Trueman Taylor on the Zen practice of non-abiding
In this session Venerable Trueman Taylor delves into the concept of non-abidance, tracing its origins in Buddhist philosophy and its practical applications in daily life.
He begins with a historical perspective, citing Nagarjuna’s contributions to the concept of sunyata, or emptiness, which suggests that entities neither exist nor do they not exist.
This philosophical underpinning laid the groundwork for the idea of non-abidance.
Trueman references key Buddhist texts such as the Diamond Sutra and the Platform Sutra, highlighting their discussions on non-abidance and its significance in Chan Buddhism.
He emphasizes the importance of detachment from appearances and abiding in real truth, as exemplified in the teachings of the Buddha and Chan masters.
Furthermore, Trueman explores contemporary interpretations of non-abidance, drawing from scholarly articles and practical examples from Chan practice centers.
He emphasizes the practice of avoiding mental constructs during daily life, aligning actions with the intrinsic nature of the mind.
Trueman examines the practical applications of disregarding rules, including staying silent, practicing mindfulness in daily routines, and cultivating awareness in ordinary activities.
He underscores the importance of returning to one’s practice repeatedly, as symbolized by an infinity symbol, to deepen understanding and experience of non-abidance.
