Here is a Dharma Talk that I gave on June 12, 2014 at the Village Zendo in New York City. I talk about what I learned from a painful back injury, my recovery and how it relates to the Buddha’s teaching of the first noble truth of suffering. I comment on the koan “Ryumon Dragon’s Gate Temple” and how the unfortunate troubles of life can become the manifestation of the great one. 25 minutes.
Postscript:
As time has passed since I gave this talk, it has become clear to me that my “injury” was really the product of a devilish condition called “Tension Myositis Syndrome” described in full detail in a book called “Healing Back Pain” by Dr. John Sarno. This book has helped me tremendously, and I recommend it to those with chronic back pain. The book points at emotional stress as the confounding cause of the tightening of muscles in the lower back, and often shoulders and neck. It is a controversial diagnosis, and goes against the usual treatments given to patients by the medical establishment. Mind and body, body and mind. Separate them at your own risk.
artwork: “Journey With Revelation” 2003 marker on paper 22 x 15 inches
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