Phoenix – Zen Meditation – Retreat
Welcome to Honora Zen Monastery. The Phoenix Zen Meditation Retreat takes place once a month. One must die before you can rise from the ashes.
Contemplation - Phoenix
In our present state, all phenomena including space - are experienced as existing. But at this time, space collapses. This is finally the moment of awakening. In order for the original nature to appear, it is necessary for even space to collapse.
Could a snowflake survive inside a burning flame? In the midst of such a state, the Holy Ones and the patriarchs are of no use anymore. For this is the time of striking down the Jesus and Buddha and striking down the Patriarchs. Since they are of no use, how can you distinguish between ordinary and accomplished beings? Who would be ordinary? And who would be accomplished? Not even a single snowflake could survive here.
You cheerfully come and go: how could you not always laugh? It is fine to come and go. it is fine to lie on your back and fine to lie on your belly. So, you may go as you please through the three unfortunate realms. Whether you are in hell, among the hungry ghosts or amid the animals, everything is fine. If you find yourself in hell, in heaven or in the promised lands, you can only laugh.
Wisdom
The bright moon is rising and a cool wind is blowing; this is truly the best house of all. What a splendid home it is. Even if you doze until sunrise, this means that after sitting all night, unaware of the passing of time, while you are dozing with your back slightly bent, you quietly look up and cannot tell whether it is still nighttime or whether day has broken.
Welcome to the phoenix meditation retreat, where we reexamine life and death continuously.