DiscoverZencare PodcastFrom Demons to Dharma: Transforming Our Difficulties | Koshin Paley Ellison
From Demons to Dharma: Transforming Our Difficulties | Koshin Paley Ellison

From Demons to Dharma: Transforming Our Difficulties | Koshin Paley Ellison

Update: 2025-12-03
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“There is no enemy except our delusion, and even that, when bound to the path, becomes a place of support.”


In this talk, Koshin Sensei reflects on the ancient figure of Fudo Myo-o, the “Immovable Wisdom King”, and the role of the abbot as one who stands on the stone mountain in the midst of fire.


Drawing on the Lotus Sutra’s parable of the burning house, he invites us to bind everything to the path: our fears, our demons, our need to control the future, even our suffering storylines.


Rather than making enemies of our difficulties, we learn to let them become protectors and Dharma gates, burning away what no longer serves and revealing an unwavering vow at the heart of our lives.



MUSIC

Heart Sutra by Kanho Yakushiji – Buddhist priest and musician of the Rinzai sect and Imaji temple in Imabari, Japan. In 2003, he formed “KISSAQUO”, a songwriting duo based in Kyoto.


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From Demons to Dharma: Transforming Our Difficulties | Koshin Paley Ellison

From Demons to Dharma: Transforming Our Difficulties | Koshin Paley Ellison

New York Zen Center