The Great Heart of Wisdom Sutra is one of the “Wisdom Sutras,” the Diamond Sutra being its essential companion. The Heart Sutra is a key and fundamental teaching of Zen Buddhism. It is chanted at least twice a day in most Zen practice centers.

A paramita is an ‘excellence’ that we already contain as beings. It is as if it were a diamond in the rough deep within us, waiting to show itself. Our practice exposes it, frees it, so that we manifest it in our moment to moment lives. Thus, it is not something to strive for, to become or to create: it is already there, deep within us.

The Ten Oxherding Pictures, with commentary by Daiho Roshi and verses composed by Kakuan Zenji, offer a visual and poetic journey through the stages of spiritual awakening in Zen Buddhism. The illustrations, painted by Master Jikihara, depict a herder's search for his lost ox, metaphorically representing the seeker's journey towards enlightenment. Kakuan Zenji, a disciple of Daizui Genjo and the twelfth in the line of Master Rinzai, composed the accompanying verses, providing deeper insights into each stage of the journey.

These instructions from Shukke Roshi guide us in zazen, the core of our Zen practice. Regularly reviewing them helps us maintain the true spirit of our sitting.