Talk #6 from Term 1 of our Online Zen Group for 2020. Click here for other talks in this series.
Teacher: Roshi Susan Murphy
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Tag: Shelter in place
Talk #5 from Term 1 of our Online Zen Group for 2020. Click here for other talks in this series.
Teacher: Roshi Susan Murphy
Click on the recording below to listen to this talk now.
by ~ Karen Fermin
Viewing notes: Please watch this with sound on.
We live with a stunning specimen from the plant world who I’ve named Eptasia. Or Epa for short.
Epa is a cactus which belongs to the night-blooming Cereus family.
I’m not sure what their botanical name is… perhaps someone knows and can let me know.
Epa was a gift from the former tenants of our home.
They gifted it to us as they were moving overseas (5 years ago) and couldn’t take it with them. They took a cutting and planned to grow another one in their new home. They had received it as a wedding present a few years earlier. We’re still in touch and I still send photos of Epa to them and we both continue to be nourished by our sweet connection.
Eptasia is a derivative of the greek word for 7 (epta). A cross section of one of Epa’s limbs would reveal a 7 pointed flower-like shape.
Epa is a steadfast companion for me. Along with the sun, the moon, the stars and the breeze.
One morning I wrote this after coming out to witness one of the flowers at dawn.
Night melts into day
Darkness into light
Many buds
Blossoming
From tough skin and prickles
I feel like this. Blossoming, from tough skin and prickles.
I hope you enjoy these recordings.
With love
Karen