The purpose of all religions is to bring joy and beauty into our lives; to provide a refuge from our illusionary notion of mortality, and to bring freedom, individuation, and the awareness of our essential nature which is intrinsically immortal and universal.  A tall order?  Definitely.  But it's what we bring to it that makes it work.  When religion fails its purpose, it's inevitably due to the inadequate humility in our dance.  -- Chuan Zhi

At the heart of all  genuine religions, profound philosophies and increasingly sophisticated  psychotherapies, lies the recognition that a nameless, unitary essence defines,  contains and creates all things; all phenomenon, all ideas, all existence. The  mystics and the wise, both religious and secular, have understood and tried to  explain this. But the difficulties in doing so reveal that this underlying  essence cannot be known through words or conceptions. The beauty and power of  Chan is that it points beyond these words, suggests much more behind any  conception.

Our deeds are our closest companions, the ground on which we stand.  Actions are our only true possessions.

Understanding that words and language are very often the cause of confusion, I attempt with my essays to write from the 'centre' and try to get to the point; the point that is always in this moment, always in this place. From the Zen 'point of view,' this moment and this place are identical with your own, so as 'you' read the essay it is all happening in 'your' head! Our identities are in no way separate.

The Way is smooth and straight, no obstacles, no bad weather, no potholes, no pirates or thieves. Just be careful of the karma on either side.