Summary: Episode Description: Sensei Shinzan Palma begins this discussion by explaining the title of the talk, “The Finger Points at the Moon.” This Zen phrase is a commonly used reminder not to be too attached to words and/or teachings and not to confuse either with what they are pointing to. “The teachings are like a finger pointing to the moon, don’t confuse the moon with the finger,” he says. Shinzan continues on, discussing the importance of bridging the gap between the cushion and everyday activities, and the importance of not bringing any kind of agenda or expectation to the cushion. He also discusses an important teaching from Zen Master Hui-Neng, which explains that we don’t contemplate the mind when we sit because this creates a duality between the meditator and the act of meditation.<br> <br>
