In this talk we explore illumination as an aspect of our awakened nature, sometimes experienced as clarity, brightness, lucidity, alertness. We also look at what happens when illumination is overly emphasized in our spiritual practice and our culture. 

We are following the teachings of Zen Master Hongzhi from his poem on Silent Illumination, in this stanza he reminds us:

If illumination neglects serenity, then aggressiveness appears.