channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for learning and practicing contemplation. GO Deep!

[@seddik6522]

Amazing video !! quality information always! I have a question, how does one arrive at a state of No Mind (stop thoughts), what exactly should be done? Thank you 🙏🙏

[@Interiormythos]

@seddik6522, thank you for this affirmation and excellent question. There is only one way to permanently stop thoughts and that is to stop breathing permanently! This is why we “practice.” In our practice of managing consciousness, we can and do experience moments, or even prolonged encounters, with No Mind or the cessation of thought. But the pesky human mind will always reassert its presence. Yet we practice; we practice until our last moment. We are grateful you have discovered this special channel. We hope you will return often. Consider an encounter with the Life Journey series, available on the home page of this channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for contemporary contemplative practitioners. It can provide a helpful teaching tool for solitary inquiry or group discussion. Check it out! GO Deep!

[@zararin3208]

Insightful. Thank you

[@Interiormythos]

@zararin3208, thank you for the affirmation. We are grateful you have discovered this special channel. We hope you will return often. Please consider an encounter with the Life Journey series, available on the home page of this channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for the contemporary contemplative practitioner. It can provide a helpful teaching tool for solitary inquiry or group discussion. Check it out. GO Deep!

[@ronaldoferreira594]

Thank you!

[@Interiormythos]

Ronaldo, Nice to have you on this channel. Please return often and invite your friends. You may wish to encounter the entire interview with Abbot Okumura at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKvHiq2rZ5dmbLM

[@siewkonsum7291]

Okumuru 🙏 Since thinking is the problem; SK Sum wishes to ask your guidance on this common question, "Where does thinking come from?" Your advice is highly appreciated. 🙏🙏🙏

[@Interiormythos]

SK Sum, Thank you for this excellent question. And…thank you for discovering this special channel where little-known but deeply-authentic True Teachers share their instruction. Abbot Okumura will be addressing elements of your question “where does thinking come from?” in segments of a recent interview with Interior Mythos Journeys that will be released on this channel over coming months. If you need a speedier response, please communicate with Abbot Okumura and his sangha colleagues at the Sanshin Zen Community: www.sanshinji.org. We also recommend two special books by Abbot Okumura: Living By Vow, Wisdom Publications, Sommerville MA, 2012 and Okomura, Shohaku, Realizing Genjōkōan, Wisdom Publications, Somerville MA, 2010. Finally, our editorial staff is in agreement regarding your question. Thinking arises at the moment of The Big Bang; the moment of Creation; the moment when the separation of manifest reality emerges from the unity Shakyamuni Buddha encountered before thought under the Bodhi Tree. Please continue to return often to this channel and invite your friends.

[@siewkonsum7291]

@@Interiormythos Thank you very much!🙏🙏🙇❤️

[@AndreasDelleske]

Thinking on a human appears like apples on an apple tree, but there is time to drop them, too. No one knows why. Biology and evolution is one of the answers.

[@SolveEtCoagula93]

I do love watching and listening to these videos. Thank you so much for posting them. I do have a request though. Due to deteriorating eyesight, the font you use is very difficult for me to read. In the UK, the National Institute for the Blind ask that, where possible, fonts should be ‘sans serif’ since many people with sight problems find serifs confuse their poor vision. I realize I am only one person but there may be others who find the font used on the video difficult to read. However, despite the difficulty, I will continue to listen to the video because I find the teacher and the teachings very inspiring. Thank you. (This is an edit because as I've started to look at other videos I realise that the font changes. So apologies for perhaps being too quick to comment but I hope that you will take the message above simply to be a bit of advice to, where appropriate, help those of us who maybe can't read things as well we once could. Thank you - and apologies.)

[@Interiormythos]

Neil, No apologies necessary. If fact, our staff is very grateful for this insight which we would not have intuitively come to on our own. Our objective is to provide this material for the broadest audience possible and we cannot make adjustments without this kind of specific feedback. Thank you! We have only chosen to post this material on KZbin recently and we remain in a steep learning curve. Your reflections have now been shared with the technical team. Please continue to connect with the material, provide your comments, and share this channel and its teachings with your friends.

[@SolveEtCoagula93]

@@Interiormythos Thank you for your kind and considerate reply. I believe you are bringing some wonderful teachings to the world and will certainly continue to watch and, hopefully, learn. This is far from the beginning of my own journey, but you have given it a fresh perspective and, as it is said, timing is everything. I very much look forward to viewing your videos, both past and future. 🙏

[@vijaynirmalkumar]

Nice

[@Interiormythos]

Vijay, thank you for this affirmation. We are grateful you have discovered this special channel. We hope you will return often. Please continue to explore the “Life Journey” series on the homepage of the “Interior Mythos Journeys” KZbin Channel. These modules provide a sequential, guided, experiential path for the contemporary contemplative practitioner. Life Journey #7 - The Ultimate Journey is a good place to start. Just scroll down the home page. Check it out and keep in touch! GO Deep!

[@freeworld88888]

He is talking about insight meditation. Meditation is not chan or zen buddhism, it is only a tool . focus on one object is just a practice of focus, you can't focus on many things at once, it will be scattered, and cultivating awareness in our actions is the result of pratice on single heartedy oncentration. meditative is mindful or awareness of the present actions such as thinking, talking and physical moments. Insight mediation is mindful . the bottom line is about working on the your mind, you are the master of your mind. if you are angry, sad, confuse that means you are not enlighted.

[@Interiormythos]

Freeworld, thank you for sharing these insights. Learning to master the mind is a universal challenge. We talk about this challenge as “managing consciousness;” the work of the contemplative. Consider an encounter with the Life Journey series on the home page of the Interior Mythos Journeys KZbin channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for learning and practicing contemplation. Check it out. GO Deep!

[@RobCardIV]

shift focus occasionally.

[@Interiormythos]

Rob, thank you for this reflection. Yes, learning to manage consciousness, beyond the shallow element of “thinking” is the challenge for all of us. The Life Journey series on the home page of the Interior Mythos Journeys KZbin channel provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for learning and practicing contemplation (managing consciousness at the most profound level. Check it out. GO Deep!

[@luluj.9360]

Excellent teacher, I’m sorry being ignorant but what is the name of this Teacher and where is his practice, any website? Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Interiormythos]

@luluj, we are grateful for your presence on this special channel and for your question. One of the meaningful contributors to this program is Abbot Shohaku Okumura of the Sanshin Zen Community in Bloomington Indiana: www.sanshinji.org. Abbot Okumura and other great teachers contribute to the “Life Journeys series available on the KZbin homepage of this channel. This very unique series provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for contemporary contemplative practitioners. It can provide a helpful teaching tool for solitary inquiry or group discussion. Check it out. GO Deep!

[@szerablyn]

Gassho Master Shohaku Okumura

[@Interiormythos]

Evelyn Becerra, gassho! Thank you for this kind affirmation. We are grateful you discovered this channel. We hope you will return often and share your comments freely. There are many videos on this channel. The core teaching is presented in the “Life Journeys” series (check out the Playlists: 49 short videos in this series have been released to date). The “Life Journey” series uses material from some of the greatest living teachers who are mostly unknown to the popular culture; including Abbot Shohaku Okumura, Sister Joan Chittister, and many others from the East and the West. These sequential cinematic art form modules guide one deeper and deeper into consciousness and the practices of a contemporary contemplative. To advance in becoming a contemplative practitioner, we suggest encountering one sequential module per day or some other regular schedule that works for you. The journey begins with “The Presence.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbOl4Vnn9emodE. This sequential contemporary contemplative practitioner journey is an excellent opportunity for solitary inquiry or shared group discussion. We know of no stronger existing guided material to nurture a deep journey in today’s world; for a beginning seeker or a master. The top Comment listed under each module contains a context for the specific video on screen and a link for the next sequential art form. We hope to see more comments and reflections from you again soon. We will always attempt to respond. If you wish to grasp the underlying intent of these cinematic art forms consider this short practical context: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWmmad4j8mkn9k GO Deep!

[@madelinebrennan9636]

So when the thoughts become the object, and we are "thinking" about thoughts, is that evaluation? or is evaluation too limited a word for what you are describing?

[@Interiormythos]

Madeline, if we are “thinking,” “evaluating,” “reflecting,” or whatever we wish to call the activity when in any way our ego or personality “self” is holding on to or clinging to something as a separate “object,” we place our being outside the One Flow. In our essence, we are flow beings. Here is a repetitive interior recitation you may find helpful: “I am a Flow Being, I cling to no thing… I am a Flow Being, I cling to no thing… I am a Flow Being, I cling to no thing…” Or another: “I am a Flow Being without reflection… I am a Flow Being without reflection… I am a Flow Being without reflection…” GO Deep! 🙏

[@madelinebrennan9636]

@@Interiormythos Thank you :)

[@Interiormythos]

Madeline, great question(s)! All words are too limiting for what is being pointed to with this “discussion.” In this exchange we are sharing, we are entering into and dancing around the deep personal and existential practice and experience sometimes pointed to with the activity of “prayer” or “contemplation” or other “deep states of being” described by different words or human poetry in various traditions. It is important to remember that the importance of the words is not as words, but as these words function as vehicles to move us beyond words; to move us and deliver us to a deeper place of personal connection with That-Which-Is-Really-Real; That-Which-Is-Really-Real now and forever; That-Which-Is-Really-Real now and forever and is interiorly transformative any time we connect with It. We hope this helps to move this deep exercise along. Do consider exploring the “Life Journey” series we previously mentioned. “Life Journey #3 - The Ultimate Entanglement” explores your question in great depth. Check it out and keep in touch. GO Deep! 🙏

[@madelinebrennan9636]

@@Interiormythos Thank you. I'm not interested in exploring the Life Journey series at this time. I do enjoy listening to wisdom when I see it in my world (through postings of talks of Buddhist monks, for instance).

[@Interiormythos]

🙏

[@JoSpring]

Is the channel owner in Bloomington Indiana by any chance?

[@Interiormythos]

Joane’ Spring, welcome to the neighborhood; on-line and geographically! We are grateful, through whatever means, you have discovered this channel. It is only within the past year that “Interior Mythos Journeys” began to share substantive content directly on KZbin. And yes, while the foundations of this channel are global in scope (rooted in the international operations of the Ecumenical Institute with headquartered in Chicago, 1960 - 1985), the current cinematic production center is in Bloomington, Indiana! We are neighbors! We hope you will return often to this channel and its many videos. Please share your comments freely. The core teaching is presented in the “Life Journeys” series (check out the Playlists. 49 short videos in this series have been released to date). The “Life Journey” series uses material from some of the greatest living teachers who are mostly unknown to the popular culture; including Abbot Shohaku Okumura, Sister Joan Chittister, and many others. These sequential cinematic art form modules guide one deeper and deeper into consciousness and the practices of a contemporary contemplative. To advance in becoming a contemplative practitioner, we suggest encountering one sequential module per day or some other regular schedule that works for you. The journey begins with “The Presence.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbOl4Vnn9emodE. This sequential contemporary contemplative practitioner journey is an excellent opportunity for solitary inquiry or shared group discussion. We know of no stronger existing guided material to nurture a deep journey in today’s world; for a beginning seeker or a master. The top Comment listed under each module contains a context for the specific video on screen and a link for the next sequential art form. We hope to see more comments and reflections from you again soon. We will always attempt to respond. If you wish to grasp the underlying intent of these cinematic art forms consider this short practical context: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWmmad4j8mkn9k GO Deep!

[@JoSpring]

I studied with Thich Nhat Hanh for 28 years. He died on my birthday at midnight the exact moment when I was born. Isn't that lovely? It's so nice to find another Bloomy who cares about Zen teachings!

[@alexmarques2398]

Aren’t all ‘lineages’ trying the same, just different ways? Isn’t focus on breathing/ one object/ sound an intermediate step that this ‘lineage’ skips?

[@Interiormythos]

Alex, thank you for this observation and question. Consider the title: Thinking is the Problem! We are grateful you have discovered this work and hope you will return often. Continue to explore the journey to which Abbot Okumura points and your question raises. Check out the Life Journey series on the home page of the Interior Mythos Journeys KZbin channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for learning and practicing contemplation. GO Deep!

[@SuviTuuli78]

Ithinking all the time even isleeping ithinking with other dimensions😂

[@Interiormythos]

@SuviTuuli78, and…what if there is only this dimension?? GO Deep!

[@SuviTuuli78]

@@Interiormythos noooo😅

[@yogidayi1787]

complicated

[@Interiormythos]

YOGI DAYI, complicated indeed! But, there is a path, even a simple path, if we are willing to go deep enough. We are grateful you discovered this channel. We hope you will return often and share your comments freely. The core teaching is presented in the “Life Journeys” series. (Check out the Playlists to encounter “Life Journey 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.” The “Life Journey” series uses material from some of the greatest living teachers who are mostly unknown to the popular culture; including Abbot Shohaku Okumura, Sister Joan Chittister, and many others from the East and the West. These sequential cinematic art form modules guide one deeper and deeper into consciousness and the practices of a contemporary contemplative. Think of each module as a component of daily practice or study like a foundational dharma talk or contemplative catechism. There are currently 49 “Stations.” To advance in becoming a contemplative practitioner, we suggest encountering one sequential module per day or some other regular schedule that works for you. The journey begins with “The Presence.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbOl4Vnn9emodE. This sequential contemplative practitioner journey is an excellent opportunity for solitary inquiry or shared group discussion. We know of no stronger existing guided material to nurture a deep journey in today’s world; for a beginning seeker or a master. The top Comment listed under each module contains a context for the specific video on screen and a link to the next sequential station. We hope to see more comments and reflections from you again soon. We will always attempt to respond. Here is a link to a short context that will help you understand the “Life Journeys” series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWmmad4j8mkn9k GO Deep!

[@alfreddifeo9642]

❤🙏🕉

[@Interiormythos]

Alfreddifeo, nice to have you back on the channel. Thank you for the affirmation. GO Deep! 🙏

[@markgriskey]

Right here what an import notion. "I think I'm thinking" "this is dangerous" I am paraphrasing but wow Yeah - I can see this in my own "head"

[@markgriskey]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pquoi35qnMp-is0

[@Interiormythos]

Mark, We are grateful you found your way back to this channel. Thank you for this reflection. Yes, these cinematic art forms reveal multiple dangers encountered in the pursuit of a deep journey. Please continue to explore the dynamics of “consciousness of consciousness of consciousness” in the opening art form of “Life Journey #3 - The Ultimate Entanglement.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5C6l3WnoKt1a5I

[@Andreas-ne3wt]

🙏

[@Interiormythos]

Andreas, 🙏 We are grateful you have discovered this channel. We hope you will return often and share your comments freely. There are many videos on this channel. The core teaching is presented in the “Life Journeys” series (check out the Playlists: 49 short videos in this series have been released to date). The “Life Journey” series uses material from some of the greatest living teachers who are mostly unknown to the popular culture; including Abbot Shohaku Okumura, Sister Joan Chittister, and many others from the East and the West. These sequential cinematic art form modules guide one deeper and deeper into consciousness and the practices of a contemporary contemplative. To advance in becoming a contemplative practitioner, we suggest encountering one sequential module per day or some other regular schedule that works for you. The journey begins with “The Presence.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbOl4Vnn9emodE. This sequential contemporary contemplative practitioner journey is an excellent opportunity for solitary inquiry or shared group discussion. We know of no stronger existing guided material to nurture a deep journey in today’s world; for a beginning seeker or a master. The top Comment listed under each module contains a context for the specific video on screen and a link for the next sequential art form. We hope to see more comments and reflections from you again soon. We will always attempt to respond. If you wish to grasp the underlying intent of these cinematic art forms consider this short practical context: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWmmad4j8mkn9k GO Deep!

[@honeyfluffykitty]

♥

[@Interiormythos]

grandma kitty, we love you too! We are grateful you discovered this channel. We hope you will return often and share your comments freely. If you wish to adopt a regular practice of exploring a deep personal journey within this 21st Century global village we share, consider the sequential steps of the “Life Journeys” series you can discover in the Playlists on this channel. We know of no more important practice for humanity today than re-connecting with the universal Deep Place and allowing this connection to modulate our thinking and action. This material can nurture the beginning seeker or the well-practiced master. Our world needs contemporary contemplative practitioners. The “Life Journey” series uses material from some of the greatest living teachers who are mostly unknown to the popular culture; including Abbot Shohaku Okumura, Sister Joan Chittister, and many others from the East and the West. These sequential cinematic art form modules guide one deeper and deeper into consciousness and the practices of a contemporary contemplative. Think of each module (Station) as a component of daily practice or study like a foundational dharma talk or contemplative catechism. To advance in becoming a contemplative practitioner, we suggest encountering one sequential module per day, or some other regular schedule that works for you. The journey begins with an awareness of “The Presence.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbOl4Vnn9emodE. This sequential journey is an excellent opportunity for solitary inquiry or shared group discussion. The top Comment listed under each module contains a context for the specific video on screen and a link to the next sequential station. We hope to see more comments and reflections from you again soon. We will always attempt to respond. Here is a link to a short context that will help you understand the “Life Journeys” series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWmmad4j8mkn9k GO Deep!

[@LucysSonarDreams]

I wish to dream while awake and no longer believe

[@Interiormythos]

Lucy, your desire might be the gateway to a very deep journey. The hypnogogic state, where we dwell between sleeping and wakefulness is a special place full of dreams and great creativity. Learning to manage this state and our consciousness is a special practice. We are grateful you have discovered this special channel. We hope you will return often. Consider an encounter with the Life Journey series, available on the home page of this channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for contemporary contemplative practitioners. It can provide a helpful teaching tool for solitary inquiry or group discussion. Check it out! GO Deep!

[@peterkhew7414]

In other words, don't think, just do.

[@Interiormythos]

Peter Khew, knowing/thinking, doing, and being represent a deep interior interplay which is the subject of much of the material on this channel. We are grateful you discovered this channel. We hope you will return often and share your comments freely. There are many videos on this channel. The core teaching is presented in the “Life Journeys” series (check out the Playlists: 49 short videos in this series have been released to date). The “Life Journey” series uses material from some of the greatest living teachers who are mostly unknown to the popular culture; including Abbot Shohaku Okumura, Sister Joan Chittister, and many others from the East and the West. These sequential cinematic art form modules guide one deeper and deeper into consciousness and the practices of a contemporary contemplative. To advance in becoming a contemplative practitioner, we suggest encountering one sequential module per day or some other regular schedule that works for you. The journey begins with “The Presence.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbOl4Vnn9emodE. This sequential contemporary contemplative practitioner journey is an excellent opportunity for solitary inquiry or shared group discussion. We know of no stronger existing guided material to nurture a deep journey in today’s world; for a beginning seeker or a master. The top Comment listed under each module contains a context for the specific video on screen and a link for the next sequential art form. We hope to see more comments and reflections from you again soon. We will always attempt to respond. If you wish to grasp the underlying intent of these cinematic art forms consider this short practical context: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWmmad4j8mkn9k GO Deep!

[@AndrewHedlund100]

Basically Monks just chill out all day

[@Interiormythos]

Andrew, nice to have you on the channel! “Basically” you are correct about the “chill out,” but it is good to remember, as Thomas Merton reminded us, that this tranquil state is achieved on top of a foundation of interior “warfare!” Life is a deep place! Our world needs contemplative practitioners. Our human family needs you! A nurturing exercise you may wish to consider is to establish a regular personal practice of viewing the sequential modules of the “Life Journey” series. This interior guided journey nurtures deep solitarily exploration or a meaningful conversation with other practitioners. The series uses material from substantive teachers of depth; including Abbot Shohaku Okumura, Sister Joan Chittister, Kaira Jewel Lingo, Adam Bucko, and many others: East and West. All background music is provided by the cellist who accompanied the Dalai Lama in his public teachings. The initial five Life Journeys are available under the “Playlists” section of the Interior Mythos Journeys KZbin channel and a sixth will be released soon. Post a comment and someone will respond. Here is a link to a short context for the “Life Journeys” series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWmmad4j8mkn9k Keep in touch. GO Deep!

[@siewkonsum7291]

Abbot *_Shohaku Okumura_* 🙏🙏🙏 *_Siew Kon Sum_* with humility - should like to share with you & others. 🙏🙇 _Thinking comes from thoughts._ _Thoughts are incessant & random._ _Unstoppable and uncontrollable._ _Incapable of experiencing by itself._ _Senses react & experience the thoughts._ _Giving rise to a seeming Me experiencer._ _Seeing things to be apparently appearing;_ _To happen in illusory subject-object World!_ 😊🙏🙇🙇

[@Interiormythos]

Siew Kon Sum, yes…yes! Thank you for sharing this poetic gift and confirmation of Abbot Okumura’s teaching.

[@MrTetsukobu]

No, meditation is not for everybody to benefit from it. My experience.

[@Interiormythos]

Mr. Tetsukobu, thank you for this reflection. Finding a path to connect with the universal stillness, with the Deep Place, is not a practice everyone cultivates. Yet, when one does cultivate such a practice, the possibility of transformative experience is intensified. May we each find the personal practice that will deliver us into the Deep Place. GO Deep!

[@MrTetsukobu]

@@Interiormythos I agree with you 99%. I understand your comment as clear, beautifully put, and consistent. I am a Pratyeka as per the definition of Wikipedia. My lonely path has met no masters, nor sangha, no discipline of meditation. My path has been always alone, and I never felt that meditation was the main tool to dive into the unfathomable depth of the self. I repeat, this experience was not the result of my personal effort, it was a gift that I had never imagined I would receive. Now, at 71yo I found that I have failed to preach the Dharma. I find nothing to teach anyone to receive "enlightenment". Hence I wrote, "No, meditation is not for everybody to benefit from it. My experience." Meditation with the intention to get something is doomed to failure. I really wish that one day you are blessed with the same experience. I am still a very normal human being so I send you a tight hug.

[@MrTetsukobu]

@@Interiormythos 86 billion neurons in the brain and 100 billion in the entire body, apologizes to be so late in answering your very reasonable reply. I have the following news if you are interested. Since I experienced and "saw" my Original Face in 1992 I have dedicated my life to finding a path or practice that can approach or nurture the happening of the experience. I studied neurology and found some interesting data from Drs. Kasamatsu and Hirai who studied brain waves during meditation and on monks who reported Kensho (Seeing Your Original Face). I am 71yo now, abbot of the Gokanji (The Temple of the Five Senses) and I have given up on finding a path, there is no path because there is no goal. Whatever goal you imagine is a mirage, a word, or a concept without substance, and is impossible to aim at a goal that does not exist. In summary: You are lucky if Kensho happens to you. No practice is needed or especially beneficial. Don't forget 86 billion neurons that are basically geared for survival and reproduction through a mirage: THE SELF, THE I, THE ME, THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS. We do not exist as we see ourselves in the mirror. Zen masters from ancient times have consistently said: "If you sit in meditation do it with no purpose" (mushotoku). If you have any questions that I may be able to answer, please do not hesitate to write to me.

[@eahp13]

René Descartes doesn't like this.

[@Interiormythos]

Karma Dorje, yes…yes! Descartes cannot grasp the Truth contained in this teaching. We are glad you have discovered this channel. We hope you will return often and share your Comments freely. There are many videos on this channel. The core teaching is presented in the “Life Journeys” series. The “Life Journey” series uses material from some of the greatest teachers living today who are mostly unknown to the popular culture; including Abbot Okumura. These sequential cinematic art form modules guide one deeper and deeper into consciousness and the practices of a contemporary contemplative. We suggest doing one sequential module per day or on some regular schedule. The journey begins with “The Presence.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbOl4Vnn9emodE. This sequential contemporary contemplative journey is an excellent opportunity for solitary inquiry or shared group discussion. The top Comment listed under each module contains a link to the next sequential art form. We hope to see more Comments and reflections from you again soon. If you wish to grasp the underlying intent of these cinematic art forms consider this short practical context: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHWmmad4j8mkn9k GO Deep!

[@leebrit2903]

Hahahaha 😅, Zazen good for nothing. Just sitting. 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅🎉🎉🎉😅😅😅😅😅🎉🎉🎉😅😅😅😅😅😅😅🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 🎉🎉🎉🎉. Best time ever.

[@Interiormythos]

Lee, thanks for the generous emojis! For a really good time, continue to check out the content on this channel! GO Deep!

[@giorix5918]

Thank you!

[@Interiormythos]

Giorix, thank you for this affirmation. We are grateful you have discovered this special channel and hope you will return often. Please consider a sustained encounter with The Life Journey series on the home page of the Interior Mythos Journeys KZbin channel. It provides a sequential, guided, experiential path for the contemporary contemplative practitioner. You will discover this dynamic profoundly in Life Journey #7 - The Ultimate Journey. Check it out and keep in touch! GO Deep!