Today, in this special episode for both free and paid subscribers, we will be going back in time from the book The Center Within by Rev. Gyomay Kubose, to begin readings of the essays from his earlier book, Everyday Suchness: Buddhist Essays on Everyday Living. The Center Within was first published in 1986 and Everyday Suchness was published in 1967.
As I mentioned in posts from earlier episodes, please don't let out-of-date and seemingly tone-deaf references Rev. Gyomay Kubose uses turn you off from the meaning the essays convey. I know I have the urge to edit some references and wording while I read, but have decided to read the essays as written by Rev. Kubose. Since the book was published in 1967, the essays were from his Dharma talks from before that date. This is earlier than many or most of you were born, so keep the times in mind.
In this episode I will be reading:
Rev. Gyomay's Preface to the book
The Introduction by William Gilbert
And the first essay, “Happiness”
I hope you enjoy these readings and also hope that you will take my suggestion and music cue to do some reflection at the end of each essay. As my teacher, Rev. Koyo Kubose taught:
"Don't just read. Ask yourself how you can use what you heard? How can you add it to your spiritual toolbox?"
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Episode 18 of "Words from My Teachers"