Stone Woman Giving Birth with Roshi Rachel Boughton

Here are some words about the koan from Rachel.

There's something about the middle of the night. Yes, it's possible when awake in the dark for the mind to get carried off by worry or resentment. But sometimes, before that can happen, we will be struck by the moon shadow of the trees on the ground outside the window, the stillness, and the way the day world is so far away, and time is infinite, and nothing need ever happen again. It's that immensely nourishing space between breathing in and breathing out, and between my thoughts. The world is no longer heavy, anything can happen. This is maybe why at such times it's easier for things to slip in and out of existence, easier to die, and easier to give birth, too. There's nothing to do at such a time but imagine the impossible. When we meditate we imagine the impossible.

There is another old Chinese koan that goes, "What is the Dao? The stone woman gives birth... everything from the ordinary to the holy is included

And another: "The stone woman dresses up in the moon mirror, her body visible through a curtain of stars, her clothes hang from the bright cloud."

The day before Mother's Day, a holiday that has been around for thousands of years, is a good time to sit with what it means to be part of the dark Yin, the feminine aspect of ourselves, teaching us how to start again.

Some practical matters. We will be serving a simple lunch of soup, salad and bread (with butter!). The suggested donation here is $30-$65, sliding scale, or contact Chris Gaffney for other arrangements, Y2dhZmZuZXkgfCBjc3VjaGljbyAhIGVkdQ== 530-588-4941.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Chico, Nonprofit events in Chico.