Mountains And Rivers
In this episode, I explore the profound simplicity and complexity found in Dogen's Mountains and Rivers Sutra, using the natural world as a lens for understanding reality. I delve into the idea that "mountains are just mountains," then "mountains are not just mountains," and finally return to "mountains are just mountains," illustrating how our perception shapes our experience and highlighting the interdependent nature of all things. A key takeaway is that our freedom, like water's, depends on ourselves, and that by deeply studying the seemingly simple elements of our lives, like mountains and rivers, we can engage with them as kōans to uncover deeper truths. This teaching offers a practical way to navigate the complexities of life by embracing the middle way, recognizing both the intricate web of causes and conditions and the inherent simplicity of each moment.
