On the Great Wisdom That Is Beyond Discriminatory Thought" (Shobogenzo Makahannya-haramitsu) (3 sessions included/video)

Ekai Korematsu Roshi explores the concept of wisdom (Prajna) in Buddhism from a Zen perspective in three 1.5-hour sessions. In the second chapter of Shobogenzo, "On the Great Wisdom That Is Beyond Discriminatory Thought" (Makahannya-haramitsu), Zen master Dōgen presents profound teachings to his monks at Kannondōri monastery.  Rooted in the Heart Sutra (Maha Prajna Paramita Hridaya Sutra) and the Larger Sutra on Spiritual Wisdom and complemented by a poem from Chinese Master Tendō Nyojō, Roshi's talk explores Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva’s insight into the emptiness of the five skandhas—form, perceptions, conceptions, volition, and consciousness. Dōgen highlights that true wisdom transcends dualistic thinking, revealing the interconnectedness of all phenomena. Ultimately, the talk suggests that all aspects of life and spiritual practice are manifestations of this great wisdom, indicating that the path to enlightenment is embedded in every moment of our lives.  

Ekai Roshi has been serving as the Abbot and Teacher of Jikishoan Zen Buddhist Community in Melbourne since 1999.  Born in Japan in 1948, Roshi pursued studies in the Humanities and Buddhism across Denmark, the USA, and Japan. Roshi was ordained by Kobun Chino Roshi at Haiku Zendo in Los Altos, California, in 1976. He then received Dharma transmission from Ikko Narasaki Roshi in Japan at Zuioji Monastery in 1986. His formal training spanned twelve years in three Zen monasteries: Eiheiji, Zuioji and Shogoji. His Buddhist education is rooted in Soto Zen Buddhism.