About this episode
“My storehouse having burnt down, nothing obscures the view of the bright moon. All of our previous conceptions, our preferences, our ideas, our understandings of the way the world works have to go up in flames.” What happens when 40 years of perfect dedication still isn't enough? In this excerpt from her captivating talk at our Winter's Commit to Sit , Jisho Sara Siebert, of Zen Fields in Ames, Iowa, tells the remarkable story of Ananda—the Buddha's personal attendant who had a photographic memory, knew every teaching by heart, and served with unwavering devotion for four decades. Yet despite all his knowledge and service, something was still missing. Through Ananda's ancient story and her own experiences living in war-torn countries and practicing at historic temples in Japan, Jisho explores profound questions we all face: Why isn't intellectual understanding enough? What does it really mean to “let go”? And how do we move from simply repeating what we've learned to truly understanding it? This isn't just a Buddhist teaching—it's a universal story about the difference between knowing about something and actually experiencing it. Whether you're interested in personal growth, spiritual development, or simply love hearing transformative stories from across cultures and centuries, you'll find wisdom and inspiration in this accessible exploration of this profound moment of awakening. Jisho's warm, personal storytelling brings ancient wisdom into our modern lives, showing how an attendant's moment of clarity 2,500 years ago can illuminate our own journey toward understanding and peace. P.S. Connect with Jisho: If you enjoy the talk, Jisho will be one of the guest teachers for our Summer Commit to Sit (starting June 18th) and will also be offering her own Zen Study course through NYZC in the fall (more info & registration will be available soon).