A Journey with Eihei Dogen Workbook Another adventure in living a life of peace, joy, love, and compassion By: Kathleen Shokai Bishop, MS, PhD Southern Palm Zen Group 2013 I discovered a wonderful book edited by Kazuaki Tanahashi and Peter Levitt entitled The Essential Dogen Writings of the Great Zen Master (2013) and I thought this would be another great workbook for our friends in Zen both in our Prison Ministry and for our Sangha members. I hope that my mus ings on these teachings and thoughts by Dogen and the authors might help you in your practice and your life. I know that they have helped me. In gassho, Shokai
A Journey with Eihei Dogen 2 Kathleen Shokai Bishop
Introduction to “A Journey with Eihei Dogen” Eihei Dogen lived from 1200-1253 and although he died very young he left a vast amount of words to help us on our journey in life. Whether you are a Buddhist or not his teachings can provide you with a map to living a life of peace, joy, love, and compassion. They are time tested principles that may be outright impossible to understand, or simple maxims for life, or a star too far to reach. Whatever they appear to you at first glance I believe that when you practice them regularly soon you’ll see a positive difference in your life. The editors of this new book, The Essential Dogen Writings of the Great Zen Master, Kazuaki Tanahashi and Peter Levitt have divided the book into six sections: Practical Instruction, History, Gates of Dharma, Philosophical View, Students and Teachers, and Expression. My plan is to take some of Dogen’s quotes and share them with you to show you that practicing Dogen’s teachings can be a practical and effective way to live your life based on the principles of peace, joy, love, and compassion. It might help to quote the book: Dogen initiated a lifetime of teaching and writing in one of the most unique and provocative styles the world has seen, so that others might also clarify the great matter of birth-and-death; self might have a bridge to self; wholeness in human form might be expressed as wholeness; and sentient beings might be saved from the unforgiving rigors of delusion, anguish, and needless suffering—the burden of dissatisfaction—in all of its forms (page xx).1 If you are one of those people who would like to release your burden of dissatisfaction in any part of your life this journey is for you. If you do not already have a practice of “zazen” or “sitting” or “meditation” then today is the day to begin. “One of Dogen’s ‘Rules of Zazen’ admonishes students of the way to be mindful of time’s swift passage and ‘engage yourself in zazen as though saving your head from fire’ (page xvii-xviii).” There have been times in my life when I felt as though my head was on fire even though it actually was not! When I encountered one of those events or days it sure was a wakeup call that something needed to change in my life. If you have felt that way recently I hope you will join me on this journey. I begin each day with sitting (zazen) anywhere from 20 to 35 minutes depending upon the day. In doing so I create a time of peace, quiet, and joy in my life. It fills me with the energy to move forward with my busy day. It enables me to bring that peaceful, calm, and loving feeling with me throughout the day. It helps me show compassion to myself and all others. It clears my mind and creates space for new and creative energy to emerge. It fills me with the joys of living rather than the pains of living—regardless of how large or small each one may be. The authors encourage us with these words:
1
Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA
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While for Dogen all beings are ‘fundamentally enlightened,’ it is reasonable to ask, as he did during his travels in China: If this is the case and we are whole from the beginningless beginning, why do we practice? To answer, I’d like to offer a response based on Dogen’s teaching: We practice because we do not yet know who or what we are. But as a result of many causes, including the suffering we experience and the longing engendered by that suffering, we aspire to know. That aspiration leads many people to begin the practice of zazen (page xxvi).2 It is my desire that these short lessons in the essential teachings of Dogen will help you minimize your suffering and your longing to “know” will be answered. Let us begin the journey today and continue every day! “Simply say, ‘Just this!’ (page 177)."3 Travel lightly, Shokai
Blue Ridge Mountain Mitch Doshin Cantor
2 3
Ibid. Ibid.
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A Journey with Eihei Dogen…Aspiration and Search Eihei Dogen wrote, “The aspiration for enlightenment arises just at the time of arising; it is not limited by conditions (page 3).”[1] Every person born has come here in search of something. Some begin the search early in life and others may begin only when near death. But aspire to things and search for things we will and we do. Some will be led to religious or spiritual searches, some are led to search for information about his or her ancestry, others search for knowledge in books, still others search for loving relationships, some search for riches in money and things, but most of us search for a combination of them all in some way. Buddhism helps with all of these searches and aspirations by providing us with some guidelines for living. These guidelines are especially helpful in this very frantic and fast passed world in which we live. They can help us give meaning to our lives. Sitting and being involved in a Sangha is a simple and practical way to help us on our search. As Dogen says many are searching for what we call enlightenment. Many experience it (whatever it is) while sitting, however there is no special place or task or thought that can bring it. Just be light and open for all experiences to enter your life and reject none. It is much like the GPS you would not leave home without when going on a long trip. Mine did not seem to want to work the other day when I was driving way down into Miami-Dade County from Palm Beach County to teach at Florida International University. I thought I remembered how to get there but I could not remember what the exit on the turnpike was. I kept trying and trying and nothing worked and so I finally gave up and just decided to enjoy the journey. Then when I was about 10 miles from the school I thought let’s check it out one more time and sure enough it popped right up and showed me the exit. I was enlightened! It is like that in life, the harder we search, the more frantic we get, and the less able we are to find our way in the dark. We have lost the light But once we sit, meditate, take a few deep breaths, or pray we find our peaceful center and the light appears—the answer comes. I learned a wonderful three breath exercise from a great book by Dr. Jan Chozen Bays titled How to Train a Wild Elephant. I share it with all of my classes and we do the exercise prior to beginning the class. I have them begin by shaking out their hands to release the tension, they can leave their eyes open or closed, then they take three deep breaths (not so deep that it makes them cough) counting one on the in breath and two on the out breath. It is as simple as that. What those three simple breaths do is help clear the students’ minds, slow down their breathing and heart rate and voila their minds are open to learn and they can see the light of wisdom or knowledge! How beautiful is that! If you begin with the simple breath exercise in the morning before you get out of bed and at night when you get back into bed you’ll be ready for your day and a good night’s sleep. Imagine what would happen if you did it with your eyes open in the middle of a conversation with an angry customer, co-worker, relative, stranger, or boss. You’d
A Journey with Eihei Dogen 5 Kathleen Shokai Bishop
be able to keep your cool with ease, and your search for peace and contentment in life would be arrived at even though it may be for only a few short seconds or minutes. Sitting (zazen) helps us with our aspirations and searches as well. You do have to set aside time for it that is true. However, the time spent is well worth it and will help you greatly with your search. Additionally, it will help you attain those things that you aspire to-- some of which may be hidden deep within you and are only felt with an unexplainable longing. Remember what Dogen said, “The aspiration for enlightenment arises just at the time of arising; it is not limited by conditions (page 3).�[2] I may be limited by the earthly conditions, but my aspirations and enlightenment are not! So be on the lookout for them wherever you go! Travel lightly, Shokai Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day with sitting, meditating, or praying. If that is not possible I will begin my day with three breaths and end my day with three breaths and use them as needed throughout the day and evening. 2. I will keep an open mind, heart, and eye for that aspiration manifesting in my life regardless of how large or small it may be or where it is coming from. 3. I will not be limited by my earthly conditions. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth. [1] Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA [2] Ibid.
Thatch Mitch Doshin Cantor
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A Journey with Eihei Dogen. . .Samadhi…thusness…like a fish swimming in water “Samadhi is a Sanskrit word indicating the one-pointed state of body and mind in meditation (zazen). It is translated as ding in Chinese, which means ‘stability’ (page 13).”4 Anyone who has been around Buddhism or Yoga or any Eastern (as we call it) teachings will know this word well. Many seek to experience Samadhi through their practices in meditation (zazen), yoga, Tai Chi, breath work and more. And it seems the harder they try the more the experience eludes them. Then the more they get frustrated. And finally they just give up. What a shame. For in reality the best way to experience it is by letting go of the experience. Because the experience of it is simply a “one pointed state of body and mind” and that you have already experienced a thousand times in your life. It is that perfect orgasm that you had in the most intimate and loving relationship, it is that perfect bite of food that you had one evening where you experienced it with every sense in your body—taste, touch, smell, and sight. It is when you were so engrossed in a task that it took someone hollering out your name or having to touch you to gain your attention. There was not it and you—there was just it. Until of course you came back to you and when you did that you separated yourself from the experience, went out of the now moment and into the past, reliving it, talking about it, sharing it with the other person who may have been there at the time. Duality crept up on you and then there was you and then there was the experience. Dogen said, “The activity of zazen is just like the fish swimming. Who can measure how many thousands and myriads of miles there are in zazen? Its journey is the entire body going on the path where no bird flies (page 13).”5 As were the above examples I have given. You were not doing something hoping to reach Samadhi it was just “thusness.” Just this. Just that. Just being fully and totally in the moment experiencing, melding with it not even being conscious of your “self.” That’s true Samadhi. This attitude of mind and body can be done anywhere, anytime, anyplace. Even our Sangha members in the prison ministry have many opportunities to experience this oneness of body and mind as they complete their daily chores and assignments, sit with their friends in the Sangha, and read the Buddhists texts they share there. They can find it through chanting the sutra’s they learn in their group—silently or aloud. The power is the same as they become one with the moment. So instead of searching and seeking for Samadhi Dogen simply says, “Practice thusness continuously and you will be thus. The treasury will open of itself for you to use as you wish
4 5
Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA Ibid.
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(page 14).”6 “Thusness: Reality itself, which is limitless and undivided (page 182)”7 will become a natural part of your life, without any effort or trying. Be like the fish swimming in the water and just experience the water and the rest will come of its own accord. Remember some birds can’t fly and some fish can walk. Travel lightly, Shokai Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day setting my intention to swim through it with ease and joy. 2. I will remind myself that life is “just this” no more and no less. Whatever “this” is! 3. I will remember that some birds can’t fly and some fish can walk. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
They may not be able to fly, but they sure know how to love!
6 7
Ibid. Ibid.
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A Journey with Eihei Dogen. . .Bowing In their book, The Essential Dogen Writing of the great Zen Master, Tanahashi and Levitt open their section on bowing like this: Bowing with palms together expresses respect to the awakened nature of others. It also sanctifies and expresses gratitude to the room where one practices, the meditation seat, and anything that is offered, including food. Formal bowing follows an offering of incense and is done in multiple prostrations to the floor (page 16).8 I am reminded of the time that President Obama met with the Prime Minister of Japan and he bowed to him. Some in America were shocked that he was bowing—there was indignant outrage—to say the least. I am sorry that some people are not aware of the value, use, and reason for bowing since it is used in many cultures and nations around the world. When I first came to the Zendo and was instructed on the basic steps to follow before, during, and after the service I was told about bowing. I followed along and as I bowed to the alter on entering it reminded me of the bows that are made by the Catholics as they walk around the sanctuary and bow to the alter as they pass it. Protestants don’t do that. Hummm. Then as I bowed to the cushion I felt like I was paying respect to the person who made that cushion and the things that went into the fabric and the stuffing and the buttons and all. I felt like it was a silent thank you to them for giving me a soft comfortable place to sit while I joined in the service and ultimately into a time of quiet meditation. Bowing…since that time I have used it everywhere and as often as I can. I bow to my students when they come into the classroom, I bow to my food whenever I eat, I bow to my students at the end of each class as a silent thank you and good-by. The other day I bowed to each of my students as they stood up to make a speech at their graduation luncheon from their six week leadership training program. As the student looked at me from behind the lectern we made eye contact, I smiled, reminded him or her to take “3 breaths” and then I gave them a little bow. It helped the person to release some nervousness and proudly and confidently began the speech. What they had to say may have only taken a minute or two but I could see it was one of the proudest moments of their lives. Upon completion I gave him or her two thumbs up--they smiled at me and walked back to their table. I felt exactly as Rujing describes in this verse.
8
Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA
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Rujing chanted a verse: Both the bower and bowed-to Are empty and serene by nature— The way flows freely between them. How wondrous (page 17)!9 The way flowed freely between us that afternoon. The way flows freely each time I take the opportunity to bow to someone or something. Bowing helps me stay in the moment, mindfully, compassionately, and gratefully. To become one with all and to be liberated from my small ideas and my small self, this is a wondrous practice to master. I recommend it highly…
in gassho, Shokai Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day setting my intention to bow to everyone and everything. 2. I will remind myself that life is wondrous—even when I don’t see the wonder! 3. I will remember to be open to new ideas, new cultures, new ways, and new things. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
9
Ibid.
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A Journey with Eihei Dogen. . .Each Activity is Sacred In their book, The Essential Dogen Writing of the great Zen Master, Tanahashi and Levitt quote Dogen as saying: “In performing your duties along with the other officers and staff, you should maintain joyful mind, kind mind, and great mind (page 19).”10 Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could practice that mindset from the time we woke up in the morning until we went to bed in the evening, regardless of where we were or what we were doing? But sadly enough our lives have been filled with many events that have taught us to believe that the world is a dangerous, harmful, and unloving place. I have been working as a corporate trainer for 30 years and in that time I am sad to say that probably 60% or more of the people in my classes either do not like their jobs or actually hate them but they need to work to cover their living expenses and other bills so they do not try to find other employment. And it is especially frightening and difficult to move when the unemployment rate is as high as it is and companies are downsizing, right sizing, and closing at alarming rates. David Xi-Ken Astor is his wonderful book Pragmatic Buddhism Reflecting Contemporary Vitality writes, “Siddhartha was not as concerned about understanding how the Universe worked as much as he was about learning how we humans worked within it (location 729).”11 Now that I’ve totally depressed everyone, let’s look at the bright side! There is an axiom that illustrates how the Universe works, or at least people within our Universe on planet Earth! It goes like this: 70% of the people in the world are Reactors and so they react to the way you treat them (treat them nice and they treat you nice back, treat them poorly and they treat you poorly right back, they are reacting to the way you treat them), 20% of the world are simply Nice all the time (you know them—they make you laugh and feel good whenever you’re around them) and finally the last 10% are Nasty regardless of the time of day, day of the week, or the year. Who knows why they are that way—maybe they had a bad childhood, or a life experience that jaded them and left them empty, cold, and unhappy. Regardless of the circumstances what this axiom says is that 90% of the time I can have a great life, wonderful relationships with people, and even learn to enjoy my job! Because the Nice people are always going to be nice and fun to be around regardless of what happens. I can always decide to act in a loving, kind, and compassionate way and not get baited when the Reactor is in a bad mood or I bump into a Nasty. And finally I can live in the “big mind” or the “small mind” the choice is mine.
10 11
FL
Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA Astor, D. (2012) Pragmatic Buddhism Reflecting Contemporary Vitality. Engaged Dharma Insight Group: Sebring,
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David goes on to write: Dogen’s definition of what a Buddhist practice should be about is well known. He said that to learn and practice Buddhism was the study of ourselves, and when we do that we come to know who we really are, and as a result of this realization we have the potential to experience how the Universe is. We are engaged in finding useful and productive ways in making our true self free of distorted interpretations. In other words, when we meditate whatever we experience is the self experiencing the connection with the universe as it expresses true Dharma. At that moment, we experience no disconnect between self and other (location 731).12 Make each activity sacred…and at that moment we become the 90%er and can more easily “maintain joyful mind, kind mind, and great mind. Even when you are doing a job that you may not like or want to do—or are dealing with one of those 10%ers—miracles can occur if you simply change your mind and view the situation from a higher place—from the big mind. Give it a try and let me know what happens. Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day setting my intention to view my life from the “big mind” vantage point because each activity is sacred. 2. I will remind myself that I too can be a 90%er or a 10%er the choice is mine! 3. I will remember to feel compassion for the 10% regardless of his or her behavior. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
12
Ibid.
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A Journey with Eihei Dogen. . .Scriptures Eihei Dogen wrote, “Arousing the aspiration for enlightenment depends on sutras and teachers. Practice depends on sutras and teachers. The fruit of enlightenment is one and intimate with sutras and teachers. (page 38)”13 The world revolves around teachers of all kinds, from religious to secular to family members, friends, acquaintances, the written and spoken word, and life experiences. We are born learners and seekers of teachers. In Buddhism there are many teachers available to us from our sutras, and those who teach them or share their insights about them, to the Sangha itself where we sit and find the answers within ourselves as we tap into the “big mind.” Then there are the many wonderful books that help explain things about Buddhism. Since esoteric teachings are often confusing and have “hidden” meanings behind the words it is important to have those insights either in the books, online at websites and blogs, or in your Sangha from a teacher or another practitioner. There is not a better way or a right way or an “only” way to delve into the sutras. All paths can lead to enlightenment or satori or kensho whichever term you prefer. But the sutras are not just a path to enlightenment they are a pathway to life. I remember reading a letter that was written by Paramahansa Yogananda and in it he wrote. “Do not look at the beggar on the street and say, ‘There but for the grace of God go I’ because he may be in his last incarnation and you may have many more to go.” So once you have memorized a sutra if you do not live the words within it what good is it? The value is not in the memorization, but in the application! It is also important to remember the words of Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha) when he is quoted as saying, Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find anything that agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. Enlightenment does not come “from” the sutras but from living a life as illustrated in them—to do that more easily and more often we need to put some of them to memory. That way we have the principles anchored in our unconscious as well as our conscious mind and the words can be of great help to us especially in times of challenge. 13
Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA
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One of my favorites is the Metta Sutra: The Loving-Kindness of Shakyamuni Buddha: May all beings be happy. May they be joyous and live in safety. All living beings, whether weak or strong, in high or middle, or low realms of existence, small or great, visible or invisible, near or far, born or to be born, may they all be happy. Let none deceive another nor despise any being in any state; let none by anger or hatred wish harm to another. Even as a mother at the risk of her life watches over and protects her only child, so with boundless mind should one cherish all living things, suffusing love over the entire world, above, below, and all around without limit. Standing or walking, sitting or lying down, during all one’s waking hours, may one remain mindful of this heart and this way of living that is the best in the world. Unattached to speculations, views and sense desires, with clear vision, such a person will never be reborn in the cycles of suffering. If you have not already done so, begin today to pick a sutra that resonates with you and memorize it. When you do the “fruits of enlightenment� will be there for the picking. What a luscious thing that will be! Be happy, Shokai Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day setting my intention to read a sutra each morning and evening. 2. I will remind myself that I too can be happy for no reason at all! 3. I will work each day on memorizing a sutra and know memorization is easy for me. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
Lou Mitsunen Nordstrom, Roshi
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A Journey with Eihei Dogen …Enlightenment Enlightenment: is an elusive idea spread by many religious and spiritual teachings around the world. Questions abound: What is it? How do I attain it? What will happen if I do get it? Does that mean I have to leave my family and friends and go live on the top of a mountain somewhere? Dogen said, “Great enlightenment right at this moment is not self, not other. Great enlightenment is the tea and rice of daily activity. Enlightenment is ungraspable (page 55).”14 Tanahashi and Levitt say, “Awakening to the ultimate reality of human existence is called ‘realization’ or ‘enlightenment.’ It is the actualization of our innate capacity to experience wisdom beyond wisdom (page 50).”15 Wisdom abounds everywhere, are you looking? Enlightenment is knowing that you are in the present moment, doing all that you can to demonstrate your oneness with the world and the people around you. It is living in the moment and not being drawn into future events or challenges or pushed back to the worries and woes of the past minutes, hours, days, or years. It is being one with all in this very moment. As Dogen said it is the “tea and the rice of daily activity.” So if you are sitting or meditating so you can be sent to another plane of existence, or to light up like the pictures we see of Jesus, or to be relieved of your daily chores and sorrows you may or may not grasp it. You just may be looking in the wrong place for the wrong thing. Enlightenment to me is when you are living your life fully with peace, love, joy, and compassion. When without thinking you act as the Good Samaritan, or Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, or the Buddha just doing and being the embodiment of those things. It is washing the dishes with care, driving the car with mindfulness for the safety of others on the road and the passengers in your car. It is saying a prayer before you eat to bless the food and those who have made it possible for you to eat: the farmer, the truck driver, the clerk in the grocery store and hundreds more. We have a beautiful prayer that we say before each meal at our Zendo if you are not already using it I hope you’ll try it out. It seems to have extra added benefits like no indigestion after the meal for some reason or other! Earth, water, fire, air, and space combine to make this food. Numberless beings gave their lives and labors so that I may eat. May I be nourished so that I may nourish life. This prayer can be used throughout the day for everything. Bless the clothes you wear and the people who made them for you. Bless the car you drive and the home where you live, and the 14 15
Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA Ibid.
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furniture that you sit and sleep on. See the “light” in everyone and everything. That is why we call it “enlightenment.” It is not a place to go but a place to be! Be light about everything, look for the humor and laughter around you and bring humor and laughter wherever you go. Life is short—too short to be living “enheavyment” every day all day long! Be good to yourself and lighten up. When you do you see enlightenment everywhere in everyone and in everything. Think what a miracle that would be! If this day was your last day on earth what a wonderful day it would have been. Dogen said, “You should remember that how much you study and how fast you progress are secondary matters. The joyfully seeking mind is primary (page 51)”16 So trade in your heaviness for joyfulness today! When you do you will be face-to-face with the master’s I have named above and many more—you will be walking with them in the light. So travel lightly, Shokai Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day with joyfulness and lightness. 2. I will remind myself that life is short—and not to spend time in “heaviness” but in “lightness”! 3. I will remember to keep my eyes and ears open because wisdom and enlightenment are everywhere present. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
16
Ibid.
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A Journey with Eihei Dogen…Trust “Trust, also translated as faith, is one of the four pillars of Buddhism: teaching, practice, trust, and realization (page 73).”17 This is the order in which we move as we are invited to take on the mantle of Buddhism in our lives. Dogen said, “The realm of all buddhas is inconceivable. It cannot be reached by intellect—much less can those who have no trust or lack of wisdom know it. Only those who have the great capacity of genuine trust can enter this realm (page 73)”18 Trust is a very difficult thing to do. We all have put our faith and trust in someone or something and we were let down, or the bottom fell out of the investment, or the job offer fell through, but that did not stop us from “trusting” something or someone else in the future. For the novice it is important to remember that people have been following the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha for thousands of years and have tested and tried, and failed and succeeded in their lives by following his advice and teachings. This is the way of true learning. It is like when you first learn anything you try and fail and try again until you master the thing. If you give up to soon you may lose faith in yourself or the teacher. If the teacher is a good one he or she will continue to help you and support you and show you a better way, a simpler way, a more loving way, or a faster way. Then the teacher lets you try it again and watches to see how you do this time. A true teacher will show he or she has “trust” in you and your abilities, talents, and skills. They often see things in you that you do not see in yourself. That is the eye of the true teacher. Trust in these wonderful principles of Buddhism, practice them daily, and watch what happens. It is not by accident that these principles have lasted for thousands of years it is by practice and trust that those who have come before you have made them work in their lives making them better, sustaining them, and broadening their outlook on life. [According to Ejo] Dogen said, “When Eisai, the late Bishop, was abbot of the Kennin Monastery, a man came and said, ‘My family is very poor. We haven’t eaten for several days. The three of us—my wife, my son, and I—are starving to death. Please show your compassion and help us.’ At that time there was no clothing, food, or money in the monastery. Eisai could find no way to help. But he remembered the copper sheet intended for the halo of the Medicine Buddha figure. He got this out, broke off a portion of it, crushed it together, and gave it to the poor man, saying, ‘Please exchange this for food and satisfy your hunger.’ The man departed overjoyed. The students were upset and said, ‘That copper was for the radiance of the Medicine Buddha’s image. Is it not a crime to give such sacred material to a layperson?’
17 18
Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA Ibid.
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“Eisai said, ‘yes, it is a crime. But think of the Buddha’s intention. He gave up his own flesh and bones and offered them to sentient beings. We would honor the Buddha’s intention even if we were to give the entire body of the Medicine Buddha to those who are starving now. We may fall into hell for this act. Still we should continue to save people from starvation.’ “Students nowadays should reflect on the great heart of our guiding master. Don’t forget this (pages 71-71).”19 Eisai had trust in the principles lived and taught by the Buddha regardless of what others thought may be the outcome of the action. He trusted that doing the “right” thing would surpass all rules made by man. The Buddha said we were to live a life filled with actions, thoughts, and deeds that would help alleviate the suffering on this planet. So when your heart knows what to do trust it and follow it to the loving actions, words, and deeds that will help end suffering, if not for all forever, at least for that person in that moment. Trust yourself, your compassion, and the teachings of the Buddha to know when and how to do the right thing. Follow in the footsteps of Eisai. Trust in yourself, Shokai Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day trusting in the principles taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. 2. I will remind myself that trust when shared with another will brighten his or her day and improve our relationship. 3. I will remember to keep my eyes and ears open for any and all opportunities to show trust in the principles of Buddhism. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
Kinhin at Zen Mountain Monastery, Mt. Tremper, NY 19
Ibid.
A Journey with Eihei Dogen 18 Kathleen Shokai Bishop
A Journey with Eihei Dogen…Time and death In some ways the end of time came for me on Wednesday, September 4, 2013, when my mother passed away. My dad had passed away six years ago and I just knew time had stopped for me then, but oddly enough mother needed more time from me since she had Alzheimers and, unlike dad, needed someone’s full attention to survive. Survive and thrive she did. Although mother had her ups and downs she was resilient and was always able to bounce back. Not so last Wednesday the bouncing stopped and she fell into a deep sleep that sent her into eternity with dad. Although time stopped for her on planet earth as Dogen wrote, “This is the timeless moment to attain buddha ancestors’ infinite life. All of you aspire and practice within this timelessness. Endeavoring to follow the way, you must actualize one phrase. When timelessness is realized, you are powerful. When timelessness is realized, you are alive (page 94).”20 Mother has reached her aspiration of timelessness and come into her real power. My mother was a Methodist who loved Psalm 23 and counted on it in times of difficulty—this is for mom. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul;: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. “[After a pause Dogen said:] The buddha ancestors’ body and mind are timelessness. Your true face is a great jewel forming in heaven. How long have you awaited timelessness? This auspicious day knows the increasing light of opportunity (page 94).”21 She waited 92 years to enter into her timelessness. I can only wonder with awe at the opportunities my mother is taking in timelessness now. She has ended the great adventure here to find her true face as the wondrous jewel formed in heaven, the perfect reflection of her heavenly work done on earth. You too are the perfect reflection of timelessness—show it and share it every day. Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day trusting that “my cup runneth over” with good. 2. I will remind myself that time is fleeting and only love prevails. 20 21
Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA Ibid.
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3. I will remember to keep my eyes and ears open for any and all opportunities to use my time wisely to be a gift and not a burden. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
Iona Louise Bird Bishop 1920-2013 Member of the Women’s Army Air Corp WW II
A Journey with Eihei Dogen 20 Kathleen Shokai Bishop
A Journey with Eihei Dogen…just sitting My dear teacher Mitch Doshin Cantor sent me another wonderful book about Dogen, How to Raise an Ox: Zen Practice as Taught in Master Dogen’s Shobogenzo by Francis Dojun Cook. In the introduction he writes, “To sit upright with straight back, with mind and body unified, empty and unattached to internal and external events—this is itself Buddha wisdom; this is Buddha mind. Dogen teaches that, rather than do zazen for some purpose, one sits quietly, without expectation, in jijuyu Samadhi, simply to enjoy one’s own inherent nature, without question of means and ends (page 5).’”22 What a relief to know that we can sit for no reason at all. That our time spent in meditation need not be something which has a beginning, a middle, and an end. It need not be to find enlightenment, peace, joy, or decreased blood pressure. It can simply be “because.” Just “this.” It can be done with no expectations or preconceived notions or rules of sitting or posture or pain or no pain. Just sitting. And if that day the “sitting” is difficult or easy--so what. You can make it fun, simple, hard, or awkward—you can label it whatever you want or label it nothing at all. Simply sit with no expectations, or criticisms, or worries, or judgments. If we sit to replicate the outcome of enlightenment that Shakyamuni Buddha had we have not learned that we are already Buddhahood. This is what he discovered under the Bodhi tree. Dojun says in his book, “Then why did he [Shakyamuni Buddha] continue to sit in jijuyu samadhi? Because he was just manifesting and enjoying his Buddhahood (page 5).”23 So why sit? He goes on to say, “Buddhism is an experiential religion in which this real-making process actualizes Buddha nature as a concrete, lived reality. Therefore, because practice is absolutely necessary for making our inherent Buddha nature a lived reality, practice never ends (page 7).24 So whether you are sitting on the cushion, on the chair in the kitchen eating a meal, or on the couch, or at your desk take time to just “sit” as Shakyamuni Buddha did under the bodhi tree before and after his enlightenment experience. Hold no expectations just bask in the moment of quiet, peace, and eternity that lives within you every moment of every day. Be free. Dojun goes on to write, “This practice is very simple, but also very difficult. It is our human nature to pick and choose, to desire and loathe, to form myriad attitudes and judgments toward the events of our lives. This practice is difficult because it demands of us that we simply cease
22
Cook, F.D., (2002) How to Raise an Ox: Zen Practice as Taught in Master Dogen’s Shobogenzo. Wisdom Publications: Somerville, MA. 23 Ibid. 24 Ibid.
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that picking and choosing, desiring and loathing. A contemporary Zen master has said that ‘Zen is picking up your coat from the floor and hanging it up.” Nothing could be simpler (page 8).”25 Try it I think you’ll like it. Shokai Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day simply sitting wherever I am without expectations. 2. I will remind myself that even Shakyamuni Buddha continued to sit. 3. I will remember that “nothing could be simpler.” 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
25
Ibid.
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A Journey with Eihei Dogen…when the time comes, flowers open The law of cause and effect is beautifully described by Dogen when he writes about the arrival of flowers. When the time comes, flowers open. This is the moment of flowers, the arrival of flowers. At this very moment of flowers arriving, there is no other way. Plum and willow flowers unfailingly bloom on plum and willow trees. You can see the flowers and know plum and willow trees. You understand flowers by looking at plum and willow trees. Peach and apricot flowers have never bloomed on plum and willow trees. Plum and willow flowers bloom on plum and willow trees. Peach and apricot flowers bloom on peach and apricot trees. Flowers in the sky bloom in the sky in just this way. They do not bloom on other grasses or trees (page 130).”26 For me this passage represents the idea of what we call in Unity “the law of mind action.” Thoughts held in mind manifest after their kind. You cannot think thoughts of fear, anger, jealousy, limitation, or lack and have happiness, success, prosperity, peace, and love appear in your life on the physical, spiritual, or mental plane. As Dogen said plum flowers come from plum trees NOT apricot trees or grass. Like creates like, love creates love, hate creates hate. You cannot plant an apple seed and get a pear tree any more than you can plant a hate filled thought and get a loving response in return. Thoughts create our reality and Charles Fillmore the co-founder of Unity said they have weight and measure. What did he mean by that? He illustrated this idea by an experiment that was done at a college during his life time. They took some of the best athletes in the school and placed them on a perfectly balanced board. While lying there they first asked them to try to figure out a very difficult mathematical problem and as they worked on the problem the board began to move slowly in the direction of their head. Remember when you were on a teeter totter with a friend who was a little heavier than you were it would move in his or her direction. Next, they asked the student to picture himself running in a race and to keep running as fast as he could to reach the finish line first. You can all imagine what happened then—the board began to tilt in the direction of the student’s feet. Thus Charles said, thoughts “have weight and measure.” What are you producing with your thoughts: illness in mind, body, or spirit, measurably higher blood pressure, blood sugar, anxiety attacks, or migraines? Dogen goes on to say:
26
Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA
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When the old plum tree suddenly blooms, the world of blossoming flowers arises. At the moment when the world of blossoming flowers arises, spring arrives. There is a single blossom that opens five petals. At this moment of a single blossom, there are three, four, and five blossoms, hundreds, thousands, myriads, billions of blossoms—countless blossoms (page 130)�27 What is blossoming in your life today, be mindful of the forest that you grow. Shokai Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day thinking peach blossoms and growing peach blossoms. 2. I will remind myself that the content of my thoughts are the content of my actions. 3. I will remember that I am in charge of the law of cause and effect. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
Bridgewood White Tree Flower Mitch Doshin Cantor
27
Ibid.
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A Journey with Eihei Dogen…miracles, nothing special “At the very moment of attaining enlightenment upon seeing the morning star, this is where the Tathagata eats his morning gruel (page 143).”28 So this morning as I sat my mind kept wandering onto my to-do list for the day and the week and the month and each time I would go back to counting and following my breath I soon was back on the to-do list. That wandering mind led to self-recrimination and questioning myself, my practice, and my ability to sit. Then I remembered this quote from The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master by Kazuaki Tanahashi and Peter Levitt and took a deep breath and remembered “nothing special.” Zen is nothing special, sitting is nothing special. As the wisdom of the followers of Buddha have proclaimed over and over again when asked about zazen, or the Buddha, or Buddhism it was just: chopping wood, carrying water, or just this, or thus. Yangshan simply brought a basin of water and a towel and Xiangyan made a bowl of tea and both of these students were told by Guishan, “You two students surpass even Shariputra and Maudgalyayana with your miraculous activity (page 134)!” And yet every moment of the day is special as Dogen wrote, “Layman Pangyun was an outstanding person in the ancestral seat. One day he said, “Miracles are nothing other than fetching water and carrying firewood (page 135)”29 So today the miracle for me was just taking the time to sit, taking the time to remember that just making the effort each day is a miracle! Taking the time to forgive myself for being human when I have a wandering mind, or when I get upset or angry with someone during the day and the like--now that’s a miracle. Recently, I had dokuson at our all day Zazenkai with Mitsunen Nordstrom and shared this with him, he jumped for joy and said people misunderstand Buddhism if they think that they should never lose their temper or be angry at another. That’s nonsense. What is good is to forgive yourself when it happens, be compassionate with yourself, and then move on with your day. Don’t walk around stoically with a stiff look on your face afraid to have emotions and feelings! Nothing special: either the good thoughts and actions or the upsetting thoughts and actions…just this. Dogen went on to say, “Things are just as they are even when unnoticed. Even when people do not know that fetching water is a miracle, fetching water is undeniably a miracle (page 135).”30 Remembering and forgetting: miracles. Eating your morning gruel immediately after enlightenment: a miracle. And yet nothing special! Being born: a miracle and yet—nothing special… Realizing your oneness with all things: a miracle and yet—nothing special… 28
Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA Ibid. 30 ibid 29
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Miracles are happening to you and around you every moment of everyday…so guess what? Nothing special! Just eat your morning gruel… Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day looking for those “nothing special” miracles in my life. 2. I will remind myself to be compassionate and forgiving toward myself and others. 3. I will remember that emotions are part of living and sitting. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
Chopping wood, nothing special but you could not tell that by the smile on her face!
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A Journey with Eihei Dogen…ordinary and sacred Dogen’s commentary on a koan about insentient beings went like this: Only the insentient know the dharma they speak of, Just as walls, grass, and trees know spring, Ordinary and sacred are not hemmed in by boundaries, Nor are mountains and rivers; sun, moon, or stars (page 171).31 It is time we stop trying to categorize things and surround them with boundaries. It is time we stop naming some things sacred, blessed, beautiful, and bountiful and the like and other things, non-sacred, limited, dead, or preceded by these types of adjectives. Doing this allows us to pollute the world we live in and make it okay to destroy forests, and lakes, and rivers, because they are so called “insentient” things. They can’t think, they don’t have emotions, and can’t feel pain. But Dogen saw the life and dharma in all things and gave us the wisdom in his teachings to find our inner compassion and beauty and direct it with our eyes and ears to all things on this earth. Imagine what this world would be like if we took this viewpoint. Every time we walked down the street and saw a stone shimmer, or a flower blow with the breeze, or admired the sounds of the birds, and we viewed this as seeing and hearing the dharma, the world would be a better place in which to live. There would be less opportunity for anger, violence, wars, pollution, deforestation, and hatred to manifest through humankind. We would begin to understand that “the ordinary and sacred” have no boundaries. He responded as well with this poem: How splendid! How wondrous! Inconceivable! Insentient beings speak dharma. The ears never hear it— Only the eyes (page170).32 So what is the dharma anyway? Buddhism recognizes these “laws” or universal truths such as the 10 Paramitas and the 16 Buddhist Precepts. Dogen was addressing this teaching for us trying to guide us into a place where we, like Shakyamuni Buddha, could experience them. They are not something that can be transmitted by words or actions, but must be experientially manifested while sitting and while living life with a wonderment and respect for all things sentient and insentient. You may not hear the sound of the stone, or the sound of the orchid growing in the pot, but the eyes can see their beauty and it can permeate your consciousness and lead you to a place of 31 32
Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA Ibid.
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serenity, compassion, and love for all—sentient and insentient. That is the goal of Buddhism and the dharma. How splendid! How wondrous! Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day looking for those “insentient beings speaking the dharma.” 2. I will remind myself to be compassionate to them. 3. I will remember that the ordinary and the sacred are not hemmed in by boundaries. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
Great Smokies-Fall 2011 Mitch Doshin Cantor
http://listeningwiththeeye.squarespace.com/galleries/great-smokies-fall-2011/
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A Journey with Eihei Dogen…prajna: entering the stream When was the last time you went on a hike and were able to actually enter into a physical stream? When was the last time you felt the water rushing over your feet or shoes and toes and ankles? When was the last time you heard the noise of the rush of the water over the rocks and pebbles and the cacophony of sounds that it produced? That may just be the last time you and “prajna” were one. So what is prajna anyway? “Prajna, consciousness or wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism refers to an immediately experienced intuitive wisdom that cannot be conveyed by concepts or in intellectual terms. The definitive moment of prajna is insight into emptiness, which is the true nature of reality (page 171)”33 One of my “prajna” moments occurred many years ago in the Colorado Rockies hiking with a friend—the water was so pure we could drink from it and refresh our bodies, minds, and spirits and all it seemed to take was just one cold crisp handful. For hours no words needed to be spoken as we immersed ourselves in the beauty of the forest and its insentient capacity to answer all our questions and fulfill all our needs. Dogen says, “To dedicate yourself and take refuge in the manifestation of prajna is to see and uphold the Buddha, the World-Honored One. It is to be the Buddha, the World-Honored One, seeing and accepting (page 65).”34 For students of other paths it may be seeing and accepting the Christ, or Mohammad, or Krishna or Kwan Yin all honored ones amongst their followers. How you get there is not the point, the point is simply getting there. As if “there” was someplace to get, which there is not. But on the physical plane we always think of it that way. Since prajna cannot be conveyed in concepts or intellectual terms it is important for us to take time each day to simply experience the moment in which we are living. Regardless of what we are doing in that moment: eating, shopping, bathing, singing, sitting, walking, or cleaning—be there fully, wholly, and unabashedly! Enlightenment is not some “place” that you go to or get to—it is right here, right now. So if you are still waiting for just the right meditation, sitting, sesshin, prayer, teacher, time, or location you’re going to miss it. You’ve taken your eyes off the ball—life—and the multitude of opportunities you will be given today to enter into the stream.
33
Kohn, M. H, Editor, The Shambhala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen, Shambhala Dragon Editions (1991) , Boston, MA 34 Tanahashi, K. Levitt, P. (2013) The Essential Dogen, Writings of the Great Zen Master. Shambhala: Boston, MA
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Intimate with everything I see, Walking, sitting, and lying down are truth itself. If someone asks the inner meaning: “The treasury of the dharma eye in a speck of dust.” --Dogen (page 172)35 Be here now. Things to focus on this week: 1. I will begin each day being “intimate with everything I see” and everything I do. 2. I will remind myself that prajna is not a place to go, but is an experience. 3. I will remember that I am in charge of my experiences and not the circumstances that I find myself in. 4. Lastly, I will keep a journal of the opportunities that have been presented to me so I can keep track of my progress and my opportunities for growth.
Upaya Gold Buddha Mitch Doshin Cantor www.Listeningwiththeeye.squarespace.com
35
ibid