Mirror of Zen, Chapter 2
The appearance of the Buddhas and Chán Ancestors in this world are like waves arising on a mirror ocean.
Commentary
“The Buddha and Chán Ancestors” in this sentence refers to Śākyamuni and Mahākāśyapa. The phrase, “the appearance... in this world” means to consider great compassion as the essential aspiration to saving all sentient beings. However, if we examine this from the perspective of the one thing, each individual’s Original Nature is already perfect and complete; then, why should we rely on others to “baste it with seasonings and dredge it in flour?”16 For this very reason, “being born into this world” causes many ripples on the calmness of the original ocean. Furthermore, the Hsu-k’ung-tsang Sutra states: “Written words are evil karma. Name and form are evil karma. Even the words of the Buddha are evil karma.”
This means that you should directly perceive what is originally yours; the Buddha and ancestors cannot help you.
Verse
heaven and earth have lost their brilliance.
the sun and the moon do not shine.
Commentary
“The Buddha and Chán Ancestors” in this sentence refers to Śākyamuni and Mahākāśyapa. The phrase, “the appearance... in this world” means to consider great compassion as the essential aspiration to saving all sentient beings. However, if we examine this from the perspective of the one thing, each individual’s Original Nature is already perfect and complete; then, why should we rely on others to “baste it with seasonings and dredge it in flour?”16 For this very reason, “being born into this world” causes many ripples on the calmness of the original ocean. Furthermore, the Hsu-k’ung-tsang Sutra states: “Written words are evil karma. Name and form are evil karma. Even the words of the Buddha are evil karma.”
This means that you should directly perceive what is originally yours; the Buddha and ancestors cannot help you.
Verse
heaven and earth have lost their brilliance.
the sun and the moon do not shine.
posted by Wonji Dharma at
December 17, 2008
3 Comments:
Truly wonderful post, great reminder. Continuous practice, day after day, walking Buddha's Way.
Thank you.
You are a great Dharma Brother, thank you for all your kind and supportive words. You inspire us all to continue. Check out the movie I have just posted if you can.
Thank you, Paul. You're a teacher, I'm a student; I'm a teacher, you're a student.
With palms together,
deep bow,
Uku
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