Episode

the world is not what we name it or think it

Podcast
Earth Dreams: Zen Buddhism and the Soul of the World
Published
Mar 3, 2026
Duration seconds
1700
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not_requested
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https://amykisei.substack.com/p/the-world-is-not-what-we-name-it
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https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/189784545/627390a67ad556a357acf8aedff06877.mp3
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/v1/public/podcasts/earth-dreams-zen-buddhism-and-the-soul-of-the-world-6415534/episodes/the-world-is-not-what-we-name-it-or-think-it
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Summary

I wanted to share with you a profound, beautiful and somewhat unsettling teaching from the Diamond Sutra. I would say its unsettling precisely because it is so radical, it touches something true that we know at the core of who we are, and it also reminds us that everything we think we are or think the world is —is not the whole story, our thinking inevitably misses something. we are inconceivable in our nature —and we all have, the same bright, clear, open, ungraspable heart-mind. here’s the verse from the diamond sutra, may you practice its profundity and dwell in the mystery of being. the world is not what we name it or think it, and there is no enduring thing that is self or other, each object and being in this fleeting world is like: A star at dawn A bubble in a stream A flash of lightning in a summer storm A flickering flame A wisp of smoke A dream listen to the podcast for a deeper exploration of the teachings from the diamond sutra. until next time, kisei Weekly Online Meditation Event Monday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Mountains and Waters Sutra by Dogen Zenji. Feel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINK Online Meditative Deep Dive with Pause Meditation Beginner’s Mind Saturday March 7th from 10A PT/1P ET - 11:30A PT/2:30P ET In-Person in Oregon Light of the Ancestors Sesshin —May 11 - 17 at Great Vow Zen Monastery Grasses, Trees and the Great Earth— In-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus Sangha Weekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Retreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website. Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West Virginia Mountains and Rivers Sesshin March 18 - 22 (Registration is now o…