Does That Person See It, Or Not?

Does That Person See It, Or Not?

From The Zen Mountain Monastery Podcast by Zen Mountain Monastery

May 30, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi discusses the nature of perception and curiosity in Zen practice through koan stories.

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - 5/30/26 - Zen is filled with koan stories asking this question: do they see it or not? Do you see “it”? Shugen Roshi says that we see only as far as our penetrating vision can reach at any time. And yet that is plenty. Our present experience invites us to look further and not solidify our moment to moment experience. The Path is not linear in the usual sense, although there is practice and realization, much more valuable is learning to ask, to get curious, and to practice every aspect of our lives. (From the Book of Serenity, Case 51 - Fayan's "Boat or Land".)

People in this episode

Guest: Geoffrey Shugen Arnold

Topics covered

  • koan stories
  • perception
  • curiosity
  • Zen practice
  • non-linear path

Keywords

  • Zen
  • koan
  • perception
  • curiosity
  • practice
  • realization
  • spirituality

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Book of Serenity, Case 51 - Fayan's 'Boat or Land'

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