Shitou Xiqian – known as Sekito Kisen in Japanese – was an 8th century Chinese monk, a student of Huineng and Huineng’s successor, Qingyuan Xingsi (Seigen Gyoshi). He is credited with writing two of the most famous Zen poems in China – the Sandokai and this, the Song of the Grass Roof Hermitage. The beauty of this poem lies in its humanity and its emphasis on the simplicity of practice – the grass roof hermitage is not a grand temple building inhabited by clergy, but a small, modest dwelling that could be constructed by anyone, and meditation itself is a matter of turning the light around to shine within and just returning.

🔆 If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this direct link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VivekaHermitage

or become at Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/jayasara

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.