The Way of Awakening, which was transmitted from India by the Buddha Shakyamuni and, in Japanese form, by Master Eihei Dōgen, was bequeathed to us by the great missionary Mokudo Taisen Deshimaru. Here at the temple Luminous Peak, the teachings of the masters of yesteryear is effected through the "Shōbōgenzō" of Master Dōgen. This living zen is embodied by the monk Sando Kaisen, who leads monthly retreats, in addition to retreats in the spring and autumn. Beyond Luminous Peak, numerous retreats are held in centers in six other countries.
The Way is nothing other than silent and selfless sitting, which is at the heart of all our activities. This sitting is not a meditation, in that it does not involve fixing the attention on any object, physical or mental. There is no goal to be pursued: it is simply a matter of being present during the sitting itself. This is shikantaza. As Dōgen wrote: "Even if some know from experience that sitting is the Dharma of the Buddha, none know how to sit for its own sake."
The retreats at Luminous Peak have an air of simplicity. One alternates between the sitting of the Buddha, meals, activities (both everyday and otherwise), relaxation, and sleep. There is nothing to add to this simplicity, and nothing that is not an expression of the great Way. It is good to come here with a simple spirit, stripped of all intention, goals, and spiritual-imaginative searching. Here there is neither severity, nor any particular morality, nor any promise of happiness or freedom.
Each of us has always been illuminated by our own Essence. Together, we have formed from time immemorial the holy Community of the venerable Buddha.
Also, life is punctuated by sounds that we follow naturally, setting aside our mind and its disruptive tendencies.
No word can capture the wonderful flower of meditation.
"Simply sitting" is the great Awakening of the Buddha.
"The thief left behind the moon in the window."