Winter Practice Period 2024: Sesshin Day 5 Dharma Talk With Noah Kodo Roen

Sensei Kodo reflects on case 6 from the Blue Cliff Record, centered on the teaching “every day is a good day” by the Zen master Yun Men. The talk delves into Zen practice, enlightenment, and how these concepts influence our daily lives. Yun Men’s statement, devoid of any dialogue with others in the koan, prompts reflection on the nature of enlightenment and its implication on the perception of our days. Sensei Kodo explores the significance of this teaching by examining the symbolism of the moon in Zen, which represents enlightenment, and how it relates to our practice and life. The talk underscores the idea that enlightenment does not remove us from the world but rather integrates us more deeply with it, as illustrated by Dogen’s metaphor of the moon reflected in water. This metaphor suggests that enlightenment, like the moon’s reflection, is unbroken and pervasive, illuminating our existence without disrupting its natural state. Through the discussion of practicing Zen, Sensei Kodo points out that practice is not limited to meditation but encompasses a broader engagement with the precepts and the Bodhisattva way of life. This holistic approach to practice ensures that every day is indeed a good day, grounded in a deep connection to our intentions and the embodiment of the Dharma.