Nostos: Returning Home (A Zen Odyssey)

The reason why we practice Zen is not to explore some exotic mysticism, but merely to return home: returning to our perfectly clear and eternal Original Nature, right here, right now. One timeless method for arriving at that sacred destination is awareness of the breath. And always, there is returning to the question: "What am I?"

The heroic figure Ulysses is a timeless archetype for the drive to "return home." He encounters all sorts of trials and tribulations to arrive back at his original point of departure. The entire record of "The Odyssey" is a recounting of the many struggles -- and many temptations -- to give up his journey. But Ulysses stays the course. In this archetype, passing the legendary Sirens, he straps himself to the breath.
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Film Editing/Design: Γιάννης Παπάκης Παπαδοπουλάκης /// Vajra Vlito Studios

[itsjung]

"Oh my soul, your voyages have been your native land." So impressive.. 🙏🙇‍♀️

[geemin]

Best teacher... Zen master SoongSan seunim will be proud of you

[psychosabana]

"Return to our true nature, our nous..."
"Your wandering has been your native land..."

좋은 말씀 감사합니다, 스님. 명심하겠습니다 🙏📿

[bebygbo]

끝과 처음이 같은 지점이라는 말이 참 감명깊네요. 감사합니다 현각스님:)

[bludevmike]

“The kingdom of God is within you” is a less than perfect translation of Luke 17:21, where Jesus is speaking with the Pharisees who are expecting the kingdom of God to arrive on earth with great spectacle or splendor. Jesus is telling them the kingdom will not come in the manner they are expecting; rather, the kingdom will come silently and unseen. The later versions of the Bible translate this as the kingdom of God is “in your midst” or “among you”. There is obviously a difference between saying “the kingdom of God is within you” and “the kingdom of God is among you.” Jesus was not saying that the kingdom of God resided within the Pharisees’ bodies or hearts; the Pharisees opposed Jesus and had no relationship with God. So the interpretation based on the “among you” or “in your midst” translation is that Jesus is claiming his presence is the kingdom of God, in his person, who is among them/in their midst.

Just wanted to throw this out there — I am myself a staunch atheist — but I have had many debates where the more sophisticated believer will challenge this quote from Jesus on these grounds.

I think, personally, the Bible is a collection of men’s writings, letters, which contain bits of wisdom in places, but more than that contain contradictions and, at times, nonsensical ramblings (e.g., Revelation).

I appreciate very much your wisdom and insight on Ulysses — my son’s middle name is Ulysses — as my hope for him is also to be a great and wise man who always seeks to “return home”, both spiritually and physically.

Also, Beatles lyrics at the end, 👍🏻

[사랑샘-xz]

I was reading the gospel of Thomas the other day. Jesus talked about 여래 (여여한 것이 나오다) too (one who was not born of woman)..

[lpb]

Or you could just put wax in your ears, Excellent Thank You

[jayjaehwakim]

While I watch videos on this channel suggested by algorithm I find the sumin says about almost the same thing on every video. But of course he says in different ways in every case. At this time I 'd like to ask a question. The sunim sometimes explains zen with the Bible. But in sutra there is no prayer while Jesus prays to God a lot in Bible. Could I get explanation on this difference?