Dainin Katagiri Knihy

Co je čas? Existuje vůbec? Pokud ano, jak čas vypadá? Lze ho nahmatat, uschovat? Proč nejsme fyzicky spojeni se svým já, jež je týden, den, hodinu či vteřinu staré? Kde je naše já, které existovalo před týdnem či před minutou? Kde je svět, jenž existoval před týdnem či před minutou? Kde bude svět, v němž žijeme v tomto okamžiku, za hodinu? Kde se ocitne naše současné já za hodinu? Jak je možné, že se naše cévy a veškeré tkáně okamžik za okamžikem neodtrhávají od minulého já a nezůstávají nám po nich jizvy? Co když je jednosměrný tok času jen konstrukcí našeho vědomí? Existuje vůbec nějaká reálná minulost a budoucnost? Jaký rozdíl je mezi minulostí, přítomností a budoucností? Nejsou to všechno jen okénka filmového záznamu, který si lze pouštět libovolným směrem? Katagiri výstižně říká: "Buddhismus nás upozorňuje, že když čas nepochopíme, nebude se nám žít dobře: nebudeme šťastní, nebudeme spokojení. A tak chceme vědět, co je čas. Jenže čas je velice podivný. Není to dlouhá minutová ručička, jež putuje po ciferníku hodinek."

The book presents a transformative perspective on time, challenging the common perception of it as a commodity to be managed. Dainin Katagiri Roshi emphasizes that time is inherently intertwined with our existence, suggesting that recognizing this connection allows for a fuller, more liberated experience of life. By embracing the Zen understanding of time, readers are encouraged to live fully in each moment rather than viewing time as an adversary.

A renowned Zen teacher and contemporary of Shunryu Suzuki explores the many pillars of Zen spirituality, explaining how we can bring these practices into our daily livesFor twenty-five hundred years Buddhism has taught that everyone is Buddha—already enlightened, lacking nothing. But still there is the question of how we can experience that truth in our lives. In this book, Dainin Katagiri points to the manifestation of enlightenment right here, right now, in our everyday routine. Genuineness of practice lies in “just living” our lives wholeheartedly. The Zen practice of sitting meditation (zazen) is not a means to an end but the activity of enlightenment itself. That is why Katagiri Roshi says, “Don't expect enlightenment—just sit down!”Based on the author's talks to his American students, Returning to Silence contains the basic teachings of the Buddha, with special emphasis on the meaning of faith and on meditation. It also offers a commentary on “The Bodhisattva's Four Methods of Guidance” from Dogen Zenji's Shobogenzo, which speaks in depth about the appropriate actions of those who guide others in the practice of the Buddha Way. Throughout these pages, Katagiri Roshi energetically brings to life the message that “Buddha is your daily life.”

A Zen Buddhist perspective on the universal flow of cosmic energy and how to incorporate that energy into one's life and spiritual practice The universe is alive with a dynamic energy that creates and sustains our lives. It surrounds us, flows through us, and is available to us in every moment. Spiritual practice, according to revered American Zen teacher Dainin Katagiri Roshi, is about aligning ourselves with this ever-present life force—sometimes referred to as chi, qi, or ki. This collection, edited from Roshi’s talks, focuses on cosmic energy as it relates to all aspects of Zen practice. With references to classic texts and personal stories that bring the teachings to life, The Light That Shines through Infinity is also a powerful antidote to the notion that practice is in some way about transcending the world around us. It is in fact about nothing other than relating to it compassionately and whole-heartedly.