Resting in the Unborn

A practice guide for the teachings of Zen master Bankei

'Not a single one of you people at this meeting is unenlightened. Everyone here is a Buddha. So listen carefully! Each of you received the Buddha-Mind from your mothers when you were born, and nothing else. This inherited Buddha-Mind is beyond any doubt unborn and marvellously illuminating.

'Conclusively realise that what’s unborn and marvellously illuminating is truly the Buddha-Mind, and straight away abide in the Unborn just as it is, and you’re a living Buddha from that moment and forever after.'

-Zen master Bankei.

As noted in my previous blog, my life circumstances have taken a turn which means that I have less time and energy available for face-to-face teaching right now. But that doesn't mean I've given up! For the last few months, I've been hard at work on a book, which I'm pleased to say has now been released.

The book, Resting in the Unborn, is a practice guide for the teachings of the enigmatic Zen master Bankei, whose awareness-based approach to awakening is so profoundly simple that it can at times seem totally unapproachable. My hope is that the book will bridge the gap for people (like myself!) who find his teachings inspiring, but aren't quite sure what to do with them.

You can find out more about the book on the corresponding page on my website, but it's offered freely, so you've nothing to lose by downloading it and jumping in right now! If you'd prefer a print copy, that's also available via the Lulu store; there's a small cost for that, which covers the expenses of printing and shipping the book.

I really enjoyed writing this book. It brought me face to face with the strengths and weaknesses of my personal practice, highlighted areas where I really needed to look more closely at what's going on, and inspired me to keep going on the path that has proven so rewarding over the years.

​I hope it's of some benefit to you as well.