Composting Our Karma: Turning Confusion into Lessons for Awakening Our Innate Wisdom

by Barbara Rhodes, Elizabeth S.R. Goldstein (editor), Dae Bong Sunim (afterword)

Engaging teachings on the core Korean Zen practice  of “don’t-know mind” that encourage us to cultivate and apply a clear mind, improve our intuition, feel naturally at ease, and generate compassionate wisdom to face whatever arises.

​​Barbara Rhodes (Zen Master Soeng Hyang) offers the core Korean Zen teaching of don’t-know mind as an antidote to the over-thinking, overly stimulating modern world that is the cause of so much suffering. In this collection of essays, Rhodes shows us that there are ways we can work with, or “compost,” whatever we’ve got in front of us, digest it into energy that can get us through the rough times, and cultivate a satisfying life.
      “Don’t-know mind,” Korean Zen’s foremost teaching, points to our clear enlightened mind before suffering arises based on concepts and judgments of like and dislike. While simple, it is a lifelong exercise, with immediate benefits that get deeper with practice. By applying don’t-know mind to meditation, everyday existence, and life’s challenges, readers will learn to work with their own mind’s reactions to things; trust their intuition; perceive situations clearly; and act with natural courage, compassion, and enthusiasm.
     Rhodes offers fascinating insights from her professional life as a nurse; her commitment to engaged Buddhism; her life experience as a member of the LGBTQ community; her use of psychedelics on her spiritual path; and more. Readers will appreciate her down-to-earth wisdom, compassion, enthusiasm, and faith in the power of this practice.
     This book includes an afterword by Dae Bong Sunim, a guiding teacher at Musangsa Monastery in Korea.

Genres: Self Help

184 pages, Paperback

Published December 10, 2024

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Own your dear life." I am writing this after spending a retreat with this book—this quote and the recommended practices will stay with me.

[Malik Salam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The teaching in this book is very straightforward and to the point. I’ve studied in the Kwan Um School of Zen for a few years and had the pleasure to sit a couple of retreats with Barbara Rhodes. It’s such a pleasure to have an overview of her teaching in written form and read the stories she illustrates her points with.
Like any good book about meditation and zen (or any kind of practice), this book encouraged me to practice and that’s the most important!

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this, learning more about Zen Buddhism and about the author. A lot definitely went straight over my head, but I was almost brought to tears a few times and I couldn’t tell you exactly why. Looking forward to learning more about zen practices, would recommend!

[Malum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good advice from a Buddhist point of view, marred by a little bit about how meditation can give you magic powers and sight into other universes and a lot of talk about how great drugs are.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved learning about Zen Buddhism and the author's journey through meditation and solo retreats. Light and easy to read.