Zen – Vita Innocentis – Honora Zen Monastery – Switzerland

Free from life and death. Out of the tyranny of the Zen monastery, through the desert of the marketplace and finally into the Vita Innocentis.

Contemplation - Vita Innocentis

I prefer no country to another, live in no particular place, and my actions are unintentional. I have no cravings for material things, there is no pure or impure food for me, and I am little troubled by disturbed feelings. I have little complacency, little dualistic clinging and craving, and I have untied the knot so that I suffer no more. I am a comforter to the aged, a playmate to children, a sage to roam the kingdom. O gods and men, may you stay healthy.

The pretty carpet of flowers in the lowlands fades at night. The turquoise flowers are destroyed by the frost. The young deer in the high valleys are killed by arrows. The young rice plants are mowed with a sickle. Magnificent gold brocade is severed with a chisel. A valuable gem, once found, is lost again. The moon rises and sets again. A precious son of man is born only to die.

While you think you still have time, human life is coming to an end. It is uncertain when death will come.

Wisdom - Vita

In order to be of benefit to others, you are free to act in whatever way you see fit. You cultivate the way of the sage in wandering here and there through the streets and marketplaces. You perform the deeds of a sage; if someone asks you for whatever you are wearing or eating, you simply give it to him. Whatever you do, it is fine. If circumstances are favorable, you smile; and if circumstances are unfavorable, you still smile. With a laugh you take things as they are - like a fool! At this time, flowers have bloomed on a withered tree.

Meditation center

Here you get more information about the monthly meditation retreat.