Joshin Byrnes & Genzan Quennell: The Continuing Stories of the Lotus Sutra Part IV

Summary: Senseis Joshin Byrnes and Genzan Quennell provide a very intimate talk on love, and the power of right speech. The talk is inspired by a parable from the Lotus Sutra called, “The Bodhisattva Never Disparaging.” The Bodhisattva Never Disparaging was known for solely repeating his reverence and praise for whomever he happened to encounter, saying that he would never dare disparage anyone. As a beautiful introduction to this story, Sensei Joshin plays a recording of Sensei Hozan Alan Senauke singing a song about the story which includes an emphasis on love. The parable has insights about the courage and strength that it takes to speak words of kindness and healing. Sensei Genzan complements these insights with three ways that we can integrate them into our practice: not knowing, bearing witness, and compassionate action.<br>