The lotus so far has taught me how a particular balance is struck: the sartorius muscles rotate the pelvis; rotation in the pelvis extends the hips; extension of the hips generates activity in the piriformis muscles; activity in the piriformis muscles rotates the sacrum contrary to the pelvis and a balance is struck. I can find the sartorius muscles, I can relax at the hips, I can pick up the activity of the piriformis muscles and I can realize a balance.
The Practice of Zazen in Words
I would say that nobody really teaches the practice that is the heart of the Soto school; mostly, they just stagger around mumbling “I encourage you to practice zazen wholeheartedly” to the walls.
The Working Ingredient of the Precepts
“Zen in everyday life is keeping the precepts”- I think a lot of Zen teachers are on board with that, I think Reb Anderson’s “Warm Smiles from Cold Mountain” is about that in the context of Richard Baker’s departure from SF Zen Center.