Deepening Zen

From the Foreword, by Daishin Patrick Vigil

Around 2500 years ago a deeply troubled man sat down under a tree and vowed not to get up until he found the path to liberation. Through that realization, that man became known as the Buddha and his teachings have been passed down over the course of millennia.

Mitra Bishop, Roshi has for over 50 years incorporated and practiced those deep teachings in every aspect of her life. She lives each moment in true freedom. Roshi has crafted her messages and teachings with an eye to modern Americans, ordinary people like you and me.... In examining and putting into practice her teachings, offered both in this book and in her first volume...you will nd a true path to ultimate liberation. As Roshi says, "You will become increasingly free, and there is no end to the depths of that freedom." This is her wonderful promise to each of us.

Contents

Foreword by Daishin Patrick Vigil

Introduction by Jan Chozen Bays

Preface

1. Foundations of the Deepest Zen Practice

2. When Anxiety Comes Up in Zen Practice

3. The Challenge of Letting Go

4. Escape Is Not a Solution

5. Jump into the 86 Hells

6. Zen Practice and Suppression of Feelings

7. Unweaving the Tapestry, Exploring the Mind

8. Benefits of Being Honed by Life and Zen Practice

9. A Story of Transformation: ACES and Zen

10. Struggle and Transformation in Spiritual Practice

11. Luminous Transparency and the Rapids of Life

12. Nirvana

13. A Featureless Map of Zen Practice

14. A Sufi Teaching Story

15. Fruits of Advanced Zen Practice

16. Post Sesshin Advice

17. Sensing Your Way Deeper Without a GPS

Glossary

Glossary of Kanji Translations

Recommended Reading

About the Author