In this talk, Jogen explores the Zen practice of embracing our darkness—not as something negative to overcome, but as the ungraspable, untamable side of human life. He reminds us that despite our efforts, relationships splinter, longings surface, and hurtful words escape; we never fully master life. Rather than rejecting sorrow, confusion, or anger, we can companion them, seeing them as expressions of our shared nature. Alongside cultivating brightness of mind, the path asks us to embrace the darkness too, recognizing it as belonging to the very heart of the world.
This talk was given on September 24 2025 during the Heart of Wisdom Wednesday night program.