Becoming Yourself

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Jiryu affirms the central practice of Zen is to become truly ourselves. Reading from Suzuki Roshi’s teachings, and sharing quotes from Shohaku Okamura, Katagiri Roshi, and others, Jiryu explores two dimensions of practicing being ourselves: being fully who you are in the relative world, and recognizing the deeper self that “includes everything.” As Suzuki Roshi taught, “When you become yourself, your practice includes everything. Whatever there is, it is a part of you.” Jiryu encourages us to see how this seemingly simple invitation to “just be yourself” is actually the complete path of Zen practice and abides naturally within the precepts. This simple practice adheres to the Bodhisattva precepts when we realize true ethics aren’t external rules but flow from our innate loving nature, which already contains all the wisdom we need for living in harmony with others.