New Year's Day Teisho, 2011

John Crook sitting in front of the altar at Maenllwyd

Kuan yin says, "Yesterday was 2010. Today is 2011. Have you yet made the transition?"

When silence flows from the loom of illumination vastness appears, right hemisphere regaining authority over the left, a moment of complete understanding arising.

For some the word "God" evokes it; for others the stillness of space simply emerges. With the fading of clouds, the sun shines in clarity, warming the heart, brightening the vision. A paradox may uncover it, sudden laughter shattering the sky.

Available from within, this teaching is never transmitted for it is always there. Yet, listen to the teacher - lest she withdraw to the high hills where only  persistent seekers can find her. The paths are rocky and steps in the wilderness only traced by the sharp.

Wooded hills surround the green valley, limestone-filtered water emerging onto sand. The Ravens are calling and the young Buzzard mews on high. In a far distance, the motorway hums, recalling the distant, human sea.

Single steps take the long walk back to the market place of kindness.

Chuan-deng Jing-di

Saturday, January 1, 2011