BANKEI ZEN

Translations from the Record ofBankei

by PETER HASKEL
Yoshito Hakeda, Editor Foreword by Mary Farkas

GROVE PRESS, INC. NE! "#RK

The a$thor wishes to acknowled%e the coo&eration of the First Zen Instit$te of America' New "ork.

Copyright

!"#$ %y Peter Haske& a'd Yoshito Hakeda

A&& Rights Reser(ed )o part o* this %ook +ay %e reprod,-ed, stored i' a retrie(a& sys. te+, or tra's+itted i' a'y *or+, %y a'y +ea's, i'-&,di'g +e. -ha'i-a&, e&e-tro'i-, photo-opyi'g, re-ordi'g, or other/ise, /itho,t the prior /ritte' per+issio' o* the p,%&isher0 First E(ergree' Editio' !"#$ First Pri'ti'g !"#$ 1S2)3 4.5"$.67$"S." Li%rary o* Co'gress Cata&og Card ),+%er3 #5.#!587 Li%rary o* Co'gress Cata&ogi'g i' P,%&i-atio' 9ata 2a'kei, !677.!6"20 2a'kei :e'0 Tra's&ated *ro+ the ;apa'ese0 !0 :e' 2,ddhis+<9o-tri'es<Ear&y /orks to !#440 10 Hakeda, Yoshito S0 110 Haske&, Peter0 1110 Tit&e0 2="5""0E>85E> !"#$ 7"$05?"78 #5.#!587 1S2) 4. 5"$.>5>7$.5 @hardA 1S2) 4.5"$.67$"5." @p%k0A Ma',*a-t,red i' the B'ited States o* A+eri-a GROVE PRESS, 1)C0, !"6 Cest Ho,sto' Street, )e/ York, )0Y0, !44!$

FORECOR9

These days +a'y peop&e tra(e& h,'dreds or tho,sa'ds o* +i&es to see or hear :e' +asters0 So+e +eet the+0 So+e st,dy /ith the+0 Fe/ ha(e a -ha'-e to ask the+3 Chat sha&& 1 do /ith +y a'ger, Dea&o,sy, hate, *ear, sorro/, a+. %itio', de&,sio's<.a&& the pro%&e+s that o--,py h,+a' +i'dsE A'd ho/ sha&& 1 dea& /ith +y /ork, +y +other a'd *ather, +y -hi&dre', +y h,s%a'd or /i*e, +y ser(a'ts, +y e+p&oyers<the re&atio's that +ake ,p h,+a' &i*eE Ca' :e' he&p +eE 1* the :e' Master 2a'kei /ere a(ai&a%&e *or -o's,&ta. tio' at a 'ear%y street -or'er today, he?d %e sayi'g +,-h the sa+e thi'gs he did to -o+*ort a'd e'&ighte' the parade o* ho,se/i(es, +er-ha'ts, so&diers, o**i-ia&s, +o'ks a'd thie(es /ho so,ght g,ida'-e *ro+ hi+ three -e't,ries ago0 2a'kei, the e'&ighte'ed h,+a' %ei'g, shares his o/' eFperie'-e /ith ,s as a rea& perso', speaki'g his o/' rea& /ords0 The ad(i-e he gi(es strikes right to the heart0 1t is high&y perso'a&, 'ot theoreti-a& or a%stra-t0 The 'at,re o* h,+a' %ei'gs has -ha'ged (ery &itt&e thro,gh the -e't,. ries, despite ',+ero,s e**orts to -ha'ge it0 )or does it see+ &ike&y to %e &ess *,&& o* passio', Dea&o,sy a'd hate i' the 'eFt tho,sa'd years, here or i' o,ter spa-e0 Che' 2a'kei had -o+p&eted his spirit,a& trai'i'g a'd +o'asti- -areer, /hi-h i'-&,ded the *o,'di'g o* a ',+%er o* te+p&es a'd the trai'i'g o* i'',+era%&e +o'ks a'd
XI

F ii G F o re w o r d priests, his tr,e -o'-er' /as /ith the pro%&e+s o* ordi'ary peop&e0 He had /a'ted to share /hat he had dis-o(ered /ith his +other, his *irst a,die'-e, a'd, 1 %e&ie(e, /as *i'a&&y a%&e to do so %e*ore she died, a (ery o&d &ady0 He /a'ts ,s to ha(e it too0 Peter Haske& has *o,'d 2a'kei?s rea& (oi-e0 1' this *i'e /ork %y a yo,'g tra's&ator /ho has &i(ed i'ti+ate&y /ith 2a'kei *or the &ast te' years a'd k'o/s hi+ thro,gh a'd thro,gh, /e are %ro,ght s+a-k i'to 2a'kei?s /or&d0 1t see+s to %e 'o tra's&atio' at a&&0 A&tho,gh a&& the too&s o* s-ho&arship ha(e %ee' +eti-,&o,s&y ,sed, 'o tra-es o* the+ +ar the po&ish0 )o o'e 'eeds to eFp&ai' /hat 2a'kei +ea's0 His se(. e'tee'th.-e't,ry +etaphors a'd &ogi- -a' %e ,sed or dis. -arded /itho,t dist,r%i'g the s,%sta'-e o* his tea-hi'g0 Chat -o+es thro,gh is o*te' D,st good hard -o++o' se'se0 EF-ept *or o'e thi'g3 the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 Chether -a&&ed %y this 'a+e or a'y other, it is the heart o* :e' as /e&& as the -ore o* 2a'kei?s tea-hi'g0 2a'kei?s approa-h sho/s that there is 'o 'eed to %e ;apa'ese or i+itate the ;apa'ese to appre-iate or a-H,ire it0 MARY FARKAS First :e' 1'stit,te o* A+eri-a )e/ York City, Apri& !"#5

PREFACE

My *irst e'-o,'ter /ith 2a'kei /as i' the *a&& o* !"870 1 had arri(ed at Co&,+%ia B'i(ersity t/o years ear&ier, hop. i'g to st,dy the history o* ;apa'ese Ri'Iai :e', %,t +y ge'era& -o,rse/ork a'd the eFtre+e di**i-,&ties o* +aster. i'g /ritte' ;apa'ese had &e*t +e ti+e *or &itt&e e&se0 )o/ that 1 /as *i'a&&y to %egi' +y o/' resear-h, a&& that re. +ai'ed /as to -hoose a s,ita%&e topi-0 2ri++i'g /ith -o'*ide'-e a'd ar+ed /ith a &ist o* high.so,'di'g propos. a&s, 1 /e't to see +y ad(isor, Pro*essor Yoshito Hakeda0 He &iste'ed patie't&y, 'odded his head, a'd the', ig'ori'g a&& +y -are*,&&y prepared s,ggestio's, asked +e i* 1 had -o'sidered /orki'g o' the se(e'tee'th.-e't,ry :e' +as. ter 2a'kei0 My disappoi't+e't +,st ha(e sho/'0 A&. tho,gh 1 had 'e(er a-t,a&&y read 2a'kei, 1 had a (ag,e i+pressio' o* hi+ as a ki'd o* s,%(ersi(e i' the /or&d o* :e', a hereti-a& *ig,re /ho did'?t %e&ie(e i' r,&es, dis. pe'sed /ith koa's a'd tried to pop,&ariIe a'd si+p&i*y the dead&y serio,s %,si'ess o* e'&ighte'+e't0 1 /as hopi'g to dea& /ith a :e' +aster -&oser to the JorthodoFJ traditio', 1 tried to eFp&ai', perhaps o'e o* the great tea-hers o* the Midd&e Ages0 JTake a &ook at 2a'kei s ser+o's i* yo, ha(e a -ha'-e,J Pro*essor Hakeda ,rged, Jyo, +ay *i'd the+ i'teresti'g0J My skepti-is+ re+ai'ed, ho/e(er, a'd 1 did 'othi'g *,rther a%o,t 2a'kei, deter+i'ed to *i'd a +ore Jrespe-ta%&eJ topi- o* +y o/' -hoosi'g0 The *o&&o/i'g year, Pro*essor Hakeda raised the s,%De-t

(in

( i) G * re fa c e

o* 2a'kei agai', a'd, i' spite o* +y o%(io,s re&,-ta'-e, pressed o' +e a s+a&& (o&,+e o* 2a'kei?s ser+o's0 JTry readi'g a *e/,J he said0 Co,rtesy reH,ired that 1 at &east g&a'-e o(er the teFt, a'd &ate that e(e'i'g 1 t,r'ed to the *irst ser+o' a'd s&o/&y %ega' to read it thro,gh0 Chat 1 *o,'d took +e -o+p&ete&y %y s,rprise0 2a'kei?s approa-h to :e' /as ,'. &ike a'ythi'g 1 had e(er i+agi'ed0 Here /as a &i(i'g per. so' addressi'g a' a,die'-e o* a-t,a& +e' a'd /o+e', speaki'g to the+ i' p&ai' &a'g,age a%o,t the +ost i'ti. +ate, ordi'ary a'd persiste't h,+a' pro%&e+s0 He a'. s/ered their H,estio's, &iste'ed to their stories, o**ered the +ost s,rprisi'g ad(i-e0 He to&d the+ a%o,t his o/' &i*e as /e&&<the +istakes he?d +ade, the tro,%&es he?d had, the peop&e /ho+ he?d +et0 There /as so+ethi'g re*reshi'g&y origi'a& a'd dire-t a%o,t 2a'kei?s f$sho +en' his tea-hi'g o* the JB'%or'0J JHere it is,J 2a'kei see+ed to say, Jit rea&&y /orksK 1 did it, a'd yo, -a' too0J The *,rther 1 read, the +ore e'tra'-ed 1 %e-a+e0 The 'eFt three 'ights, 1 -o,&d %are&y s&eep0 Che' 1 ret,r'ed to Pro*essor Hakeda?s o**i-e, 1 to&d hi+ a%o,t +y eFperie'-e0 JYo, see,J he said, &a,ghi'g, J1 k'e/ that 2a'kei /as *or yo,KJ O' +y 'eFt (isit, 1 arri(ed /ith a partia& tra's&atio' o* the *irst ser+o' a'd %ega' to read thro,gh the teFt, /ith Pro*essor Hakeda +aki'g -o++e'ts a'd -orre-tio's as 1 pro-eeded0 This /as the *irst o* +a'y s,-h +eeti'gs /hi-h -o'ti',ed *or 'ear&y te' years a'd o* /hi-h this %ook is the res,&t0 The /ork is, i' a rea& se'se, a tri%,te to Pro*es. sor Hakeda0 Citho,t his assista'-e, his ,'*ai&i'g patie'-e, /isdo+ a'd e'-o,rage+e't, it /o,&d 'e(er ha(e -o+e i'to %ei'g0 A+o'g the others /ho -o'tri%,ted to the prese't /ork, Mary Farkas, 9ire-tor o* the First :e' 1'stit,te o* A+er. i-a, deser(es parti-,&ar +e'tio'0 She has ge'ero,s&y gi(e' her ti+e a'd atte'tio' to re(ie/i'g the +a',s-ript at e(ery

* reface , () stage, o**eri'g -o,'t&ess (a&,a%&e s,ggestio's0 1 a+ a&so deep&y grate*,& to Pro*essor Phi&ip Ya+po&sky a'd the sta** o* Co&,+%ia s East Asia' Li%rary *or their eFpert assista'-e o(er the years, a'd to +y -o&&eag,e Ry,i-hi A%e!, /ho parti-ipated i' +a'y o* the tra's&atio' sessio's0 Spe-ia& tha'ks are d,e to Maria Co&&ora, /ho ki'd&y he&ped +e i' editi'g the E'g&ish tra's&atio', a'd to Sa'dy Ha-k'ey a'd ;oh' Stor+, /ho read thro,gh the -o+p&eted teFt0 Per. +issio' to ,se photographs i'-&,ded i' the i&&,stratio's /as gra-io,s&y eFte'ded %y the Tokyo p,%&ishi'g *ir+s 9aiIo sh,ppa' a'd Sh,'D,sha a'd %y Mrs0 Hiroko Akao o* A%oshi, ;apa'0 Fi'a&&y, 1 /o,&d &ike to eFpress +y ap. pre-iatio' to Ha''e&ore Rosset, +y editor at Gro(e, *or the eFtraordi'ary -are she has &a(ished o' the +a',s-ript0 1 ha(e tried to o**er Cester' readers a g&i+pse i'to 2a'kei?s si'g,&ar /or&d, ,si'g his o/' /ords a'd those o* his dis-ip&es a'd des-e'da'ts0 The tra's&atio's *o-,s par. ti-,&ar&y o' se&e-tio's *ro+ the -ermons a'd the .o%o @1'str,-tio'A, *or, a&tho,gh a -ertai' a+o,'t o* repetitio' o--,rs i' these /orks, they are o,r +ost (i(id a'd a,the'. ti- re-ords o* 2a'kei?s tea-hi'g0 A&so i'-&,ded are a series o* 2a'kei?s &etters, eFa+p&es o* his poetry, a'd a sa+p&i'g o* +ateria&s *ro+ (ario,s a'tho&ogies -o+posed i' Chi'ese a*ter his death0 The -riteria that g,ided +y se&e-tio' i' ea-h area /ere p,re&y s,%De-ti(e3 1 -hose those ite+s that see+ed to +e +ost i'teresti'g a'd -o&or*,&, those that i&&,+i'ed -ertai' aspe-ts o* 2a'kei?s -hara-ter a'd ti+es or /ere other/ise si+p&y -har+i'g i' the+se&(es0 Respo'. si%i&ity *or a'y o(ersight or errors, here a'd e&se/here i' the %ook, is /ho&&y +y o/'0 The ear&iest +oder' -o&&e-tio' o* 2a'kei?s tea-hi'gs, the Bankei +en/i %orok$ @Tokyo, !"$7A, edited %y 90 T0 S,I,ki i' the Iwanami b$nko series, has %ee' &arge&y s,perseded %y t/o +ore re-e't editio's that ser(e as the %asis *or the prese't tra's&atio's0 These are the Bankei +en/i +ensh$ @9aiIo sh,ppa', Tokyo, !"84A, edited %y the

F ( I G* r e fa c e ;apa'ese s-ho&ar Akao Ry,Di, a'd the Bankei +en/i ho%osh$ @Sh,'D,sha, Tokyo, !"8!A, edited %y F,Di+oto Ts,-hi. shige0 F,Di+oto, a 'ati(e o* 2a'keis ho+eto/' o* A%oshi, de(oted a &i*eti+e to -o&&e-ti'g a'd p,%&ishi'g +ateria&s re&ated to the Master a'd his tea-hi'gs0 A&& +oder' st,. de'ts o* 2a'kei o/e hi+ a great de%t0 Short&y %e*ore this %ook /as to go to press, Pro*essor Hakeda passed a/ay a*ter a &o'g a'd -o,rageo,s %o,t /ith -a'-er0 1t /as his &i*e&o'g desire to re(i(e the tr,e tea-hi'g o* 2,ddhis+ i' %oth East a'd Cest, a'd his e'tire -areer /as a se&*&ess testa+e't to that e'dea(or0 A&& o* ,s /ho k'e/ hi+ /i&& +iss hi+ sore&y a'd /i&& a&/ays treas,re his +e+ory0 PETER HASKEL )e/ York City Septe+%er !"#5

INTR#01CTI#N

E(e' i' his o/' day, 2a'kei?s :e' str,-k peop&e as a' a'o+a&y, dra+ati-a&&y di**ere't *ro+ a'y re&igio,s tea-h. i'g they had k'o/' %e*ore0 At *irst, this a&ar+ed the+ %e-a,se they /ere'?t s,re that /hat he ta,ght /as e(e' 2,ddhis+, +,-h &ess :e', a'd there /ere se(ere pe'a&ties *or asso-iati'g /ith a'yo'e pro*essi'g Christia'ity or other Jhereti-a&J %e&ie*s pros-ri%ed %y the go(er'+e't0 2y the e'd o* his -areer, ho/e(er, 2a'kei had e+erged as so+e. thi'g o* a -e&e%rity0 Peop&e trekked *ro+ e(ery -or'er o* ;apa' to hear his ta&ks, a'd the o(er*&o/ a,die'-es had to %e a--o++odated i' separate shi*ts0 His *o&&o/i'g e+. %ra-ed 'ear&y e(ery seg+e't o* ;apa'ese so-iety3 sa+,rai /ith their *a+i&ies a'd retai'ers, +er-ha'ts, artisa's, *ar+ers, ser(a'ts, e(e' ga+%&ers a'd ga'gsters, as /e&& as +o'ks a'd ','s o* a&& the 2,ddhist se-ts, -ro/ded the te+p&es /here he spoke0 Most -a+e to &iste', to &ear' a%o,t 2a'kei?s ,',s,a& tea-hi'g, %,t others arri(ed /ith spe-ia& pro%&e+s, hopi'g to so&i-it his ad(i-e0 Chether it /as a +o'k /ith tro,%&e +editati'g, a &ay+a' a*raid o* th,'der, a *ar+er /ith a %ad te+per, or a &o-a& *a+i&y *e,d, 2a'kei?s approa-h /as esse'tia&&y the sa+e0 Chat.
LMy pri'-ipa& so,r-e *or the Medie(a& period has %ee' Ta+a+,ra TakeDi?s +,&ti.(o&,+e Nihon +ensh$shi romh$ @Kyoto3 Shi%,'kak, sh,ppa', !"86. !"#!A, /hi&e *or the history o* Tok,ga/a :e', 1 -o's,&ted a (ariety o* pri+ary a'd se-o'dary so,r-es0 The i'*or+atio' o' 2a'kei?s %iography is %ased +ai'&y o' F,Di+oto Ts,-hishige?s Bankei kok$shi no kenky$ @Tokyo3 Sh,'D,sha, !"8!A0

G ()ii

iiD G Introd$ction

e(er the pro%&e+, *or 2a'kei there /as rea&&y o'&y o'e so&,tio'3 to dea& /ith thi'gs o' a /ho&&y 'e/ %asis<to &et go, to %e 'at,ra&, to ha(e *aith i' o'e?s rea&, Jorigi'a&J +i'd0 He -a&&ed this his tea-hi'g o* the B'%or', or the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 E(eryo'e has this ,'%or' +i'd, 2a'kei saidM it is'?t +ysterio,s or re+ote, %,t here a'd 'o/, *,'-tio'i'g, a&i(e, J+ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g a'd s+ooth&y +a'agi'g e(erythi'g0J There?s 'o 'eed to o%tai' the 2,ddha Mi'd si'-e it?s %ee' there a&& a&o'g0 Peop&e o'&y ha(e to a%ide i' it, to ,se it, to ope' their eyes0 1t /as easy i* they D,st k'e/ ho/, a'd he /as there to te&& the+0 That /as the +essage 2a'kei %ro,ght0 1' !677, /he' 2a'kei /as %or', ;apa' had o'&y re. -e't&y e+erged *ro+ a &o'g period o* t,r+oi&0 Co'te'di'g /ar&ords had re't the -o,'try thro,gho,t +,-h o* the siFtee'th -e't,ry, a'd the de-isi(e (i-tory o* the Tok,ga/a *or-es a'd their a&&ies i' !644 i'a,g,rated a 'e/ a'd &arge&y pea-e*,& era that /as to &ast o(er t/o a'd o'e ha&* -e't,ries a'd &ea(e a' i'de&i%&e +ark o' +,-h o* ;apa'ese &i*e0 Tho,gh -&ai+i'g to *o&&o/ the pri'-ip&es o* Co'*,-ia' ethi-s, the Tok,ga/a go(er'+e't /as, i' e**e-t, a +i&itary di-tatorship, a'd its pri+ary -o'-er' /as to +ai'tai' *ir+ -o'tro& o(er e(ery area o* ;apa'ese so-iety0 A rigid -&ass syste+ /as i'stit,ted, /ith the sa+,rai, or /arrior -aste, at the top o* the so-ia& order, *o&&o/ed %y the *ar+ers, -ra*ts+e' a'd +er-ha'ts /ho *or+ed the %road +ass o* the pop,&atio'0 So-ia& dis-ip&i'e /as stri-t a'd e'*or-ed at e(ery &e(e& thro,gh patter's o* -o&&e-ti(e respo'si%i&ity0 9isse't /as (irt,a&&y ,'k'o/', a'd p,'ish+e't, e(e' *or a sa+,rai, -o,&d %e s/i*t a'd %r,ta&0 The 2,ddhist se-ts too /ere orga'iIed i'to a,thoritar. ia' str,-t,res, ea-h dire-t&y respo'si%&e to the go(er'. +e't0 A&tho,gh 2,ddhis+ /as ,'der atta-k *ro+ Co'*,. -ia' o**i-ia&s /ho (ie/ed the priesthood as parasiti- a'd -orr,pt, the Tok,ga/a shog,'s the+se&(es re+ai'ed i+. porta't patro's, a'd thro,gho,t the Tok,ga/a period

Introd$ction , (i(

@!644.!#68N!#6#A the go(er'+e't *o,'d the te+p&es i'. (a&,a%&e too&s i' its -a+paig' to root o,t Christia'ity, /hi-h had %ee' %a''ed as a s,%(ersi(e *oreig' %e&ie*0 As proo* that they /ere 'ot Jse-ret Christia's,J a&& ;apa'ese *a+i&ies /ere reH,ired to +ai'tai' +e+%ership i' a parish te+p&e, /hose priest reg,&ar&y iss,ed -erti*i-ates attesti'g their s,pport0 A g,ara'teed so,r-e o* i'-o+e *or the te+p&es, the parish syste+ pro(ed a (erita%&e /i'd*a&& *or 2,ddhis+0 The po/er o* the parish priest to gra't or /ithho&d the reH,ired te+p&e -erti*i-ate, ho/e(er, o**ered -&ear opport,'ity *or a%,se, a'd -ases o* eFtortio' %y ,'s-r,p,&o,s -&eri-s /ere 'ot ,'k'o/'0 Like the other s-hoo&s o* 2,ddhis+, the :e' se-t %e'. e*ited *ro+ the e-o'o+i- se-,rity pro(ided %y the parish syste+, %,t *or +a'y :e' +o'ks, the ear&y Tok,ga/a period /as a ti+e o* -risis a'd i'te'se se&*.eFa+i'atio'0 Tho,gh, +ateria&&y, +a'y o* the te+p&es had prospered d,ri'g the years o* -i(i& /ar, the tea-hi'g o* :e' itse&* had serio,s&y de-&i'ed0 1' the -o,rse o* the *i*tee'th a'd siF. tee'th -e't,ries, :e' st,dy had dege'erated i'to a type o* se-ret ora& tra's+issio' stro'g&y i'*&,e'-ed %y Esoteri2,ddhis+, a'd the res,&t /as a *or+a&iIed a'd &i*e&ess a**air i' /hi-h the eFperie'-e o* e'&ighte'+e't had &itt&e or 'o part0 The sit,atio' /as the sa+e i' %oth the Ri'Iai a'd Soto se-ts, the &eadi'g s-hoo&s o* ;apa'ese :e' *o,'ded d,ri'g the Midd&e Ages0 2y the %egi''i'g o* the Tok,ga/a period, a rea-tio' had set i', a'd the se-ret ora& tra's+issio' /as grad,a&&y a%a'do'ed0 )e(erthe&ess, there /as 'o ge'era& agree+e't o' the %est +ea's to re(i(e :e' i' the 'e/ age0 9i**ere't +ethods /ere proposed, a'd a dia&og,e o* sorts -o'ti',ed i' %oth se-ts thro,gho,t the se(e'tee'th -e't,ry0 For +a'y, the a's/er &ay i' a ret,r' to the past, a restoratio' o* the tea-hi'gs o* the great Medie(a& *o,'ders0 The Soto s-hoo&, *or eFa+p&e, so,ght to esta%&ish a' ide'tity %ased o' the /orks o* its *o,'der 9oge' Kige' @!744.!7>5A, /ho had

(( G Introd$ction

%ee' re&ati(e&y 'eg&e-ted d,ri'g the &ate Midd&e Ages0 1' the Ri'Iai s-hoo&, the -e'ter o* re(i(a& /as the Myoshi'Di, the great headH,arters te+p&e i' Kyoto /ith %ra'-hes thro,gho,t ;apa'0 Here, 'o *ig,res -o+para%&e to 9oge' eFisted, a'd the retrospe-ti(e i+p,&se eFpressed itse&* i' a' e'th,sias+ *or the origi'a& Jkoa'J :e' that the ear&y tea-hers o* the &i'e had re-ei(ed *ro+ S,'g Chi'a0L This +o(e. +e't i' the Myoshi'Di -,&+i'ated i' the tea-hi'gs o* the eightee'th.-e't,ry +aster Hak,i' Ekak, @!6#6.!86"A a'd his dis-ip&es, /ho -reated the syste+ o* koa' st,dy sti&& i' ,se i' ;apa'ese Ri'Iai te+p&es0 Re(ere'-e *or the se-ts? *o,'ders /as a--o+pa'ied %y a 'e/ e+phasis o' the p,. rity o* &i'es o* tra's+issio', the Jsi&e't tra's+issio'J o* e'&ighte'+e't *ro+ +i'd to +i'd a-ross the ge'eratio's that /as -o'sidered a key *eat,re o* the :e' s-hoo&0 The tra's+issio' /as ,s,a&&y /it'essed %y the tea-hers inka' or Jsea& o* appro(a&,J his /ritte' sa'-tio' o* the st,de'ts e'&ighte'+e't eFperie'-e, a'd these do-,+e'ts /ere -are*,&&y preser(ed i' +a'y ;apa'ese :e' te+p&es0 2oth s-hoo&s a&so /it'essed a re'e/ed i'terest i' s-ho&arship, /hi-h +a'y *e&t -o,&d o**er a's/ers to the di&e++as o* the prese't %y pro(idi'g s,ita%&e +ode&s *ro+ the past0 There /ere so+e, ho/e(er, /ho %e&ie(ed the pro%&e+s -o'*ro'ti'g :e' too deep.rooted to %e so&(ed thro,gh s,-h re*or+s, ho/e(er /e&&.i'te'tio'ed0 For these +o'ks, /hat /as &a-ki'g i' -o'te+porary :e' /as the e'&ighte'+e't eFperie'-e itse&*0 Cith ;apa'ese :e' i' de-&i'e *or the &ast t/o h,'dred years, they arg,ed, 'o e'&ighte'ed +asters re+ai'ed to -arry o' the tea-hi'gM it /as 'o/ ,p to the i'di(id,a& to e'&ighte' hi+se&* a'd e(e' to sa'-tio' his o/' eFperie'-e0 S,-h Ji'depe'de'ts,J +e' &ike S,I,ki Shosa' @!>8". !6>>A, B'go Kiyo @!>#7.!6>"A a'd 9aig, So-hik, @!>#$. !66"A, /ere pri+ari&y se&*.+ade +asters, -o&or*,& i'di(id.
LThe S,'g 9y'asty &asted *ro+ "64 ti&& !78"0

Introd$ction G ((i

,a&ists /ho o/ed &itt&e to their o/' tea-hers0 Shosa' -a+e to :e' &ater i' &i*e, taki'g the to's,re a*ter a s,--ess*,& -areer as a sa+,rai, %,t he -o'ti',ed to i'sist that the /arriors ro&e /as %etter s,ited to :e' st,dy tha' the priest?s0 The o'&y tr,e 2,ddhis+, Shosa' de-&ared, /as rea&iIed i' a-t,a& &i*e, i' the thi-k o* %att&e or at /ork i' the *ie&ds0 He dis+issed -o'(e'tio'a& :e' +editatio' pra-ti-es a'd ,rged his st,de'ts to dis-ip&i'e +i'd a'd %ody %y i+itati'g the *ier-e attit,de o* the Nio' the po/er*,& g,ardia' ki'gs /hose i+ages *&a'k the gates o* 2,ddhist te+p&es0 B'&ike Shosa', B'go a'd 9aig, /ere -areer priests /ho had a&ready re-ei(ed their tea-hers? sa'-tio' as :e' +asters /he' they %e-a+e disi&&,sio'ed, re'o,'-ed their pre(io,s a-hie(e+e'ts a'd set o,t o'-e agai' i' +idd&e age o' the sear-h *or e'&ighte'+e't0 2oth s,--eeded, %,t e'tire&y o' their o/' a'd o'&y a*ter +,-h hardship a'd str,gg&e0 B'. go?s tea-hi'g /as stro'g&y i+%,ed /ith pietis+, /hi&e 9ai. g,s /as /i&d&y e--e'tri-M %,t, &ike 2a'kei, %oth *e&t that 'o H,a&i*ied +aster eFisted i' ;apa' to testi*y to their e'. &ighte'+e't a'd so /ere *or-ed to -o'*ir+ their rea&iIa. tio' *or the+se&(es0 Other :e' +o'ks, /hi&e a-k'o/&edgi'g that ;apa'ese :e' had gro/' stag'a't, sa/ pro+ise i' the arri(a& o* a 'e/ /a(e o* Chi'ese tea-hers *ro+ the -o'ti'e't0 9espite &a'g,age di**i-,&ties<'o'e o* the 'e/-o+ers spoke ;apa. 'ese, a'd -o++,'i-atio' /as +ai'&y i' /riti'gL<+as. ters &ike Tao.-he Ch?ao.y,a' @;3 9osha Choge', d0 !667A a'd Yi'.y,a' L,'g.-h?i @;3 1'ge' Ry,ki, !>"7.!685A H,i-k&y attra-ted a /ide *o&&o/i'g to their te+p&es i' the Chi'ese -o++er-ia& -o&o'y at )agasaki0 Chi'ese :e', ho/e(er, had a&tered -o'sidera%&y si'-e its i'trod,-tio' to ;apa' i' the t/e&*th a'd thirtee'th -e't,ries0 The Mi'g dy'asty @!56#.!6$$A :e' o* the )agasaki te+p&es -o'.
2The ;apa'ese ,se Chi'ese -hara-ters i' their /ritte' &a'g,age, a'd +ost 2,ddhist +o'ks a'd ed,-ated +e' o* the Tok,ga/a period had at &east so+e *a+i&iarity /ith /ritte' Chi'ese0

((ii , Introd$ction

tai'ed +a'y sy'-reti- e&e+e'ts, a'd it /as (igoro,s&y op. posed %y traditio'a&ists, +asters s,-h as G,do Toshok, @!>8".!66!A o* the Myoshi'Di, /ho sa/ the+se&(es ,p. ho&di'g the Jp,reJ :e' o* their te+p&es? *o,'ders0 1' the e'd, o'&y Yi'.y,a' /as s,--ess*,& i' esta%&ishi'g his &i'. eage i' ;apa', /here it re+ai's a +i'or %ra'-h o* ;apa. 'ese :e' k'o/' as the O%ak, s-hoo&,L re+e+%ered &arge&y *or its i'*&,e'-e o' pai'ti'g a'd -a&&igraphy a'd *a+o,s *or its sho/in ryori' or 2,ddhist (egetaria' -,isi'e0 As e(e' these &i+ited eFa+p&es +ake -&ear, :e' i' se(e'tee'th.-e't,ry ;apa' /as 'e(er +o'o&ithi-, %,t a series o* di(erse a'd at ti+es di(erge't strea+s, (aried approa-hes to the pro%&e+s o* ho/ to restore i'tegrity to the tea-hi'g a*ter t/o h,'dred years o* protra-ted de-&i'e0 Chi&e 2a'kei?s sty&e o* :e' /as ,'iH,e, he /as disti'-t&y a +a' o* his ti+e a'd shared +a'y i+porta't *eat,res /ith his -o'te+poraries0 E(e' 2a'kei?s origi'a&ity, his %o&d se&*.-o'*ide'-e a'd i-o'o-&as+ /ere the+se&(es -hara-. teristi- o* -ertai' strai's i' the :e' /or&d o* his day0 O(era&&, ho/e(er, 2a'kei?s :e' /as esse'tia&&y a per. so'a& de(e&op+e't, a'd at the heart o* the tea-hi'g o* the B'%or' &ies 2a'kei?s o/' &i*e story0 2a'kei hi+se&* re*erred to it *reH,e't&y i' addressi'g his a,die'-es, ,rgi'g the+ 'ot to repeat his +istakes a'd re+i'di'g the+ ho/ &,-ky they /ere to ha(e the %e'e*it o* his o/' hard./o' eFperi. e'-e0 2a'kei /as %or' i' !677 i' Ha+ada, a distri-t o* the to/' o* A%oshi, t the' a 'ati(e port o' ;apa'?s i'&a'd sea0 His *ather /as a Co'*,-ia', a ronin' or +aster&ess sa+,. rai, *ro+ the is&a'd o* Shikok,t0 Thro,gh the aid o* a
LO%ak, is the ;apa'ese readi'g o* H,a'g.po, the 'a+e o* the +o,'tai' o' /hi-h Yi'.y,a'?s Chi'ese te+p&e stood i' /hat is 'o/ F,kie' pro(i'-e0 tToday, A%oshi *or+s part o* Hi+eDi City i' Hyogo Pre*e-t,re, %,t i' 2a'kei?s day, it %e&o'ged to the o&d pro(i'-e o* Hari+a0 tO'e o* the *o,r +aDor is&a'ds that +ake ,p the ;apa'ese ar-hipe&ago0 The others are Ky,sh,, Hokkaido, a'd the +ai' is&a'd, Ho'sh,0

Introd$ction , ((iii

(i&&age head+a', )aka%ori S,keyas,, he /as adopted i'to a &o-a& *a+i&y a'd sett&ed i' Ha+ada, /here he %e-a+e a do-tor, a pop,&ar o--,patio' a+o'g *or+er sa+,rai0 2a'kei /as the third o* three so's, a'd /he' his *ather died i' !657, the e&dest, Tadayas,, %e-a+e head o* the ho,se. ho&d0 2a'kei /as a&/ays -&ose to his +other, a'd re+ai'ed de(oted to her thro,gho,t his &i*e, %,t, %y a&& a--o,'ts, he a'd his o&der %rother /ere te+pera+e'ta& opposites0 Like his *ather, Tadayas, see+s to ha(e %ee' a Co'*,-ia', a ster' +ora&ist /ith a -o'(i-tio' o* the i+porta'-e o* seri. o,s st,dy a'd o%edie'-e0 2y -o'trast, the yo,'g 2a'kei te'ded to %e /i&d, ,'r,&y a'd de*ia't, a ri'g&eader i' a'y +is-hie* a'd the (i&&age -ha+pio' at ro-k *ighti'g0 The i'e(ita%&e -o'*ro'tatio' o--,rred /he', at a%o,t age e&e(e', 2a'kei /as se't *or &esso's at the 'eigh%or. hood s-hoo&0 A&+ost *ro+ the start he re%e&&ed agai'st the &i*e&ess -hara-ter o* the sta'dard -,rri-,&,+, /hi-h -e'. tered o' rote +e+oriIatio' o* the 3reat 4earnin% @CH3 Ta5hs$eh6' a' i+porta't Co'*,-ia' -&assi-0 As 2a'kei te&&s ,s i' the -ermons' his -,riosity /as aro,sed %y the ope'i'g /ords o* the teFt3 JThe Cay o* the Great Lear'i'g &ies i' i&&,+i'ati'g the 2right Virt,e0J The 2right Virt,e @CH3 min%5te6 is o'e o* the key -o'. -epts o* the Great Lear'i'g0 1t /as o*te' i'terpreted as a ki'd o* dy'a+i- i't,iti(e +ora& se'se that -o'stit,tes +a'?s i'tri'si- 'at,re, a'd it is &ike&y that 2a'kei re-ei(ed so+e s,-h eFp&a'atio' o' H,estio'i'g the &o-a& Co'*,-ia' s-ho&ars0 2,t /he' he pressed the+, 'o o'e a-t,a&&y see+ed to k'o/ /hat the 2right Virt,e /as, a'd 2a'kei /as &e*t to p,II&e o,t the pro%&e+ *or hi+se&*0 9isappoi'ted a'd -o's,+ed %y do,%ts, he e(e't,a&&y %ega' to a(oid -&asses0 Tadayas, /as o,traged at his %rothers re*,sa& to -o'ti',e his st,dies, a'd &i*e at ho+e %e-a+e i'-reasi'g&y ,'p&eas. a't0 2a'kei, ho/e(er, had 'o i'te'tio' o* ret,r'i'g to the (i&&age s-hoo&, a'd seei'g 'o /ay o,t o* his predi-a+e't, he reported&y -o'-ea&ed hi+se&* i' the gra(eyard o* the

Introd$ction , (()

H,estio's re+ai'ed, a'd /he' he ret,r'ed to B+po i' !6$>, he /ithdre/ to a h,t i' the 'ear%y (i&&age o* )o'aka a'd ,'dertook a regi+e' o* stre',o,s +editatio' pra-ti-e0 For t/o years 2a'kei 'o/ s,%De-ted hi+se&* to a series o* gr,e&i'g ordea&s i' a desperate e**ort to reso&(e his do,%ts o'-e a'd *or a&&, to ,'-o(er the tr,th a%o,t +a'?s i'tri'si'at,re0 9ri(e' to the %ri'k o* death %y h,'ger a'd eF. ha,stio', s,--ess sti&& e&,ded hi+, a'd i' the spri'g o* !6$8, 2a'kei &ay i' his h,t, i&& a'd appare't&y dyi'g, ,'. a%&e e(e' to s/a&&o/ the *ood his ser(a't o**ered0 O'e day, *ee&i'g so+ethi'g pe-,&iar i' his throat, he +a'aged to s,++o' the stre'gth to %ri'g ,p a dark %a&& o* ph&eg+, spitti'g it agai'st the /a&&0 S,dde'&y the /ho&e /eight o* his i&&'ess disso&(ed, a'd he rea&iIed the a's/er to his H,estio's<that he?d had the a's/er /ith hi+ a&& a&o'g, the i''ate +i'd that +a'ages e(erythi'g, 'at,ra&&y, e**ort&ess&y, D,st as it is0 S,++o'i'g his asto'ished ser(a't, he g,&ped do/' se(era& %o/&s o* ha&*.-ooked ri-e a'd /as soo' o' the /ay to re-o(ery0 2a'kei te&&s ,s that this /as /he' he *irst rea&iIed the B'%or', %,t it is ,'-ertai' /he' he a-t,a&&y %ega' to ,se this ter+0 Possi%&y it /as 'ot ,'ti& +,-h &ater i' his -areer, /he' he had a&ready %e-o+e a s,--ess*,& tea-her0 1' a'y -ase, he rare&y +e'tio's the 2right Virt,e agai'0 1' !6>!, /ord -a+e o* the arri(a& o* the Chi'ese +as. ter Tao.-he Ch?ao.y,a' at the S,*,k,Di, a te+p&e *o,'ded %y the Chi'ese +er-ha't -o++,'ity i' )agasaki, a'd B+po ,rged 2a'kei to pay Tao.-he a (isit0 Tao.-he spoke 'o ;apa'ese, %,t he siIed ,p 2a'kei i++ediate&y a'd i'. *or+ed hi+ that his e'&ighte'+e't, /hi&e ge',i'e, /as 'ot yet -o+p&ete0 2a'kei de-ided to Doi' Tao.-he?s as. se+%&y, a'd o'e e(e'i'g eFperie'-ed his se-o'd e'&ight. e'+e't /hi&e sitti'g i' a darke'ed -or'er o* the S,*,k,Di s +editatio' ha&&0 Prese'ti'g his rea&iIatio' to Tao.-he, he de+a'ded3 JChat a%o,t the +atter o* %irth a'd deathEJ 1' rep&y, Tao.-he /rote3 JChose %irth a'd death is thisEJ

FF(i G Introd$ction

2a'kei eFte'ded %oth ha'ds0 Tao.-he took ,p his %r,sh agai', %,t this ti+e 2a'kei s'at-hed it a/ay a'd h,r&ed it to the gro,'d0 The *o&&o/i'g day, Tao.-he p,%&i-&y a'. 'o,'-ed that 2a'kei had -o+p&eted his st,dy o* :e' a'd +ade hi+ the ten+o' or te+p&e -ook, a positio' reser(ed *or ad(a'-ed st,de'ts i' a :e' +o'astery0 2a'kei stayed /ith Tao.-he *or approFi+ate&y o'e year, re-ei(i'g his inka. )e(erthe&ess, i' retrospe-t he re-og. 'iIed Tao.-he?s &i+itatio's a'd &a+e'ted that, /ith 'o e'&ighte'ed +asters a(ai&a%&e, Tao.-he /as the %est he -o,&d do ,'der the -ir-,+sta'-es0 1' !6>7, 2a'kei re. t,r'ed to Hari+a, %,t his *irst atte+pts to tea-h /ere +et /ith s,spi-io' a'd hosti&ity, a'd he spe't the 'eFt year i' retreat i' the Yoshi'o Mo,'tai's0 1' this re+ote r,ra& distri-t, 2a'kei /as /ar+&y re-ei(ed, a'd it /as pro%a%&y here that he -o+posed the poe+ k'o/' as the So'g of #ri%inal 7ind as a ki'd o* i'*or+a& i'str,-tio' *or the &o-a& peop&e0 B+po /as 'o/ i' *ai&i'g hea&th, a'd ret,r'. i'g to Ako the *o&&o/i'g /i'ter, 2a'kei arri(ed o'&y i' ti+e to atte'd his tea-her?s *,'era&0 1' )agasaki, +ea'/hi&e, tro,%&e /as %re/i'g0 Yi'. y,a' L,'g.-h?i, a /e&&.k'o/' Chi'ese +aster i' Tao. -he?s tea-hi'g &i'e, had arri(ed i' !6>$, a'd his *a-tio' /as atte+pti'g to disp&a-e Tao.-he at the S,*,k,Di0 Tao. -he pre*erred to /ithdra/ rather tha' risk a -o'*ro'tatio' that -o,&d o'&y pro(e e+%arrassi'g to e(eryo'e -o'. -er'ed, a'd 2a'kei a'd se(era& other st,de'ts set o,t to *i'd a'other te+p&e *or their %e&eag,ered tea-her0 2a'kei?s +issio' /as ,'s,--ess*,&, %,t his a-ti(ities o' %eha&* o* Tao.-he i'trod,-ed hi+ to t/o dai+yo, or *e,da& &ords, /ho s,%seH,e't&y %e-a+e his patro's a'd dis-ip&es3 Mat. s,,ra Shige'o%, @!677.!845A, Lord o* Hirado, a'd Kato Yas,oki @!6!#.!688A, Lord o* &yo0 2a'kei ret,r'ed *or a ti+e to the S,*,k,Di, %,t re&atio's /ith Yi'.yiia's gro,p -o'ti',ed to deteriorate, a'd i' !6># Tao.-he *i'a&&y re. t,r'ed to Chi'a, %iddi'g a tear*,& *are/e&& to his ;apa'ese p,pi&s0

Introd$ction , (()ii

2a'kei, ho/e(er, /as 'o/ to %e-o+e a :e' +aster i' his o/' right0 At B+pos dyi'g reH,est, his heir 2ok,o Sogy, @d0 !6"$A -o'*erred inka o' 2a'kei, /ho had 'ot %ee' prese't /he' B+po died0 This /as a -o++o' pro. -ed,re i' ;apa'ese :e' te+p&es, a'd tho,gh, te-h'i-a&&y, it esta%&ished 2a'kei as 2ok,os heir, /as si+p&y a -o'(e. 'ie't de(i-e to re-og'iIe 2a'kei as B+po?s des-e'da't a'd to i'-&,de hi+ i' the Shotak,.ha, B+pos %ra'-h o* the Myoshi'Di tea-hi'g &i'e0 1' !6>", i' re-og'itio' o* his 'e/ stat,s, 2a'kei re-ei(ed ad(a'-ed ra'k i' the Myoshi'Di0 Sti&& so+ethi'g o* the enfant terrible' he re. ported&y e&i-ited o%De-tio's *ro+ traditio'a&ists *or re*,si'g to o%ser(e the -o'(e'tio's o* the -ere+o'y, /hi-h i'. -&,ded the taki'g ,p o* koa's0 2a-k i' Ha+ada, too, thi'gs /ere -ha'gi'g *or 2a'kei0 He had &o'g ago +ade pea-e /ith Tadayas,, /ho died i' !66!, a'd i' the sa+e year a -hi&dhood *rie'd *ro+ the (i&&age s-hoo&, Sasaki )o%,ts,g, @!67>.!6#6A, Doi'ed his %rothers i' esta%&ishi'g a te+p&e *or 2a'kei i' Ha+ada, the Ryo+o'Di, or 9rago' Gate Te+p&e0 Origi'a&&y ronin' &ike 2a'kei s *a+i&y, the Sasakis had sett&ed i' Ha+ada a'd %e-o+e /ea&thy +er-ha'ts, shipo/'ers /hose shop 'a+e )adaya /as *a+o,s thro,gho,t ;apa'0 Together /ith their /i(es a'd -hi&dre', the Sasaki %rothers /ere a+o'g 2a'. kei?s +ost &oya& s,pporters a'd re+ai'ed the Ryo+o'Di?s pri'-ipa& patro's0 The Ryo+o'Di /as o'&y the *irst o* +a'y i+porta't te+p&es 2a'kei re-ei(ed0 As his *a+e spread, he a-H,ired ',+ero,s *o&&o/ers a+o'g the ,pper ra'ks o* the sa+,rai<dai+yo a'd their *a+i&ies, /ho (ied *or his (isits a'd o**ered te+p&es i' their do+ai's a'd i' the -ap. ita&s o* Kyoto a'd Edo0 L The *o&&o/i'g years *o,'d 2a'kei *reH,e't&y i' se-&,. sio' at o'e or a'other o* the -&oisters pro(ided %y his %e'e*a-tors, pra-ti-i'g a&o'e, i'str,-ti'g a se&e-t gro,p o*
?The o&d 'a+e *or Tokyo0

(()iii G Introd$ction

dis-ip&es, or ',rsi'g his re-,rre't i&&'ess0 2a'kei?s ear&y str,gg&es had take' a se(ere to&& o' his hea&th, a'd i' &ater &i*e he /as o*te' i' eFtre+e dis-o+*ort, a**&i-ted /ith -hro. 'i- sto+a-h spas+s a'd *its o* -o,ghi'g that reH,ired i'ter(a&s o* H,iet -o'(a&es-e'-e0 Possi%&y, too, the retreats o* the !664s a'd ?84s /ere opport,'ities *or 2a'kei to -o'ti',e the sear-h *or a' appropriate +ethod o* i'str,-. tio' that &ed to his +at,re tea-hi'g o* the B'%or'0 2,t o' this o,r +ateria&s *ro+ the period are too s-a'ty to per+it a'ythi'g +ore tha' spe-,&atio'0 1' a'y -ase, the year !68" +arked a sig'i*i-a't -ha'ge i' 2a'kei?s approa-h, /ith the e+phasis shi*ti'g to -o&&e-. ti(e pra-ti-e a'd p,%&i- ser+o's at &arge kessei' the tradi. tio'a& three.+o'th periods o* i'te'si(e +editatio' he&d at :e' te+p&es i' the /i'ter a'd s,++er0 Fro+ this ti+e ,'ti& his death, 2a'kei -o'ti',ed to -o'd,-t i+porta't trai'i'g periods 'ear&y e(ery year, tra(e&i'g to his (ario,s te+p&es a'd so+eti+es de&i(eri'g as +a'y as three ta&ks a day0 B'*ort,'ate&y, /e k'o/ &itt&e o* the a-t,a& detai&s o* pra-ti-e at these kessei or at 2a'kei?s te+p&es ge'era&&y0 1' -ertai' respe-ts, at &east, &i*e i' 2a'keis asse+%&ies /as appare't&y di**ere't *ro+ that i' other tea-hers? esta%&ish. +e'ts0 2a'kei, *or eFa+p&e, /o,&d 'ot to&erate repressi(e %eha(ior s,-h as the %eati'g or s-o&di'g that sti&& -hara-. teriIes trai'i'g at +a'y :e' te+p&esM 'or /o,&d he a&&o/ %eggi'g %y his +o'ks, tho,gh the pra-ti-e /as sta'dard i' 2,ddhist +o'asteries a'd e'tire&y &ega&0 )e(erthe&ess, i' -o++o' /ith +ost :e' +o'ks, 2a'kei?s st,de'ts o%. ser(ed dai&y periods o* +editatio' a'd -ha'ti'g, a'd 2a'kei hi+se&*, &ike other ;apa'ese :e' tea-hers o* the day, re. -ei(ed st,de'ts i' pri(ate i'ter(ie/s, per*or+ed *,'era& a'd +e+oria& ser(i-es *or his patro's a'd s-r,p,&o,s&y ,phe&d the 2,ddhist pre-epts i' his perso'a& &i*e0 A&& i' a&&, /hat disti'g,ished 2a'kei s asse+%&ies *ro+ those e&se. /here see+s to ha(e %ee' +ore a +atter o* at+osphere tha' o'e o* pro-ed,re0

Introd$ction , ((i(

2a'keis &ater years /ere +arked %y -o'sta't tra(e& %e. t/ee' his (ario,s te+p&es a'd patro's0 1' !6#4, he s,*. *ered a se(ere &oss /ith the death o* his +other, /ho had %e-o+e a 2,ddhist ',' a'd retired to a -o'(e't 'ot *ar *ro+ the Ryo+o'Di0 2a'kei had a&/ays %ee' *ier-e&y de. (oted to his +other a'd i'sisted that /hat had origi'a&&y dri(e' hi+ to rea&iIe e'&ighte'+e't had %ee', a%o(e a&&, his desire to -o++,'i-ate the tr,th to her0 1' !6"4, 2a'kei /as at the height o* his -areer0 His tea-hi'g o* the B'%or' had /o' a (ast a'd de(oted *o&&o/. i'g, a'd i' additio' to the ',+ero,s ho'ors he had re. -ei(ed at the Myoshi'Di, the E+peror 'o/ a/arded hi+ the perso'a& tit&e B$tchi Kosai +en/i' J:e' Master o* 2e. 'e*i-e't E'&ighte'ed Cisdo+0J 1' the *a&&, 2a'kei /as i'(ited to de&i(er a series o* p,%&i- &e-t,res at the Hoshi'Di i' Mar,ga+e, the -ast&e to/' o* his dai+yo patro' Kyo. gok, Takatoyo @!6>>.!6"$A, Lord o* Sa',ki0 Later that year, he -o'd,-ted the +ost *a+o,s o* his trai'i'g peri. ods, a (ast kessei at the Ryo+o'Di, atte'ded %y 'ear&y se(. e'tee' h,'dred +o'ks o* e(ery se-t, so+e tra(e&i'g *ro+ as *ar as the Ry,ky, 1s&a'ds0 A(ai&a%&e spa-e i' the Ry. o+o'Di?s +endo' or +editatio' ha&&, /as H,i-k&y eFha,sted, a'd te+porary +endo had to %e i+pro(ised to a--o++o. date the *&ood o* 'e/ arri(a&s0 The kessei /as *,'ded a'd pro(isio'ed %y the Sasaki %rothers, %,t the -ro/d o* +o'ks gre/ so i++e'se that the Sasakis pa'i-ked a'd (ai'&y %egged 2a'kei to t,r' a/ay a'y *,rther app&i-a'ts0 9espite these set%a-ks, the kessei pro(ed a s,--ess a'd /as +arred o'&y %y the tragi- death o* 2a'kei?s -&ose dis-ip&e Soe'0 9,ri'g the kessei' 2a'kei de&i(ered a tota& o* siFty &e-t,res, +a'y o* /hi-h /ere re-orded %y +e+%ers o* the a,di. e'-e, a'd these, together /ith the &e-t,res re-orded at Mar,ga+e ear&ier i' the year, -o'stit,te the %,&k o* 2a'k. ei?s s,r(i(i'g ser+o's0 2y !6"5, 2a'keis hea&th had /orse'ed, a'd, rea&iIi'g that &itt&e ti+e re+ai'ed, the Ryo+o'Di s parishio'ers haste'ed to ere-t a pagoda *or hi+, -o'tri%,ti'g their o/'

FFF G Introd$ction

&a%or to the proDe-t0 Ordi'ary +e' a'd /o+e', e(e' gra'd*athers a'd ',rsi'g +others, arri(ed to Doi' i' the e**ort, a'd at 'ight, /he' their o**i-ia& d,ties /ere o(er, sa+,rai /o,&d -o+e to -arry o' the /ork %y +oo'&ight0 That ;,'e, ret,r'i'g to the Ryo+o'Di *ro+ a (isit to Edo, 2a'kei %e-a+e serio,s&y i&&0 He +a'aged to de&i(er a *i'a& three days o* &e-t,res, %,t his -o'ditio' -o'ti',ed to /orse', a'd %e*ore the e'd o* Septe+%er he /as dead0 His ashes /ere di(ided -hie*&y %et/ee' the Ryo+o'Di a'd his other pri'-ipa& te+p&e, the )yohoDi, ere-ted i' &yo %y Lord Kato0 1' !8$4, 2a'kei /as a/arded the posth,+o,s 1+. peria& tit&e o* Kok$shi' or J)atio'a& Master,J a' ho'or a--orded o'&y siF other tea-hers i' the Myoshi'Dis his. tory0 Chat /as it that +ade 2a'kei?s tea-hi'g o* the B'%or' so pop,&ar i' his ti+eE A%o(e a&&, perhaps, /as the *a-t that the %asi-s o* 2a'kei?s :e' /ere -&ear a'd re&ati(e&y si+p&e0 Yo, did'?t ha(e to %e &ear'ed, &i(e i' a +o'astery or e(e' 'e-essari&y -o'sider yo,rse&* a 2,ddhist to pra-ti-e the+ e**e-ti(e&y0 )or did yo, ha(e to e'gage i' &o'g a'd ard,o,s dis-ip&i'e0 Tr,e, 2a'kei hi+se&* had ,'dergo'e terri%&e hardships %e*ore he rea&iIed the B'%or'M %,t o'&y, as he -o'sta't&y re+i'ded his &iste'ers, %e-a,se he 'e(er +et a tea-her a%&e to te&& hi+ /hat he had to k'o/0 1' *a-t, o'e -o,&d readi&y attai' the B'%or' i' the -o+*ort o* o'e?s o/' ho+e0 1t /as'?t 'e-essary, or e(e' ad(isa%&e, 2a'kei i'sisted, to *o&&o/ his o/' eFa+p&e0 2a'kei?s e'tire tea-hi'g -a' %e red,-ed to the si'g&e ad+o'itio' JA%ide i' the B'%or'KJ This /as 2a'kei?s -o'sta't re*rai'0 The ter+ JB'%or'J itse&* is a -o++o' o'e i' -&assi-a& 2,ddhis+, /here it ge'era&&y sig'i*ies that /hi-h is i'tri'si-, origi'a&, ,'-reated0 2a'kei, ho/e(er, /as the *irst to ,se this ter+ as the -r,F o* his tea-hi'g0 Rather tha' o%tai'i'g or pra-ti-i'g the B'%or', he says, o'e sho,&d si+p&y a%ide i' it, %e-a,se the B'%or' is 'ot a state that has to %e -reated, %,t is a&ready there, per*e-t

Introd$ction , (((i

a'd -o+p&ete, the +i'd D,st as it is0 There is'?t a'y spe-ia& +ethod *or rea&iIi'g the B'%or' other tha' to %e yo,rse&*, to %e tota&&y 'at,ra& a'd spo'ta'eo,s i' e(erythi'g yo, do0 This +ea's J&etti'g tho,ghts arise or -ease D,st as they /i&&,J a'd doi'g the sa+e i' regard to physi-a& se'satio's, as 2a'kei i'di-ates i' his ad(i-e o' i&&'ess @pp0 6!.65A a'd i' his i'str,-tio's o' the art o* the &a'-e @pp0 !5#.5"A0 The +i'd, as 2a'kei des-ri%es it, is a dy'a+i- +e-h. a'is+, re*&e-ti'g, re-ordi'g a'd re-a&&i'g o,r i+pressio's o* the /or&d, a ki'd o* &i(i'g +irror that is a&/ays i' +otio', 'e(er the sa+e *ro+ o'e i'sta't to the 'eFt0 Cithi' this +irror +i'd, tho,ghts a'd *ee&i'gs -o+e a'd go, appeari'g, (a'ishi'g a'd reappeari'g i' respo'se to -ir. -,+sta'-es, 'either good 'or %ad i' the+se&(es0 B'&ike the +a' o* the B'%or', ho/e(er, the i+p,&si(e perso' s,**ers *ro+ atta-h+e't0 He is 'e(er 'at,ra& %e-a,se he is a sla)e to his respo'ses, /hi-h he *ai&s to rea&iIe are o'&y passi'g re*&e-tio's0 As a res,&t, he is -o'ti',a&&y Jh,'g ,p,J e'ta'g&ed i' parti-,&ar tho,ghts a'd se'satio's, o%. str,-ti'g the *ree *&o/ o* the +i'd0 E(erythi'g /i&& operate s+ooth&y, 2a'kei i'sists, i* /e o'&y step aside a'd &et it do so0 He i&&,strates this to the +e+%ers o* his a,die'-e %y poi'ti'g o,t that, e(e' /hi&e e'grossed i' &iste'i'g to his ta&k, they a,to+ati-a&&y register a'd ide'ti*y e(erythi'g e&se aro,'d the+<the -a&&s o* -ro/s a'd sparro/s, the (ario,s -o&ors a'd aro+as, the di**ere't sorts o* peop&e i' the roo+0 )o o'e is de&i%erate&y tryi'g to do thisM it si+p&y happe's0 That, 2a'kei says, is ho/ the B'%or' *,'-tio's0 For 2a'kei, the i+porta't thi'g is &etti'g go, %reaki'g the +o&d o* o,r se&*.-e'tered'ess @+i no hiiki6 a'd %ad ha%its 8ki%$se6. These are *a+i&iar ;apa'ese ter+s that 2a'kei ,sed to des-ri%e the -hie* -o+po'e'ts o* de&,sio'0 Se&*. -e'tered'ess is the %asis o* the *a&se se&*0 1t is JegoJ i' the peDorati(e se'se, the re*&eF that &eads ,s to D,dge e(erythi'g *ro+ a 'arro/&y se&*ish (ie/poi't0 Chat *,e&s a'd i'*or+s this attit,de is %ad ha%its, -hara-ter *&a/s that, &ike se&*.

(((ii , Introd$ction

-e'tered'ess, are the res,&t o* -o'ditio'i'g0 Ce gro/ ,p i+itati'g the peop&e aro,'d ,s, 2a'kei says, a'd i' the pro-ess a-H,ire -ertai' *ai&i'gs /hi-h *i'a&&y %e-o+e so i'grai'ed that /e +istake the+ *or o,r rea& se&(es0 B'&ike the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, ho/e(er, 'either %ad ha%its 'or se&*.-e'tered'ess is i''ateM %oth are assi+i&ated *ro+ o,tside a*ter %irth0 Che' /e %e-o+e de&,ded, /e te+po. rari&y *or*eit the 2,ddha Mi'd /e started o,t /ith, eF. -ha'gi'g it *or these &ear'ed respo'ses0 The +o+e't this o--,rs, d,a&ity i'ter(e'es a'd /e &ea(e the origi'a& o'e. 'ess o* the B'%or' to %e J%or'J i'to parti-,&ar states o* %ei'g<as h,'gry ghosts, *ighti'g de+o's, %easts or he&&. d/e&&ers<passi'g *it*,&&y *ro+ o'e to the 'eFt, trapped i' i'-essa't tra's+igratio'0 The o'&y /ay o,t o* this di. &e++a, 2a'kei +ai'tai's, is to go %a-k the /ay /e -a+e, to ret,r' to the ,'-o'ditio'ed, the ,'-reated, the ,'. %or'0 JChat /e ha(e *ro+ o,r pare'ts i''ate&y is the B'. %or' 2,ddha Mi'd a'd 'othi'g e&seJM JThe 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, a'd /ith the B'. %or' e(erythi'g is per*e-t&y +a'agedJM JA%ide i' the B'. %or' 2,ddha Mi'dKJ These are the %asi-s o* 2a'kei s :e', his -ate-his+ o* the B'%or'0 He eFp&ai'ed the+ o(er a'd o(er i' di**ere't /ays, %e-a,se he %e&ie(ed the tr,th o* the B'%or' /as so si+p&e, so straight*or/ard, that a'yo'e -o,&d grasp it0 1' this se'se, 2a'kei s :e' /as tr,&y pop,. &ar0 Other ;apa'ese +asters had ta,ght &ay a,die'-es0 2,t, i' +ost -ases, :e' as s,-h /as -o'sidered *ar too di**i-,&t *or ordi'ary peop&e, a'd :e' +asters? pop,&ar tea-hi'gs, espe-ia&&y those dire-ted to /o+e', s-ar-e&y to,-hed o' :e' at a&&0 1'stead, tea-hers spoke i' ge'era& ter+s, ,rgi'g the +erits o* pio,s a-ti(ity a'd dis-,ssi'g -o'-epts *ro+ the 2,ddhist s-ript,res0 St,dy o* the Ji''er tea-hi'gsJ /as ge'era&&y -o'*i'ed to H,a&i*ied +o'ks a'd +e+%ers o* the ,pper -&asses a'd i'te&&ige'tsia /ho -o,&d *o&&o/ to so+e eFte't the di**i-,&t Chi'ese o* the i+ported :e' teFts0

Introd$ction , (((iii

2a'kei?s positio' /as D,st the re(erse0 He +ai'tai'ed that the esse'-e o* :e' itse&* /as per*e-t&y p&ai' a'd dire-t, a'd that a'y perso' /ith a' ope' +i'd -o,&d %e +ade to ,'dersta'd0 Yo, did'?t 'eed to %e /ide&y ed,-ated or adept at -&assi-a& Chi'ese0 That sort o* thi'g o'&y got i' the /ay0 1' *a-t, the B'%or' -o,&d %est %e eFp&ai'ed ,si'g si+p&e, e(eryday &a'g,age0 A'y other approa-h /as D,st de-epti(e0 To tea-h :e', 2a'kei i'sisted, o'e had to go right to the -ore, to di(est o'ese&* o* e(erythi'g eFtra'eo,s<a&& the gi++i-ks, the te-h'i-a& Dargo', the eFoti- *oreig' ,sages0 This /as 2a'kei?s pri'-ipa& o%De-tio' to the koa'0 Tho,gh its origi's are o%s-,re, koa' :e' /as &arge&y a de(e&op+e't o* the S,'g dy'asty, /he' it %e-a+e pop,&ar *or Chi'ese +asters to assig' their st,de'ts parti-,&ar k$n%5 an @read as koan i' ;apa'eseA or Jp,%&i- -ases,J 'a+ed *or the +ode& -ases that ser(ed as g,ide&i'es i' the Chi'ese -o,rts o* &a/0 The :e' koa's /ere %rie* a'd o*te' paradoF. i-a& episodes dra/' pri'-ipa&&y *ro+ the re-ords o* the ear&ier +asters, espe-ia&&y those o* the Jgo&de' ageJ o* :e' i' the T?a'g @6!#."46A a'd Fi(e 9y'asties @"48."64A pe. riods0 A +o'k asked Y,'.+e' @#67N$."$"A3 JChat is the 2,ddhaEJ Y,'.+e' said3 JA shit./ipi'g sti-k0J 8!$5men k$an' 'o0 7!A A +o'k asked Chao.-ho, @88#.#"8A3 JChy did the Patriar-h -o+e *ro+ the CestEJ @That is, /hat is the ,&ti+ate tr,th that 2odhidhar+a, the First Pa. triar-h a'd se+i.&ege'dary *o,'der o* Chi'ese :e', %ro,ght *ro+ 1'diaEA Chao.-ho, said3 JThe -ypress tree i' the gar. de'0J 8!$5men k$an' 'o0 58A

FFFi( G Introd$ction

B'der the tea-her?s g,ida'-e, the st,de't /o,&d stri(e to pe'etrate the pro%&e+ prese'ted %y his -ase, ge'erati'g a Jgreat %a&& o* do,%tJ as he p,II&ed o(er the koa', at. te+pti'g to %reak thro,gh to e'&ighte'+e't0 Certai' tea-hers -o+pi&ed pop,&ar -o&&e-tio's o* koa's that i'. -&,ded respo'ses to ea-h -ase i' the *or+ o* poe+s, -o+. +e'ts a'd s,%stit,te a's/ers0 The +ost *a+o,s o* these /ere the t/e&*th.-e't,ry Bl$e Cliff Record @CH3 *i5yen l$' ;3 .eki%an rok$6 a'd the thirtee'th.-e't,ry 3ateless 3ate @CH3 !$5men k$an' ;3 7$monkan6. 1'trod,-ed *ro+ Chi'a i' the t/e&*th a'd thirtee'th -e't,ries, koa' st,dy %e-a+e a sta'dard *or+ o* :e' pra-. ti-e i' ;apa'0 Ho/e(er, d,e i' part to the prestige o* -o'. ti'e'ta& -,&t,re, the koa' -o&&e-tio's /ith their asso-iated poe+s a'd -o++e'ts /ere preser(ed i' the origi'a& Chi'ese0 The pro%&e+ /as -o+po,'ded %y the &a'g,age o* the koa' re-ords the+se&(es, /hi-h -o'tai'ed +a'y o%s-,re -o&&oH,ia& eFpressio's, di**i-,&t phrases a'd spe. -ia&iIed ter+s0 ;apa'ese st,de'ts /ere eFpe-ted 'ot o'&y to +aster these %,t to i'sert the+ i' the rapid gi(e.a'd. take o* mondo' or :e' dia&og,es, a'd i' their pri(ate i'. ter(ie/s /ith the tea-her0 1'e(ita%&y, this -reated -ertai' di**i-,&ties0 The e+pha. sis o' s,-h ar-a'e *oreig'.&a'g,age +ateria& /as a serio,s i+pedi+e't to pra-titio'ers o* +ere&y a(erage i'te&&e-t,a& a%i&ity a'd threate'ed to drai' +,-h o* the spo'ta'eity *ro+ the e'-o,'ter %et/ee' +aster a'd st,de't0 Yet, de. spite its dra/%a-ks, the koa' e'Doyed e'or+o,s pop,&arity i' ;apa'ese :e', a'd re+ai'ed a' i+porta't *eat,re i' %oth the Ri'Iai a'd Soto se-ts0 The (ery di**i-,&ty o* 'e. gotiati'g the koa' -o&&e-tio's, the te-h'i-a& eFpertise re. H,ired to de-ipher the origi'a& teFts, +ade the :e' priest. hood a ki'd o* eF-&,si(e *rater'ity that i'-&,ded +a'y spe-ia&ists i' &iterary Chi'ese0 The 'at,re o* 2a'kei?s o/' eFperie'-e o* koa' st,dy is ,'-ertai'0 1t see+s &ike&y that he had so+e -o'ta-t /ith

Introd$ction , ((()

koa' :e' i' his st,de't days, a'd e(ide'-e i'di-ates that he o--asio'a&&y ,sed koa's *or his o/' dis-ip&es0 ;,dgi'g %y 2a'kei s state+e'ts i' the -ermons' ho/e(er, he a%a'. do'ed koa's a&together i' his &ater years0 As 2a'kei sa/ it, the /ho&e approa-h o* koa' :e' /as hope&ess&y -o'tri(ed0 He reDe-ted the 'eed *or *a+i&iarity /ith -&assi-a& Chi'ese as a' ,''e-essary e'-,+%ra'-e, a'd reDe-ted the koa' itse&* as a' arti*i-ia& te-h'iH,e0 The origi'a& koa's, he arg,ed, /ere 'ot J+ode&s,J %,t a-t,a& &i(i'g e(e'ts0 The o&d +asters had si+p&y respo'ded to parti-,&ar sit,atio's that -o'*ro'ted the+, 'at,ra&&y a--o++odati'g the+. se&(es to the 'eeds o* the st,de'ts i'(o&(ed0 That /as the %,si'ess o* a'y :e' tea-her, to +eet ea-h sit,atio' o' its o/' ter+s0 There /as 'o 'eed to +ake peop&e st,dy the /ords o* a'-ie't Chi'ese +o'ks /he' yo, -o,&d si+p&y ha(e the+ &ook at their o/' J-ases,J the /ay i' /hi-h the B'%or' /as at /ork here a'd 'o/ i' the a-t,a& -ir-,+. sta'-es o* their &i(es0 This /as /hat 2a'kei -a&&ed his Jdire-tJ tea-hi'g, as opposed to koa' pra-ti-e, /hi-h he re*erred to disparagi'g&y as Jst,dyi'g o&d /aste paper0J The koa', said 2a'kei, /as +ere&y a de(i-e, a'd tea-hers /ho re&ied o' it, or o' a'y other te-h'iH,e, /ere pra-ti-i'g Jde(i-es :e'0J Chy re&y o' a de(i-e, he arg,ed, /he' yo, -o,&d ha(e the thi'g itse&*E 1' this se'se, 2a'kei /as a traditio'a&ist0 He harked %a-k to the :e' +asters o* the Jgo&de' ageJ %e*ore the tri,+ph o* the koa', +asters &ike Li'.-hi 1.hs,a' @;3 Ri'. Iai Gige', d0 #64A, *o,'der o* the Ri'Iai s-hoo&0 2a'kei i'sisted that his o/' tea-hi'gs /ere the sa+e as Li'.-hi s, a'd the +a'y si+i&arities %et/ee' the -ermons a'd the 4in5chi l$ @;3 Rin+ai rok$6' the re-ord o* Li'.-hi?s tea-h. i'gs, s,ggest that the Chi'ese +aster +ay ha(e %ee' a' i+porta't i'*&,e'-e o' 2a'kei s :e'0 Take' as a /ho&e, ho/e(er, 2a'kei s tea-hi'g re+ai's ,'iH,e&y his o/'0 1ro'i-a&&y, its *ai&,re to s,r(i(e /as pro%a%&y d,e to the (ery H,a&ities that +ade it so disti'-ti(e

FFF(i G Introd$ction

a'd so attra-ti(e to 2a'kei?s st,de'ts3 its -&ose ide'ti*i-atio' /ith 2a'kei?s o/' perso'a&ity a'd its re*,sa& to asso-iate itse&* /ith parti-,&ar pro-ed,res or te-h'iH,es0 B&ti+ate&y, JHak,i' :e',J /hi-h re(i(ed a'd syste+atiIed koa' st,dy i' ;apa', s/ept the +o'asteries o* the Ri'Iai s-hoo&, e(e' i'*i&trati'g the Ryo+o'Di a'd the other te+p&es o* 2a'kei?s &i'e0 To Hak,i', 2a'kei?s *ree/hee&i'g tea-hi'g o* the B'%or' /as a'athe+a, a'd he de'o,'-ed it e+phati-a&&y0 2,t the t/e'tieth -e't,ry has see' re'e/ed i'terest i' 2a'kei?s :e'0 The 'oted 2,ddhist s-ho&ar 90 T0 S,I,ki @!##6.!"8>A %e-a+e the &eadi'g +oder' -ha+pio' o* 2a'kei?s tea-hi'g, hai&i'g it as a re*reshi'g a'tidote to the stri-t,res o* the koa' +ethod a'd ra'ki'g 2a'kei /ith 9oge' a'd Hak,i' as o'e o* ;apa'?s three great :e' +as. ters0 S,I,ki a'd other ;apa'ese s-ho&ars %ega' to -o+pi&e a'd edit the re-ords o* 2a'kei?s tea-hi'g, +a'y o* /hi-h had &ai' *orgotte' i' (ario,s pro(i'-ia& te+p&es, a'd today 2a'kei is gai'i'g pop,&arity o'-e agai'0 2a'kei?s -o'ti',ed appea& is easy to ,'dersta'd0 Tho,gh his /or&d /as (ery di**ere't *ro+ o,r o/', there is so+e. thi'g -o'te+porary i' +,-h o* /hat he has to say0 His se'se o* *reedo+, his h,+a'ity, his i'ti+ate approa-h to the ,&ti+ate pro%&e+s i' ter+s o* peop&e?s dai&y &i(es see+ /ho&&y att,'ed to the spirit o* the prese't day0 A'd /he' /e t,r' to the pages o* the ser+o's, 2a'kei is sti&& there, sti&& -,rio,s&y a&i(e a'd J+ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g0J

PART1

#&enin% of the -ermons

Che' the :e' Master 2a'kei 2,t-hi Kosai,! *o,'der o* the Ryo+o'Di7 at A%oshi i' 2a'sh,, /as at the Great Trai'i'g Period5 Ohe&dP at the Ryo+o'Di i' the /i'ter o* the third year o* Ge'rok,,$ there /ere !,6#5 +o'ks &isted i' the te+p&e register0> Those /ho atte'ded i'-&,ded 'ot o'&y Soto a'd Ri'Iai6 *o&&o/ers %,t +e+%ers o* the Rits,, Shi'go', Te'dai, P,re La'd, Tr,e P,re La'd a'd )i-hi. re' S-hoo&s,8 /ith &ay+e' a'd +o'ks +i'g&ed together, thro'gi'g ro,'d the &e-t,re seat0# O'e se'sed the Master /as tr,&y the Tea-her o* Me' a'd 9e(as" *or the pres. e't age0 At that ti+e, the Master +o,'ted the &e-t,re seat a'd addressed the asse+%&y o* +o'ks a'd &ay+e', sayi'g3 JCe?(e got a %ig -ro/d o* %oth +o'ks a'd &ay+e' here at this +eeti'g, a'd 1 tho,ght 1?d te&& yo, a%o,t ho/, /he' 1 /as yo,'g, 1 str,-k o' the rea&iIatio' that the +i'd is ,'%or'0 This part a%o,t ?the +i'd,? Otho,gh,P is so+ethi'g se-o'd. ary0 Yo, +o'ks, /he' yo, a%ide o'&y i' the B'%or', O/i&& *i'd thatP i' the B'%or', there?s 'othi'g a'yo'e 'eeds to te&& yo,, 'othi'g yo, 'eed to hear0 2e-a,se the 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, it gets eas. i&y t,r'ed i'to /hate(er -o+es a&o'g0 So, as &o'g as 1?+ te&&i'g the &ay peop&e here 'ot to -ha'ge the+se&(es i'to these di**ere't thi'gs that -o+e their /ay a'd trade their G5

$ G 2A)KE; :E) 2,ddha Mi'd *or tho,ghts, yo, +o'ks +ay as /e&& &iste' tooKJ

4isten caref$lly
The Master addressed the asse+%&y3 JA+o'g a&& yo, peop&e here today there?s 'ot a si'g&e o'e /ho?s a' ,'e'. &ighte'ed %ei'g0 E(eryo'e here is a %,ddha0 So &iste' -are*,&&yK Chat yo, a&& ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y is the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd a&o'e0 There?s 'othi'g e&se yo, ha(e i''ate&y0 This 2,ddha Mi'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y is tr,&y ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i. 'ati'g0 That /hi-h is ,'%or' is the 2,ddha Mi'dM the 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, a'd, /hat?s +ore, /ith this B'%or', e(erythi'g is per*e-t&y +a'aged0 The a-t,a& proo* o* this B'%or' /hi-h per*e-t&y +a'ages Oe(erythi'gP is that, as yo,?re a&& t,r'ed this /ay &iste'i'g to +e ta&k, i* o,t %a-k there?s the -a/i'g o* -ro/s, the -hirpi'g o* sparro/s or the r,st&i'g o* the /i'd, e(e' tho,gh yo,?re 'ot de&i%erate&y tryi'g to hear ea-h o* these so,'ds, yo, re-og'iIe a'd disti'g,ish ea-h o'e0 The (oi-es o* the -ro/s a'd sparro/s, the r,st&i'g o* the /i'd<yo, hear the+ /itho,t +aki'g a'y +istake a%o,t the+, a'd that?s /hat?s -a&&ed heari'g /ith the B'%or'0 1' this /ay, a&& thi'gs are per*e-t&y +a'aged /ith the B'%or'0 This is the a-t,a& proo* o* the B'%or'0 Co'-&,si(e&y rea&iIe that /hat?s ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g is tr,&y the 2,ddha Mi'd, straighta/ay a%idi'g i' the B'%or' 2,d. dha Mi'd D,st as it is, a'd yo,?re a &i(i'g tathagata!4 *ro+ today *ore(er a*ter0 Si'-e, /he' yo, rea&iIe -o'-&,si(e&y, yo, a%ide &ike this i' the 2,ddha Mi'd *ro+ today o', +y s-hoo& is -a&&ed the S-hoo& o* 2,ddha Mi'd0!! JCe&&, the', /hi&e yo,?re a&& t,r'ed this /ay &iste'i'g to +e ta&k, yo, do'?t +istake the -hirp o* a sparro/ o,t %a-k *or the -a/ o* a -ro/, the so,'d o* a go'g *or that o*

-ermons , >

a dr,+, a +a'?s (oi-e *or a /o+a'?s, a' ad,&t?s (oi-e *or a -hi&d?s<yo, -&ear&y re-og'iIe a'd disti'g,ish ea-h so,'d yo, hear /itho,t +aki'g a'y +istake0 That?s the +ar(e&. o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g dy'a+i- *,'-tio'0 1t?s 'o'e other tha' the 2,ddha Mi'd, ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, the a-t,a& proo* o* the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g O'at,re o* the 2,ddha Mi'dP0 J1 do,%t there?s a'yo'e a+o'g the peop&e here 'o/ /ho?d say3 ?1 heard O/hat 1 didP %e-a,se 1 /as de&i%erate&y tryin% to hear it0? 1* a'yo'e says he did, he?s a &iar0 Co'. deri'g, ?Chat?s 2a'kei te&&i'g ,sE? a&& o* yo, are t,r'ed this /ay, i'te't o'&y o' heari'g /hat 1?+ sayi'gM 'o o'e?s de&i%erate&y tryi'g to hear the (ario,s so,'ds -o+i'g *ro+ o,t %a-k0 That?s /hy, /he' a&& o* a s,dde' these so,'ds appear a'd yo, re-og'iIe a'd disti'g,ish the+, heari'g the+ /itho,t a'y +istake, yo,?re heari'g /ith the B'. %or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 )o%ody here -a' -&ai+ he heard these so,'ds %e-a,se he?d +ade ,p his +i'd %e*oreha'd to &iste' *or the+ /he' they /ere +ade0 So, i' *a-t, yo,?re &iste'i'g /ith the B'%or'0 JE(eryo'e /ho -o'-&,si(e&y rea&iIes that /hat is ,'. %or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g is tr,&y the 2,ddha Mi'd, a%idi'g i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, is a &i(i'g tathagata *ro+ today *ore(er a*ter0 E(e' ?%,ddha? is D,st a 'a+e gi(e' to tra-es that ha(e arise',!7 so, *ro+ the sta'd. poi't o* the B'%or', it?s o'&y a se-o'dary +atter, a periph. era& -o'-er'0 The +a' o* the B'%or' a%ides at the so$rce o* a&& %,ddhas0 That /hi-h is ,'%or' is the so,r-e o* a&& thi'gs, the starti'g poi't o* a&& thi'gs0 There?s 'othi'g +ore origi'a& tha' the B'%or', 'othi'g prior to it0 That?s /hy, /he' yo, a%ide i' the B'%or', yo, a%ide at the so,r-e o* a&& %,ddhasM so it?s so+ethi'g /o'der*,&&y pre. -io,s0 There?s 'o H,estio' o*?perishi'g? here, so /he' yo, a%ide i' the B'%or', it?s s,per*&,o,s to speak a%o,t the 1+perisha%&e!5 too0 That?s the reaso' 1 o'&y ta&k a%o,t the B'%or' a'd do'?t +e'tio' the 1+perisha%&e0 Chat is'?t

6 G 2A)KE1 :E) -reated -a'?t %e destroyed, so si'-e it?s ,'%or', it?s o%(io,s it?s i+perisha%&e /itho,t ha(i'g to +e'tio' it0 1s'?t that soE JO* -o,rse, the eFpressio' ?,'%or' a'd i+perisha%&e?!$ has appeared here a'd there i' the s,tras a'd re-ords *ro+ ti+es o* o&d<%,t 'ot the a-t,a& &roof o* the B'%or'0 E(eryo'e D,st &ear's the eFpressio' ?,'%or' a'd i+perish. a%&e? a'd goes a%o,t repeati'g itM %,t /he' it -o+es to rea&iIi'g -o'-&,si(e&y a'd a-t,a&&y getti'g right to the heart o* the +atter, they ha(e'?t a'y idea o* /hat the B'%or' is0 JChe' 1 /as t/e'ty.siF, 1 *irst hit o' the rea&iIatio' that a&& thi'gs are per*e-t&y +a'aged /ith the B'%or', a'd, i' the *orty years si'-e, 1?(e ta,ght e(eryo'e /ith the a-t,a& proo* o* the B'%or'3 that /hat yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y is the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd<the 2,d. dha Mi'd /hi-h is tr,&y ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i. 'ati'g0 1 /as the *irst to tea-h this0 1?+ s,re that e(e' a+o'g yo, +o'ks i' the asse+%&y 'o/, a'd e(eryo'e e&se too, 'o%ody?s heard o* a'yo'e %e*ore +e /ho ta,ght peop&e /ith the a-t,a& proo* o* the B'%or'<that the 2,ddha Mi'd is tr,&y B'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g0 1 /as the *irst to tea-h this0 1* a'yo'e -&ai+s he?s heard o* so+e. %ody %e*ore +e /ho ta,ght peop&e /ith the a-t,a& proo* o* the B'%or', he?s a &iarK JChe' yo, a%ide i' the B'%or', yo,?re a%idi'g at the so,r-e o* a&& thi'gs0 Chat the %,ddhas o* the past rea&iIed /as the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'dM a'd /hat %,ddhas i' the *,t,re /i&& rea&iIe is the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd too0 Ce today are &i(i'g i' the 9ege'erate Age o* 2,ddhis+,!> yet /he' there?s e(e' o'e +a' /ho a%ides i' the B'%or', the tr,e tea-hi'g!6 has %ee' restored to the /or&d0 A&& o* yo,, is'?t it soE 1t -ertai'&y isK Che' yo,?(e -o'-&,si(e&y rea&. iIed this, the' a'd there yo,?&& ope' the eye that sees i'to +e'?s +i'ds, a'd that?s /hy +y s-hoo& is -a&&ed the C&ear. Eyed S-hoo&0!8 Che' the eye that sees i'to +e' is +a'i. *ested, whene)er it happe's to %e,!# that +o+e't is the -o+p&ete rea&iIatio' o* the 9har+a0!" 1 /a't yo, to k'o/

Ser+o's G 8 this0 Choe(er yo, +ay %e, at that +o+e't, yo, are +y heirKJ

*rece&ts
A -ertai' +aster o* the Pre-epts S-hoo&74 asked3 J9oes'?t yo,r Re(ere'-e o%ser(e the pre-eptsEJ The Master said3 JOrigi'a&&y, /hat peop&e -a&& the pre. -epts /ere a&& *or /i-ked +o'ks /ho %roke the r,&esM *or the +a' /ho a%ides i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, there?s 'o 'eed *or pre-epts0 The pre-epts /ere ta,ght to he&p se'tie't %ei'gs<they /ere'?t ta,ght to he&p %,ddhasK Chat e(eryo'e has *ro+ his pare'ts i''ate&y is the B'%or' 2,d. dha Mi'd a&o'e, so a%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 Che' yo, a%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, yo,?re a &i(i'g %,ddha here today, a'd that &i(i'g %,ddha -ertai'&y is'?t goi'g to -o'-o-t a'ythi'g &ike taki'g the pre-epts, so there are'?t a'y pre-epts *or hi+ to take0 To -o'-o-t a'y. thi'g &ike taki'g the pre-epts is 'ot /hat?s +ea't %y the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 Che' yo, a%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, there?s 'o /ay yo, -a' (io&ate the pre-epts0 Fro+ the sta'dpoi't o* the B'%or', the pre-epts too are se-o'dary, periphera& -o'-er'sM i' the p&a-e o* the B'. %or', there?s rea&&y 'o s,-h thi'g as pre-epts0 0 0 0J

The same old thin%

JA -ertai' tea-her o* 2,ddhis+ to&d +e3 ?1'stead o* tea-hi'g the sa+e o&d thi'g i' yo,r ser+o's day a*ter day, yo, o,ght to thro/ i' a *e/ 2,ddhist +ira-&e stories 7! o'-e i' a /hi&e a'd gi(e peop&e a re*reshi'g -ha'ge o* pa-e0? O* -o,rse, he -o,&d %e right0 1 +ay %e thi-kheaded, %,t pro. (ided so+ethi'g is rea&&y he&p*,& to peop&e, the', thi-k. headed or 'ot, 1?+ 'ot %eyo'd +e+oriIi'g o'e or t/o o&d

# G 2A)KE1 :E) stories i* 1 p,t +y +i'd to it0 Ho/e(er, tea-hi'g this sort o* thi'g is &ike *eedi'g poiso' to se'tie't %ei'gs0 A'd *eed. i'g peop&e poiso' is so+ethi'g 1 -ertai'&y -a'?t doKJ

1 don9t talk abo$t B$ddhism

The Master *,rther said3 J1 do'?t tea-h peop&e %y H,ot. i'g *ro+ the /ords o* the %,ddhas a'd patriar-hs077 Si'-e 1 -a' +a'age si+p&y %y dea&i'g /ith peop&e?s o/' se&(es, there?s 'o 'eed o' top o* that to H,ote the /ords o* the %,ddhas a'd patriar-hs too0 1 do'?t ta&k a%o,t 2,ddhis+, a'd 1 do'?t ta&k a%o,t :e'0 There?s rea&&y 'o 'eed to ta&k a%o,t these thi'gs0 Si'-e 1 -a' +a'age per*e-t&y D,st %y dea&i'g /ith peop&e?s o/' se&(es as they are right here today, there?s 'o 'eed *or +e to ta&k a%o,t 2,ddhis+, or :e' either0 0 0 0J

7eetin% masters: 0osha and In%en

JB'ti& the age o* thirty, 1 -o'ti',ed to /ear +y /ittok$;< ro%es /itho,t p,tti'g o' a proper +o'k?s ro%e0 Che' 1 /as thirty, ho/e(er, +y tea-her7$ s,ggested 1 go to +eet the Chi'ese :e' Master 9osha Choge' o* )a'i'sa',7> /ho?d re-e't&y &a'ded at )agasaki0 1 de-ided to go, a'd +y tea-her to&d +e3 ?Bp to 'o/ yo,?(e %ee' a%&e to get %y /ith yo,r /ittok$ ro%esM %,t 'o/ that yo,?re goi'g to -a&& o' a rea& Chi'ese +o'k, they /o'?t do0 As it?s a&so *or the sake o* the 9har+a, *ro+ here o' yo,?d %etter /ear a proper +o'k?s ro%e, so go p,t o'e o' a'd -a&& o' 9osha0? JA'd that?s ho/, at the age o* thirty, *o&&o/i'g +y tea-her?s ad(i-e, 1 p,t o' a +o'k?s ro%e *or the *irst ti+e a'd /e't o** to see 9osha0 1 i++ediate&y prese'ted +y

Ser+o's G " ,'dersta'di'g0 9osha siIed +e ,p at a g&a'-e a'd to&d +e3 ?Yo, ha(e tra's-e'ded %irth a'd deathK? JA+o'g the :e' tea-hers at that ti+e, o'&y 9osha /as a%&e, to this +odest eFte't, to -o'*ir+ *or +e +y eFperi. e'-e o* e'&ighte'+e'tM %,t, e(e' so, 1 /as'?t *,&&y satis. *ied0 )o/, &ooki'g %a-k, today 1 /o,&d'?t e(e' *i'd 9osha a--epta%&e0 1* o'&y 9osha had go'e o' &i(i'g ti&& 'o/, 1 +ight ha(e +ade a %etter +a' o* hi+0 2,t he /as a' ,'&,-ky *e&&o/ a'd died yo,'g, to +y great regret0J JChe' 1 /as a +e+%er o* 9osha s asse+%&y, a' i'(i. tatio' /as se't to Chi'a to Othe :e' MasterP 1'ge'076 1 /as a+o'g those /ho -o's,&ted o' this, a'd, *ort,'ate&y, 1'. ge' arri(ed i' ;apa' /hi&e 1 /as /ith 9osha, &a'di'g at the har%or i' )agasaki078 1 /e't a&o'g to /e&-o+e hi+, %,t the +o+e't 1'ge' stepped ashore *ro+ the %oat, 1 rea&iIed he /as'?t a +a' o* the B'%or', a'd that?s /hy 1 'e(er st,died /ith hi+0J

I9m ready to be yo$r witness=

JA&& o* yo, right 'o/ are eFtre+e&y *ort,'ate0 Che' 1 /as yo,'g, either there /ere 'o e'&ighte'ed tea-hers a%o,t, or e&se, i* there /ere, 1 D,st /as'?t &,-ky e'o,gh to +eet the+, a'd %ei'g *ro+ yo,th eF-eedi'g&y thi-kheaded, 1 s,**ered ,'i+agi'a%&e hardships0 Ho/ ,se&ess&y 1 str,gg&edK 1 -a'?t *orget those /asted e**orts, /hi-h ha(e &e*t a deep i+pressio' o' +e0 1 had to &ear' the hard /ay, *ro+ eF. perie'-e0 That?s /hy, i' +y desire to ha(e a&& o* yo, attai' -o+p&ete rea&iIatio' o* the 9har+a i' per*e-t -o+*ort, at yo,r ease, a'd witho$t a'y ,se&ess str,gg&e, 1 do +y %est to -o+e o,t &ike this e(ery day a'd ,rge yo, o'0 A&& o* yo, sho,&d -o'sider yo,rse&(es *ort,'ate0 Chere -o,&d yo, e(er *i'd this sort o* opport,'ityK

;O G 2A)KE1 :E) JA&tho,gh 1 did'?t i'te'd to te&& yo, a%o,t this < ho/ /he' 1 /as yo,'g 1 str,gg&ed ,se&ess&y tha'ks to +y o/' thi-kheaded'ess < i* a+o'g the yo,'g peop&e here there?s a'yo'e /ho str,gg&es as 1 did, thi'ki'g it?s i+possi%&e to attai' -o+p&ete rea&iIatio' o* the 9har+a /itho,t doi'g so, /hy the' 1?&& %e to %&a+e0 So, a&tho,gh 1 did'?t i'te'd to te&& yo,, yo, yo,'g peop&e &iste' -are*,&&yK Si'-e, /ith. o,t str,gg&i'g as 1 did, yo, -a' attai' -o+p&ete rea&iIatio' o* the 9har+a, *irst o* a&& &et +e te&& yo, a%o,t +y o/' str,gg&es, a'd that /ay yo,?&& rea&iIe that yo, -a' attai' -o+p&ete rea&iIatio' /itho,t goi'g a'd doi'g as 2a'kei did0 Chi&e yo, &iste', 1 /a't yo, to keep this i' +i'd0 Ce&&, the', 1?&& %egi', so pay -&ose atte'tio'K JMy *ather, /hose origi'a& *a+i&y 'a+e /as S,ga,7# /as a ro'i'7" *ro+ Shikok,54 a'd a Co'*,-ia'0 He -a+e a'd sett&ed i' this area,5! /here 1 /as %or', %,t died /hi&e 1 /as sti&& a s+a&& -hi&d, &ea(i'g +y +other to raise +e0 1 /as, a--ordi'g to her story, a 'a,ghty %oy, a'd as &eader o* a&& the -hi&dre' i' the 'eigh%orhood /o,&d get i'to +is. -hie*0 Ho/e(er, +y +other to&d +e that *ro+ the ti+e 1 /as t/o or three 1?d a&ready de(e&oped a horror o* death3 /he' 1 -ried, i* so+eo'e +ade %e&ie(e he /ere dyi'g, or i* 1 /as to&d a%o,t so+eo'e?s ha(i'g died, 1?d i'sta't&y dry +y tears a'd e(e' gi(e ,p a'y +is-hie* 1 happe'ed to %e e'gaged i'0 JGrad,a&&y 1 gre/ ,p0 At the ti+e 1 /as yo,'g, Co'. *,-ia'is+ /as (ery pop,&ar herea%o,ts, a'd +y +other se't +e to a tea-her to &ear' to read the 3reat 4earnin% a&o,d %y rote057 2,t /he' 1 -a+e to the passage that states, ?The Cay o* the Great Lear'i'g &ies i' i&&,+i'ati'g the 2right Virt,e,?55 ! -o,&d'?t +ake o,t /hat this 2right Vir. t,e /as, a'd, %eset %y do,%t, p,II&ed o(er it *or so+e ti+e0 JAt o'e poi't, 1 /e't a'd H,estio'ed so+e Co'*,-ia' s-ho&ars0 ?Chat sort o* thi'g is this 2right Virt,eE? 1 asked

-ermons , >>

the+, ?;,st /hat is the 2right Virt,e, a'y/ayE? 2,t there /as'?t o'e o* the+ /ho k'e/0 JHo/e(er, o'e o* the Co'*,-ia' s-ho&ars to&d +e3 ?9i*. *i-,&t +atters &ike this are the ki'd o* thi'gs :e' +o'ks ,'dersta'd, so go a'd ask a :e' +o'k0 E(e' tho,gh /ith o,r +o,ths /e -a' ta&k e'd&ess&y a%o,t the +ea'i'g o* the /ords a'd &etters i' the C&assi-s,5$ /he' it -o+es to D,st /hat sort o* thi'g the 2right Virt,e is' /e rea&&y ha(e 'o idea0? J ?Ce&&,? 1 tho,ght, *i'di'g +yse&* sti&& i' the dark, ?so that?s ho/ thi'gs areK? 2,t si'-e there /ere 'o :e' +o'ks herea%o,ts the', 1 had 'o -ha'-e to ask a'yo'e0 )e(er. the&ess, the' a'd there 1 reso&(ed that so+eho/ 1?d rea&iIe the +ea'i'g o* this 2right Virt,e a'd te&& +y aged +other a%o,t it %e*ore she died0 E(e' %e*ore rea&iIi'g it +yse&*, 1 /a'ted a%o(e a&& to -o++,'i-ate it to +y +other /ho, %ei'g o&d, +ight die at a'y ti+e0 Hopi'g to reso&(e this +atter o* the 2right Virt,e, 1 *&o,'dered a%o,t desperate&y, s-,rryi'g a&& o(er0 A ta&k here, a &e-t,re there</he'e(er 1 &ear'ed there /as a ser+o', 'o +atter /here it /as, 1 h,rried right o** to hear it0 Ret,r'i'g ho+e, 1 reported to +y +other a'ythi'g sig'i*i-a't 1 +ight ha(e heard, %,t +y H,estio' a%o,t the 2right Virt,e /as sti&& ,'reso&(ed0 J)eFt, 1 +ade ,p +y +i'd to (isit a +aster o* this :e' s-hoo&0 Che' 1 asked hi+ a%o,t the 2right Virt,e, he to&d +e3 ?1* yo, /a't to ,'dersta'd the 2right Virt,e, do IaIe'5> a'd the 2right Virt,e /i&& %e ,'derstood0? JAs a res,&t, a*ter this 1 i++ediate&y took ,p the pra-. ti-e o* IaIe'0 Here, 1?d go i'to the +o,'tai's, eati'g 'othi'g *or se(e' or e(e' te' /ho&e daysM there, 1?d *i'd so+e -&i**s, a'd, seated o' a poi'ted ro-k, p,&& ,p +y ro%es, /ith +y %are %a-kside right agai'st the sto'e, deter. +i'ed to +editate to the (ery e'd, e(e' i* it ki&&ed +e, a'd re*,si'g to &ea(e +y seat ,'ti& 1 si+p&y t,+%&ed do/'0 Si'-e there /as 'o /ay 1 -o,&d e(e' ask a'yo'e to %ri'g

>; , BANKEI :E)

+e *ood, 1 o*te' did'?t eat *or days0 2,t a&& 1 -ared a%o,t /as reso&(i'g the 2right Virt,e, so 1 did'?t +i'd that 1 /as *ai't *ro+ h,'ger, a'd re*,sed to &et it %other +e0 9espite it a&&, tho,gh, 1 sti&& -o,&d'?t sett&e +y H,estio' a%o,t the 2right Virt,e0 JA*ter this, 1 ret,r'ed to +y 'ati(e area, %,i&t a s+a&& h,t *or +yse&* a'd /e't i'to retreat0 At ti+es, tota&&y a%. sor%ed i' pra-ti-i'g the nemb$ts$'? 1 /o,&d'?t &ie do/', 'ight or day0 JSo 1 *&o,'dered a%o,t desperate&y, tryi'g i' e(ery /ay, %,t +y H,estio' a%o,t the 2right Virt,e /as sti&& ,'re. so&(ed0 Citho,t +,-h -are *or +y &i*e, 1?d dri(e' +y /ho&e %ody so +er-i&ess&y that the ski' o' +y %a-kside had %e-o+e tor', /ith the res,&t that 1 -o,&d o'&y sit /ith the +ost pai'*,& di**i-,&ty0 Ho/e(er, as 1 &ook %a-k o' it 'o/, i' those years 1 /as sti&& i' *i'e *ett&e, a'd, i' spite o* e(erythi'g, /o,&d'?t &ie do/' to rest *or e(e' a day0 A&& the sa+e, si'-e 1 /as s,**eri'g *ro+ the tor' *&esh o' +y %a-kside, 1 had to sit o' %,'d&es o* S,gihara 58 paper that 1?d spread ,'der +e a'd rep&a-e o'e a*ter a'other0 9espite this pre-a,tio', %&ood iss,ed -o'sta't&y *ro+ +y %a-kside, a'd /ith the pai', it %e-a+e di**i-,&t to sit, so that 1 so+eti+es had to spread /ads o* -otto' a'd /hat'ot ,'. der'eath +e0 E(e' /ith a&& that, 1 -o,&d pass a' e'tire day a'd 'ight /itho,t e(er &yi'g do/'0 JThe strai' o* those years *i'a&&y -a,ght ,p /ith +e, a'd 1 %e-a+e gra(e&y i&&0 Citho,t ha(i'g sett&ed +y H,es. tio' a%o,t the 2right Virt,e, 1?d str,gg&ed /ith it tire&ess&y *or a &o'g ti+e, e'd,ri'g %itter hardship0 My i&&'ess grad. ,a&&y /orse'ed 'o/, +y %ody gre/ /eak, a'd /he' 1?d %ri'g ,p ph&eg+, there?d e+erge th,+%.siIe go%s o* %&oody sp,t,+ that ro&&ed a&o'g -o'gea&i'g i'to %a&&s0 So+eti+es /he' 1?d spit agai'st the /a&&, the sp,t,+ /as so hea(y it ro&&ed right do/'0 At this ti+e, e(eryo'e -o'-er'ed a%o,t +e said3 This si+p&y /o'?t doK Yo,?(e got to rest a'd ',rse

-ermons < >@

yo,rse&* %a-k to hea&th0? So, *o&&o/i'g their ad(i-e, 1 re. tired to +y h,t, taki'g o' a +a'ser(a't0 J2,t grad,a&&y +y i&&'ess rea-hed a -riti-a& poi't, a'd *or a *,&& se(e' days 1 /as ,'a%&e to s/a&&o/ a'y *ood a'd -o,&d get 'othi'g do/' apart *ro+ so+e thi' ri-e gr,e&0 2e-a,se o* this, 1 rea&iIed 1 /as o' the (erge o* death0 ?Ah, /e&&,? 1 said to +yse&*, ?there?s 'othi'g to %e do'e0? 2,t rea&&y 1 had 'o parti-,&ar regret other tha' the tho,ght that 1 /as goi'g to die /itho,t rea&iIi'g +y &o'g.-herished desire0 J;,st the', 1 had a stra'ge se'satio' i' +y throat, a'd /he' 1 spit agai'st the /a&&, 1 'oti-ed the sp,t,+ had -o'gea&ed i'to a Det.%&a-k &,+p &ike a soap%erry,5# ro&&i'g do/' the s,r*a-e0 A*ter that, the i'side o* +y -hest *e&t -,rio,s&y re*reshed, a'd that?s /he' it s,dde'&y str,-k +e3 ?E(erythi'g is per*e-t&y +a'aged /ith the B'%or', a'd %e-a,se ,p ti&& today 1 -o,&d'?t see this, 1?(e D,st %ee' ,se&ess&y k'o-ki'g +yse&* o,tK? Fi'a&&y 1 sa/ the +istake 1?d %ee' +aki'gK JMy spirit 'o/ *e&t -&ear a'd %,oya't, +y appetite ret,r'ed, a'd 1 -a&&ed to +y ser(a't3 ?1 /a't to eat so+e ri-e gr,e&0 Go a'd prepare itK? My ser(a't, +ea'/hi&e, tho,ght this a stra'ge reH,est i'deed *or a +a' /ho ,'ti& the' had %ee' o' the (ery %ri'k o* death0 Tha'k hea(e'sK? he eF-&ai+ed, de&ighted, a'd h,rried right o** i' -o'*,sio' to prepare the gr,e&0 1' his h,rry to *eed +e so+ethi'g, he pro+pt&y ser(ed the ri-e gr,e&, %,t /hat he *ed +e had'?t a&& %ee' *,&&y -ooked0 1 did'?t e(e' -are, a'd /e't right ahead a'd de(o,red t/o or three %o/&s*,& /itho,t a'y i&& e**e-ts0 A*ter that, 1 grad,a&&y got /e&& agai' a'd ha(e &i(ed to this day05" So 1 rea&iIed +y -herished desire a*ter a&&, a'd eFp&ai'ed thi'gs to +y +other too %e*ore she passed a/ay0$4 JE(er si'-e 1 rea&iIed that e(erythi'g is per*e-t&y +a'. aged /ith the B'%or', there has'?t %ee' a perso' i' the

!$ G 2A)KE; :E) &a'd /ho -o,&d re*,te +e0 1* o'&y, /he' 1 /as desperate&y *&o,'deri'g, there had %ee' so+e +a' o* rea&iIatio' /ho -o,&d ha(e D,st to&d +e right at the start, the /ay 1?+ doi'g 'o/ *or yo,, 1 +ight ha(e %ee' spared +y ,se&ess str,gg&esM %,t there /as'?t a'y s,-h perso' to %e *o,'d, a'd /ith 'o o'e to te&& +e, 1 str,gg&ed &o'g a'd hard, dri(i'g +yse&* %eyo'd a&& e'd,ra'-e0 That?s /hy, e(e' today, 1?+ sti&& a si-k +a' a'd -a'?t -o+e o,t to +eet /ith yo, as +,-h as 1 /o,&d &ike0 JAt a&& e(e'ts, o'-e 1 rea&iIed the *a-t that e(erythi'g is per*e-t&y +a'aged /ith the B'%or', 1 /a'ted to try to ta&k this o(er /ith so+eo'e0 A'd /hi&e 1 /as /o'deri'g /ho+ to +eet a'd dis-,ss this /ith, +y tea-her $! to&d +e3 ?1' Mi'o,$7 there?s a tea-her 'a+ed G,do,$5 /ho?s said to %e a good +a'0 He +ay %e a%&e to -o'*ir+ yo,r eFperie'-e, so yo,?d %etter go try to speak /ith hi+0? JHopi'g to +eet G,do a'd speak /ith hi+, 1 *o&&o/ed +y tea-her?s i'str,-tio's a'd set o,t to (isit hi+ i' Mi'o, o'&y to *i'd that he /as'?t at ho+e, %ei'g D,st the' i' Edo0$$ So, as it t,r'ed o,t, /e 'e(er +et, a'd 1 had'?t a'y -ha'-e to ta&k /ith hi+0 JHa(i'g -o+e a&& this /ay a'd 'ot spoke' to a'yo'e, 1 de-ided that, rather tha' D,st goi'g %a-k /ith 'othi'g a--o+p&ished, 1?d (isit the :e' tea-hers i' the area0 J ?1?+ a :e' +o'k *ro+ 2a'sh,,?$> 1 said /he' 1 +et the+, ?a'd 1?(e -o+e here so&e&y i' hope o* +eeti'g yo, a'd re-ei(i'g yo,r tea-hi'g0? JChe' the tea-hers had prese'ted their i'str,-tio', 1 took the &i%erty o* p,tti'g i' a /ord +yse&*0 ?1 rea&iIe it?s i+perti'e't o* +e,? 1 to&d the+, ?%,t p&ease eF-,se +e /he' 1 say that, /hi&e 1?+ 'ot ,'grate*,& *or the i'str,-. tio' yo,?(e gi(e', 1 get a *ee&i'g as i* so+eo'e /ere tryi'g to s-rat-h a' it-hy spot thro,gh +y shoe0 B'&ess yo, rea-h right i' a'd s-rat-h, yo, /o'?t get to +y rea& %o'es a'd +arro/,$6 a'd thi'gs /o'?t %e sett&ed thro,gh a'd thro,gh0?

-ermons 9 I -

JLike the ho'est tea-hers they /ere, they to&d +e3 ?Yes, it?s D,st as yo, say0 E(e' tho,gh /e?re tea-hi'g others, a&& /e do is +e+oriIe the /ords i' the s,tras a'd re-ords a'd tea-h peop&e /hat the o&d +asters said0 2,t, sha+e*,& tho,gh it is, /e ha(e'?t a-t,a&&y rea&iIed e'&ighte'+e't o,rse&(es, so /he' /e speak, o,r tea-hi'g is i'deed &ike tryi'g to s-rat-h a' it-hy spot thro,gh yo,r shoe<'at,. ra&&y, it?s 'e(er satis*yi'g0 Yo, ,'dersta'd ,s /e&&,? they said, ?yo, -a'?t %e D,st a' ordi'ary +a'K? JSo, /itho,t ha(i'g +a'aged to get a'yo'e to -o'*ir+ +y eFperie'-e *or +e, 1 ret,r'ed ho+e a'd /e't i'to retreat, sh,tti'g +y door to the /or&d0 As 1 /as o%ser(i'g the 'eeds o* the peop&e the', -o'sideri'g the +ea's to prese't +y tea-hi'g a'd he&p to sa(e the+, 1 &ear'ed that Othe :e' priestP 9osha had -o+e *ro+ Chi'a, ha(i'g ar. ri(ed at )agasaki, /here he /as stayi'g0 O' +y tea-her?s i'str,-tio's, 1 /e't to see 9osha, a'd /he' 1 to&d hi+ /hat 1?d rea&iIed, he de-&ared3 ?Yo, are a +a' /ho has tra's-e'ded %irth a'd deathK? So, o'&y at 9osha?s did 1 *i'a&&y re-ei(e so+e s+a&& -o'*ir+atio' o* +y e'&ighte'. +e't0 At that ti+e, it /as hard to *i'd a'yo'e /ho -o,&d testi*y /ith -ertai'ty to +y eFperie'-e, a'd 1 had H,ite a &ot o* tro,%&e0 That?s /hy, thi'ki'g %a-k 'o/ o(er /hat it /as &ike *or me' 1 -o+e o,t &ike this e(ery day to +eet /ith a&& o* yo,, ai&i'g tho,gh 1 a+0$8 1* there?s a'yo'e here 'o/ /ho?s eFperie'-ed e'&ighte'+e't</hoe(er he is<the o'&y reaso' 1?(e -o+e o,t &ike this is so that 1 -a' %e yo,r /it'ess0 Yo, peop&e -ertai'&y are &,-kyK Si'-e yo, ha(e so+eo'e /ho -a' testi*y to yo,r eFperie'-e thro,gh a'd thro,gh, i* there?s a'yo'e here /ho?s %ee' e'&ighte'ed or /ho thi'ks he?s ,'derstood this +atter, step *or/ard a'd &et?s hear *ro+ yo,0 1?+ ready to %e yo,r /it'essK Ho/e(er, i* there?s 'o o'e /ho?s ,'derstood yet, &iste' to /hat 1 ha(e to say, a'd rea&iIe -o'-&,si(e&y0 0 0 0 J)o/, a%o,t /hat it +ea's to rea&iIe -o'-&,si(e&y that

!6 G 2A)KE1 :E) /hat is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g is tr,&y the 2,ddha Mi'd3 S,ppose te' +i&&io' peop&e got together a'd ,'a'i+o,s&y de-&ared that a -ro/ /as a hero'0 A -ro/ is %&a-k, /itho,t ha(i'g to %e dyed that /ay, D,st as a hero' is /hite$#<that?s so+ethi'g /e a&/ays see *or o,rse&(es a'd k'o/ *or a *a-t0 So e(e' i*, 'ot o'&y te' +i&&io' peop&e, %,t e(eryo'e i' the &a'd /ere to get together a'd te&& yo, a -ro/ /as a hero', yo, sti&& /o,&d'?t %e *oo&ed, %,t re+ai' a%so&,te&y s,re o* yo,rse&*0 That?s /hat it +ea's to ha(e a -o'-&,si(e rea&iIatio'0 Co'-&,si(e&y rea&iIe that /hat is ,'%or' is the 2,ddha Mi'd a'd that the 2,ddha Mi'd is tr,&y ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, a'd e(erythi'g /i&& %e per*e-t&y +a'aged /ith the B'%or', so that, whate)er peop&e try to te&& yo,, yo, /o'?t &et yo,rse&* %e *oo&ed %y the+0 Yo, /o'?t a--ept other peop&e?s de&,. sio's0 JAt the ti+e 1 /as yo,'g a'd *irst %ega' to tea-h this tr,e tea-hi'g o* the B'%or', 'o o'e /as a%&e to ,'der. sta'd0 Che' they heard +e, peop&e see+ed to thi'k 1 /as so+e sort o* hereti- or Christia',$" so they /ere *righte'ed o**, a'd 'o o'e /o,&d go 'ear +e0 2,t i' ti+e they rea&. iIed they /ere /ro'g a'd sa/ that /hat 1 /as tea-hi'g /as the tr,e 9har+a itse&*0 )o/, i'stead o* +y origi'a& sit,a. tio' /here 'o o'e /o,&d e(e' go 'ear +e, 1?+ s/a+ped /ith peop&e -o+i'g to see +e, a'Fio,s to +eet +e a'd &iste' to +y tea-hi'g, a*ter +e -o'ti',a&&y, so that they do'?t &ea(e +e i' pea-e e(e' a si'g&e dayK Thi'gs -o+e i' their o/' d,e ti+e0 JFro+ ti+e to ti+e i' the *orty years 1?(e %ee' here,>4 1?(e ta,ght others this tr,e tea-hi'g o* the B'%or', a'd as a res,&t this area has prod,-ed &ots o* peop&e /ho are s,perior to tea-hers o* 2,ddhis+0 So, *or yo, peop&e too, &et the re/ard *or yo,r tro,%&e i' -o+i'g here a&& this /ay 'o/ %e that yo,?&& ret,r' ho+e ha(i'g eFperie'-ed -o+. p&ete rea&iIatio' o* the 9har+a, thoro,gh&y a'd -o'-&,.

Ser+o's G !8 si(e&y rea&iIi'g the pri'-ip&e o* the B'%or' /itho,t s/it-hi'g it *or tho,ghts0J

3rowin% $& del$ded

J 0 0 0 Chat e(eryo'e has *ro+ his pare'ts i''ate&y is the 2,ddha Mi'd a&o'e0 2,t si'-e yo,r pare'ts the+. se&(es *ai& to rea&iIe this, yo, %e-o+e de&,ded too, a'd the' disp&ay this de&,sio' i' raisi'g yo,r o/' -hi&dre'0 E(e' the ',rse+aids a'd %a%y.sitters &ose their te+per, so that the peop&e i'(o&(ed i' %ri'gi'g ,p -hi&dre' disp&ay e(ery sort o* de&,ded %eha(ior, i'-&,di'g st,pidity, se&*ish desire a'd the Oa'ger o*P *ighti'g de+o's0>! Gro/i'g ,p /ith de&,ded peop&e s,rro,'di'g the+, -hi&dre' de(e&op a *irst.rate set o* %ad ha%its, %e-o+i'g H,ite pro*i-ie't at %ei'g de&,ded the+se&(es, a'd t,r'i'g i'to ,'e'&ighte'ed %ei'gs0 Origi'a&&y, /he' yo,?re %or', yo,?re /itho,t de. &,sio'0 2,t o' a--o,'t o* the *a,&ts o* the peop&e /ho raise yo,, so+eo'e a%idi'g i' the 2,ddha Mi'd is t,r'ed i'to a *irst.rate ,'e'&ighte'ed %ei'g0 This is so+ethi'g 1?+ s,re yo, a&& k'o/ *ro+ yo,r o/' eFperie'-e0 JYo,r pare'ts did'?t gi(e yo, a'y de&,sio's /hate(er /he' yo, /ere %or', 'o %ad ha%its, 'o se&*ish desires0 2,t a*ter/ard, o'-e yo,?d -o+e i'to the /or&d, yo, pi-ked ,p a&& di**ere't sorts o* de&,sio's, /hi-h the' de(e&oped i'to %ad ha%its, so that yo, -o,&d'?t he&p %e-o+i'g de&,ded0 That /hi-h yo, didn9t pi-k ,p *ro+ o,tside is the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd here 'o de&,sio's eFist0 Si'-e the 2,d. dha Mi'd is +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, yo,?re a%&e to &ear' thi'gs, e(e' to the poi't o* thoro,gh&y &ear'i'g a&& sorts o* de&,ded %eha(ior0 OAt the sa+e ti+e,P si'-e it?s +ar(e&. o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, /he' yo, hear this, yo,?&& reso&(e not to %e de&,ded, a'd *ro+ today o' -ease -reati'g de&,sio', a%idi'g i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd as it is0 ;,st as %e*ore

!# G 2A)KE1 :E) yo, app&ied yo,rse&* ski&&*,&&y to pi-ki'g ,p de&,sio's a'd +ade yo,rse&* de&,ded, 'o/ yo,?&& ,se the sa+e ski&& to &iste' to this a'd sto& %ei'g de&,ded<that?s /hat a sp&e'. did thi'g the 2,ddha Mi'd is0 Liste' a'd yo,?&& rea&iIe the pre-io,s'ess o* 2,ddha Mi'd0 The', si'-e there?s 'othi'g that -a' take the p&a-e o* this pre-io,s 2,ddha Mi'd, e(e' i* yo, want to %e de&,ded, yo, /o'?t %e able to %e a'y+oreK J1t?s %e-a,se yo, do'?t rea&iIe the pre-io,s'ess o* 2,d. dha Mi'd that yo, i'd,&ge i' se&*.-e'tered'ess, -reati'g de&,sio's that do yo, har+0 Yet those de&,sio's are so pre-io,s to yo, that a&& o* yo, a-t,a&&y want to %e-o+e de&,ded, e(e' at the risk o* yo,r o/' &i*eK Foo&ish, is'?t itE B'a%&e to /ithsta'd the %ase i+p,&ses prod,-ed %y yo,r se&*ish desires, yo, %e-o+e de&,ded0 Cith a&& de&,sio's it?s the sa+e0 JE(eryo'e i'sists that the /ay he &ikes to %eha(e is his i''ate -hara-ter, so he -a'?t do a'ythi'g a%o,t it0 He?&& 'e(er te&& yo, ho/, a-t,a&&y, he i'd,&ges i' se&*.-e'tered. 'ess %e-a,se o* his se&*ish desires, ho&di'g o' to those ki'ds o* %eha(ior he &ikesM i'stead, he tries to so,'d -&e(er a'd ta&k a%o,t ho/ it?s a&& i''ateK To *a&se&y a--,se yo,r o/' pare'ts o* so+ethi'g yo, 'e(er got *ro+ the+ is terri%&y ,'*i&ia&0 1s there a'yo'e /ho?s %or' a dr,'kard, a ga+%&er or a thie*</ho?s %or' /ith any sort o* (i-eE )o o'e?s %or' that /ay0 O'-e yo, pi-k ,p a taste *or &iH,or, it pro+pt&y de(e&ops i'to a dri'ki'g ha%it, a'd the', %e-a,se o* se&*ish desire, yo, *i'd yo,rse&* ,'a%&e to stop, /itho,t rea&iIi'g yo,?(e %e-o+e de&,ded0 1t?s o'&y *oo&ish'ess, so yo,?(e 'o -a,se to -&ai+ it?s i''ate a'd pass o** the %&a+e o' yo,r pare'tsK JChe' yo, hear this, 1 /a't yo, a&& *ro+ today o' to a%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd D,st as it is<the B'. %or' 2,ddha Mi'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y0 The', yo, /o'?t -reate de&,sio's a%o,t a'ythi'g, a'd, si'-e 'o de&,sio's /i&& re+ai', yo,?&& %e &i(i'g %,ddhas

-ermons G >A

*ro+ today *ore(er a*ter0 )othi'g -o,&d %e +ore dire-tK Yo,?(e a&& got to rea&iIe this -o'-&,si(e&y0J

Thirty days in the 1nborn

JE(eryo'e, do eFa-t&y as 1?+ te&&i'g yo,, a'd, *o&&o/. i'g +y i'str,-tio's, start %y tryi'g to a%ide i' the B'%or' *or thirty days0 Lear' to a%ide i' the B'%or' *or thirty days, a'd *ro+ there o', e(e' i* yo, do'?t /a't to< /hether yo, &ike it or 'ot<yo,?&& D,st 'at,ra&&y ha)e to a%ide i' the B'%or'0 Yo,?&& %e a s,--ess at a%idi'g i' the B'%or'K Si'-e that /hi-h is ,'%or' is the 2,ddha Mi'd, yo,?&& %e *,'-tio'i'g /ith the 2,ddha Mi'd at a&& ti+es0 That /ay yo,?&& %e &i(i'g %,ddhas here today, /o'?t yo,E So &iste' to +y tea-hi'g D,st as i* today yo, /ere a&& %or' a'e/ a'd starti'g a*resh0 Che' yo,?(e got so+e *iFed 'otio', yo, /o'?t take i' /hat yo, hear0 Liste' as i* yo, /ere 'e/&y %or' right 'o/ a'd it /i&& %e &ike heari'g +y tea-hi'g *or the *irst ti+e0 1* yo, do'?t ha(e a'y *iFed 'otio' i' yo,r +i'd, at a si'g&e /ord yo,?&& i'sta't&y ,'dersta'd a'd attai' -o+p&ete rea&iIatio' o* the 9har+a0J

Ask me and I9ll tell yo$

O'e day, the Master said3 J1 si+p&y -o+e o,t here &ike this ea-h day to +eet /ith yo, a&&M 1 ha(e'?t a'ythi'g parti-,&ar i' +i'd 1 /a't to te&& yo,0 So i* yo,?(e got a'ythi'g to ask</hate(er it is<e(eryo'e step right ,p a'd askK Ask +e a'd 1?&& te&& yo,, 'o +atter /hat it is0 1?(e got 'othi'g spe-ia& i' +i'd 1 /a't to say0J

74 G 2A)KE1 :E)

2The Ka&&a2
J 0 0 0 Che' 1 /as yo,'g, there /as a 'otorio,s thie* i' these parts -a&&ed ?the Kappa,?>7 a *e&&o/ o' the order o* K,+asaka Choha',>5 /ho /o,&d %o&d&y ro% peop&e o' the high/ay, seiIi'g their +o'ey0 He had re+arka%&e ge'i,s as a thie*3 /he' he -a,ght sight o* so+eo'e -o+i'g *ro+ a-ross the /ay, he -o,&d te&& eFa-t&y ho/ +,-h +o'ey he had o' hi+ a'd /as 'e(er o** %y e(e' a hair<that?s /hat a *or+ida%&e *e&&o/ he /as0 Ho/e(er, o'e day he got hi+. se&* 'a%%ed a'd ser(ed a &o'g ter+ i' the priso' at Osaka0 The years passed, a'd the', %e-a,se he /as s,-h a' eFpert as a thie*, he *o,'d hi+se&* at a' ad(a'tage a'd /as spared eFe-,tio' to %e-o+e a' i'*or+er *or the po&i-e0 >$ Later, he /as eF-,sed *ro+ %ei'g a' i'*or+er as /e&& a'd %e-a+e a *ree +a'0 A*ter/ard, he &ear'ed to -ar(e 2,ddhist i+. ages, %e-o+i'g a +aker o* 2,ddhist stat,es a'd sett&i'g i' Osaka, a' eFpert 'o/ at -ar(i'g %,ddhas0 Co+p&ete&y re. (ersi'g his *or+er /i-ked state o* +i'd, he de(oted hi+. se&* to sa&(atio', a'd e'ded his days a%sor%ed i' -ha'ti'g the nemb$ts$. JSo, e(e' s,-h a 'otorio,s %riga'd as ?the KappaN o'-e he?d re*or+ed, e'ded his days i' re&igio,s de(otio'0 Chere -a' yo, *i'd a'yo'e /ho stea&s %e-a,se his kar+a is deep or his si's hea(yE Stea&i'g is the kar+a, stea&i'g is the si'K 1* it /ere'?t *or stea&i'g, that si' a'd kar+a -o,&d'?t eFist0 Chether yo, stea& or /hether yo, do'?t depe'ds o' the prese't state o* yo,r o/' +i'd, 'ot o' yo,r past kar+a0 A'd /hat 1?+ te&&i'g yo, 'o/ does'?t go o'&y *or stea&i'g0 Ge'era&&y speaki'g, a&& de&,sio's are D,st the sa+e as stea&. i'g0 Chether yo,?re goi'g to %e de&,ded or yo,?re 'ot goi'g to, a&& depe'ds o' the prese't state o* yo,r o/' +i'd0 Che' yo,?re de&,ded, yo,?re a' ,'e'&ighte'ed %ei'gM /he' yo,?re 'ot de&,ded, yo,?re a %,ddha0 There?s 'o spe-ia& short-,t to %ei'g a %,ddha %eyo'd this0 1s'?t it soE E(eryo'e, rea&iIe this -o'-&,si(e&yKJ

Ser+o's G ;>

0on9t beat slee&in% monks

O' the ope'i'g day o* rdNI-Irs,,>> the Master addressed the asse+%&y3 J1' +y p&a-e, o,r 'or+a& e(eryday &i*e is +editatio'M so it?s 'ot &ike e(ery/here e&se /here they a'. 'o,'-e3 ?Fro+ today o', +editatio'K? a'd e(eryo'e spe. -ia&&y h,r&s hi+se&* i'to *ra'ti- pra-ti-e0J The Master the' /e't o' to say3 JO'-e, /hi&e 1 /as i' 9osha?s asse+%&y,>6 a +o'k /as s&eepi'g seated i' +edi. tatio'0 A'other +o'k there s,dde'&y str,-k hi+, %,t 1 s-o&ded hi+ *or doi'g this0 J ?Chy sho,&d yo, hit so+eo'e /ho?s p&easa't&y s&eep. i'gE? 1 said0 ?Che' that +o'k is s&eepi'g, do yo, thi'k he?s a di**ere't perso'K? J1?+ 'ot e'-o,ragi'g peop&e to s&eep, %,t to hit the+ %e-a,se they do is terri%&y /ro'g0 Here i' my p&a-e 'o/, 1 do'?t a&&o/ that sort o* thi'g0 Chi&e 1?+ 'ot e'-o,ragi'g peop&e to s&eep, 1 do'?t hit the+ or s-o&d the+ *or doi'g so0 1 do'?t s-o&d or praise s&eepi'g, a'd 1 do'?t s-o&d or praise not s&eepi'g0 Chether peop&e happe' to %e as&eep or a/ake, D,st &et the+ %e as they are0 Che' they?re as&eep, they?re s&eepi'g i' the 2,ddha Mi'd they /ere a/ake i'M /he' they?re a/ake, they?re a/ake i' the 2,ddha Mi'd they /ere s&eepi'g i'0 Che' peop&e are as&eep, they?re s&eepi'g i' the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' they?re a/ake, they?re a/ake i' the 2,ddha Mi'd0 They?re always a%idi'g i' the 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd there?s 'ot a +o+e't /he' they?re e(er a%idi'g i' a'ythi'g e&se0 So it?s +istake' to thi'k that /he' a perso' is as&eep he t,r's i'to so+ethi'g di**ere't0 1* yo, %e&ie(e that peop&e a%ide i' the 2,ddha Mi'd o'&y /he' they?re a/ake a'd that /he' they?re as&eep they t,r' i'to so+ethi'g di**ere't, that?s 'ot the ,&ti+ate tr,th, %,t a' e'd&ess tra's*or+atio'0

77 G 2A)KE1 :E) JYo,?re a&& eFerti'g yo,rse&(es tryi'g to rea&iIe %,ddha. hood, so i* so+eo'e is s&eepi'g, it?s /ro'g to %eat hi+ or s-o&d hi+0 Chat yo, a&& ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y is the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd a&o'e a'd 'othi'g e&se, so i'stead o* tryi'g to rea&iIe %,ddhahood, a&/ays a%ide i' that B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 The', /he' yo,?re as&eep, yo,?re s&eepi'g i' the 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd /he' yo,?re a/ake, yo,?re a/ake i' the 2,ddha Mi'dM yo,?re a&/ays a &i(i'g %,ddha, a'd there?s 'o ti+e /he' yo, do'?t remain a %,ddha0 Si'-e yo,?re a %,ddha a&& the ti+e, there?s 'o other spe-ia& %,ddhahood *or yo, to rea&iIe0 Rather tha' tryi'g to become a %,ddha, 'othi'g -o,&d %e si+p&er tha' taki'g the short-,t of remainin% a %,ddhaKJ

7ind readin%
So+eo'e asked3 JE(ery%ody says yo,r Re(ere'-e has the po/er to read peop&e?s +i'ds0>8 1s it tr,eEJ The Master said3 J1' +y s-hoo&, /e do'?t ha(e s,-h eFtraordi'ary thi'gs0 A'd e(e' i* /e did, si'-e the 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or', /e /o,&d'?t ,se the+0 Che' 1?+ speak. i'g to yo,, 1 dea& /ith yo,r o/' se&(es, so yo, i+agi'e 1?(e got the po/er to read peop&e?s +i'ds0 2,t 1 ha(e'?t a'y +i'd.readi'g po/ers0 1?+ D,st the sa+e as a&& o* yo,0 Che' yo, a%ide i' the B'%or', yo,?re at the so,r-e o* the s,per'at,ra& po/ers o* a&& the %,ddhas, a'd /itho,t e(e' ha(i'g to seek s,per'at,ra& po/er, a&& thi'gs are per. *e-t&y +a'aged a'd s+ooth&y dea&t /ith0 1' the tr,e tea-h. i'g o* the B'%or', yo, -a' +a'age e(erythi'g %y dea&i'g /ith yo,r o/' se&*, /itho,t %ri'gi'g i' a&& sorts o* eFtra. 'eo,s +atters0J

7o)in% ahead slidin% back

A -ertai' +a' asked3 J1?(e pra-ti-ed as hard as 1 -a', tryi'g to ad(a'-e /itho,t s&ippi'g %a-k0 2,t 'o +atter

-ermons , ;@

/hat 1 do, the te'de'-y to %a-ks&ide is stro'g, a'd there are ti+es /he' 1 regress0 Ho/e(er +,-h 1 try to ad(a'-e, 1 o'&y *a&& %a-k agai'0 Ho/ -a' 1 keep *ro+ regressi'gEJ The Master said3 JA%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'dK Che' yo, do, yo, /o'?t 'eed to %other a%o,t ad(a'-i'g or regressi'g0 1' *a-t, /he' yo, a%ide i' the B'%or', tryi'g to ad(a'-e is to i'sta't&y regress *ro+ the p&a-e o* the B'%or'0 The +a' o* the B'%or' has 'othi'g to do /ith ad(a'-i'g or regressi'g, %,t a&/ays tra's-e'ds the+ %oth0J

#ld waste&a&er
A -ertai' +o'k said3 JFor a &o'g ti+e 'o/ 1?(e %ee' /orki'g o' the koa' ?Hyak,Do a'd the Ci&d FoF,?># %,t i' spite o* a&& +y e**orts, 1 sti&& ha(e'?t so&(ed it0 1 s,spe-t this is si+p&y %e-a,se +y pra-ti-e is'?t p,re0 1 %eg yo,r Re(. ere'-e to i'str,-t +e0J The Master said3 JHere i' +y p&a-e /e do'?t e'gage i' s,-h st,dies o* o&d /astepaperK>" Si'-e yo, ha(e'?t yet rea&iIed that /hat is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g is the 2,ddha Mi'd, &et +e te&& yo,, a'd the' e(erythi'g /i&& %e straighte'ed o,t0 So &iste' -are*,&&y to /hat 1 say0J The Master the' prese'ted his tea-hi'g o* the B'%or', D,st as ,s,a&0 The +o'k, ha(i'g &iste'ed atte'ti(e&y, pro. *o,'d&y a-k'o/&edged it, a'd therea*ter is said to ha(e disti'g,ished hi+se&* as a' o,tsta'di'g *ig,re0 The', a +o'k /ho /as OseatedP 'ear%y asked3 J1' that -ase, are the koa's o* the o&d +asters ,se&ess a'd ,''e-. essaryEJ The Master said3 JThe respo'ses o* the o&d +asters /ere o'&y to sh,t o** H,estio's *ro+ i'di(id,a& st,de'ts %y -o'*ro'ti'g the+ i++ediate&y, *a-e to *a-eM64 they ha(e 'o parti-,&ar ,se*,&'ess Oi' the+se&(esP0 There?s 'o /ay *or

7$ G 2A)KE1 :E) +e to say /hether they?re 'e-essary or s,per*&,o,s, he&p*,& or ,se&ess06! Che' peop&e D,st a%ide i' the B'%or' 2,d. dha Mi'd, that?s a&& there is to it, a'd there?s 'o &o'ger a'y /ay they -a' %e sidetra-ked0 So a%ide i' the B'%or'K 1' yo,r -ase, yo,?(e %ee' so -arried a/ay i' sidetra-ki'g yo,rse&*, it?s +ade yo, de&,ded0 So gi(e it ,p, a'd si'-e that /hi-h is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g is the 2,ddha Mi'd a'd 'othi'g e&se, a%ide i' the B'%or' 2,d. dha Mi'dKJ

-elf5cen teredness
O'e day, the Master addressed the asse+%&y3 JA&& de. &,sio's, /itho,t eF-eptio', are -reated as a res,&t o* se&*. -e'tered'ess0 Che' yo,?re *ree *ro+ se&*.-e'tered'ess, de&,sio's /o'?t %e prod,-ed0 For eFa+p&e, s,ppose yo,r 'eigh%ors are ha(i'g a H,arre&3 i* yo,?re 'ot perso'a&&y i'(o&(ed, yo, D,st hear /hat?s goi'g o' a'd do'?t get a'gry0 )ot o'&y do yo, 'ot get a'gry, %,t yo, -a' p&ai'&y te&& the rights a'd /ro'gs o* the -ase<it?s -&ear to yo, as yo, &iste' /ho?s right a'd /ho?s /ro'g0 2,t &et it %e so+ethi'g that -o'-er's yo, perso'a&&y, a'd yo, *i'd yo,rse&* getti'g i'. (o&(ed /ith /hat the other party Osays or doesP, atta-hi'g to it a'd o%s-,ri'g the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g O*,'-tio' o* the 2,ddha Mi'dP0 2e*ore, yo, -o,&d -&ear&y te&& /ro'g *ro+ rightM %,t 'o/, &ed %y se&*.-e'tered'ess, yo, i'sist that yo,r o/' idea o* /hat?s right is right, /hether it is or 'ot0 2e-o+i'g a'gry, yo, tho,ght&ess&y s/it-h yo,r 2,d. dha Mi'd *or a *ighti'g de+o', a'd e(eryo'e takes to arg,i'g %itter&y /ith ea-h other0 J2e-a,se the 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'at. i'g, the tra-es o* e(erythi'g yo,?(e do'e are Ospo'ta.

Ser+o's G 7> 'eo,s&yP re*&e-ted0 1t?s /he' yo, attach to these re*&e-ted tra-es that yo, prod,-e de&,sio'0 Tho,ghts do'?t a-t,a&&y eFist i' the p&a-e /here the tra-es are re*&e-ted, a'd the' arise0 Ce retai' the thi'gs /e sa/ a'd heard i' the past, a'd /he' these -o+e ,p, they appear as tra-es a'd are re*&e-ted0 Origi'a&&y, tho,ghts ha(e 'o rea& s,%sta'-e0 So i* they?re re*&e-ted, D,st &et the+ %e re*&e-tedM i* they arise, D,st &et the+ ariseM i* they stop, D,st &et the+ stop0 As &o'g as yo,?re 'ot attachin% to these re*&e-ted tra-es, de&,sio's /o'?t %e prod,-ed0 So &o'g as yo,?re 'ot atta-hi'g to the+, yo, /o'?t %e de&,ded, a'd the', 'o +atter ho/ +a'y tra-es are re*&e-ted, it /i&& %e D,st as i* they /ere'?t re*&e-ted at a&&0 E(e' i* a h,'dred, or a tho$sand tho,ghts spri'g ,p, it /i&& %e D,st the sa+e as i* they 'e(er arose0 1t /o'?t %e a'y pro%&e+ *or yo,<'o tho,ghts to ?-&ear a/ay,? 'o tho,ghts to ?-,t o**0? So ,'dersta'd this /e&&KJ

Bankei9s Kannon
The pri'-ipa& o%De-t o* /orship at the Ryo+o'Di /as a Ka''o' +ade %y the Master067 K'o/i'g this, /he' the Master /as de&i(eri'g a ser+o', a +o'k *ro+ Osh,65 stood &ea'i'g agai'st a pi&&ar a'd asked3 J1s that i+age a' o&d %,ddha or a 'e/ %,ddhaEJ The Master rep&ied3 JHo/ does it &ook to yo,EJ The +o'k said3 J1t &ooks to +e &ike a 'e/ %,ddha0J The Master said3 J1* it &ooks to yo, &ike a 'e/ %,ddha, the' it?s a 'e/ %,ddha, a'd that?s thatM so /hat?s the pro%&e+E 2e-a,se yo, ha(e'?t ,'derstood that /hat is ,'%or' is the 2,ddha Mi'd, yo, -o+e a'd ask this sort o* ,se&ess thi'g, thi'ki'g that?s :e'0 Rather tha' ask this ki'd o* /orth&ess st,** a'd dist,r% e(eryo'e, D,st keep H,iet, take a seat, a'd &iste' -are*,&&y to /hat 1?+ sayi'g0J

76 G 2A)KE1 :E)

3ettin% sidetracked
A &ay+a' *ro+ 1I,+o6$ prese'ted hi+se&* *or pri(ate i'str,-tio'6> /ith the Master a'd asked3 JChe' o'e is e'&ighte'ed &ike yo,r Re(ere'-e, do the Three Cor&ds Oo* the past, prese't a'd *,t,reP rea&&y appear as i* they /ere g&i+psed i' the pa&+ o* the ha'dEJ The Master said3 JChat yo, asked +e D,st 'o/ /as /hether, /he' o'e is e'&ighte'ed &ike +yse&*, the Three Cor&ds appear as i* g&i+psed i' the pa&+ o* the ha'dM is that -orre-tEJ The &ay+a' said3 J1t is0J The Master said3 J1s that H,estio' so+ethi'g yo,?(e %ee' thi'ki'g o(er, or is it so+ethi'g that s,dde'&y o-. -,rred to yo, D,st 'o/ to askEJ The &ay+a' said3 JCe&&, 1 did'?t rea&&y *or+ this H,es. tio' o' the sp,r o* the +o+e't, %,t as 1?(e %ee' +,&&i'g it o(er a'd D,st happe'ed to thi'k o* it 'o/, 1 asked yo, a%o,t it0J The Master to&d hi+3 J1' that -ase, yo, 'eed'?t %other aski'g a%o,t my a**airs0 Yo,r /a'ti'g to see the Three Cor&ds -a' /ait0 First, thoro,gh&y eFa+i'e yo,r o/' se&*< /hat?s rea&&y esse'tia& right here a'd 'o/0 B'ti& yo,?(e eFa+i'ed yo,r o/' se&*, ho/e(er +,-h 1 te&& yo, a%o,t ho/ thi'gs &ook Oto meB' yo, /o'?t %e re-og'iIi'g it, seei'g it or sett&i'g it *or yo,rse&*, so yo, /o'?t %e -o'(i'-ed0 A'd e(e' i* yo, did %e&ie(e it, yo, sti&& /o,&d'?t %e &ro)in% +y /ords0 Si'-e yo, /o'?t ha(e see' the Three Cor&ds *or yo,rse&*, it /o'?t %e o* a'y ,se to yo,0 Che' yo, thoro,gh&y eFa+i'e yo,r o/' se&*, yo,?&& k'o/ for yo$rself %oth the (isi%&e a'd i'(isi%&e0 There /o'?t %e a'y 'eed *or +e to te&& yo,, or *or yo, to ask +e0 Citho,t *irst o* a&& thoro,gh&y eFa+i'i'g yo,r o/' se&*</hat?s rea&&y esse'. tia& right here a'd 'o/<yo, -o+e aski'g +e eFtra'eo,s H,estio's a%o,t /hether or 'ot the Three Cor&ds -a' %e see', a&& o* /hi-h -a' easi&y /ait0 1t?s D,st getti'g side.

Ser+o's G 78

tra-ked, goi'g o** o' a ta'ge'tM it?s a&& irre&e(a't to yo,, &ike -o,'ti'g ,p +y +o'ey *or +e /itho,t ha(i'g e(e' ha&* a -e't o* yo,r o/'0 First o**, &iste' -&ose&y to /hat 1?+ sayi'g, a'd /he' yo,?(e rea&&y a-k'o/&edged it, today e(erythi'g /i&& %e sett&ed *or yo, o'-e a'd *or a&&K So pay -&ose atte'tio' a'd do D,st as 1 te&& yo,, *o&&o/i'g +y i'str,-tio's0 Che' yo,?(e a-k'o/&edged /hat 1 say a'd rea&iIed it -o'-&,si(e&y, yo,?&& %e a' i'sta't &i(i'g %,ddha here today0 As *or yo,r H,estio' a%o,t /hether o'e -a' see the Three Cor&ds or 'ot, yo, /o'?t ha(e to -arry it aro,'d to dista't p&a-es, -hasi'g a%o,t a&& o(er a'd aski'g others0 Si+p&y rea&iIe yo,r +istake, a'd yo,?&& stop side. tra-ki'g yo,rse&*, so &iste' -&ose&y to /hat 1 say0J The Master the' prese'ted his tea-hi'g o* the B'%or', D,st as ,s,a&0 The &ay+a', ha(i'g heard it thro,gh, readi&y a-k'o/&. edged it, a'd de-&ari'g, JHo/ grate*,& 1 a+KJ /ithdre/0

-elf5&ower other5&ower
JMy tea-hi'g is'?t -o'-er'ed /ith either se&*.po/er or other.po/er366 that /hi-h tra's-e'ds %oth se&*.po/er a'd other.po/er, that?s /hat +y tea-hi'g is a%o,t0 Let +e pro(e this to yo,3 Chi&e e(eryo'e is t,r'ed this /ay to hear +e sayi'g this, o,t %a-k there +ay %e sparro/s -hirp. i'g, -ro/s -a/i'g, the (oi-es o* +e' or /o+e', or the sighi'g o* the /i'd0 2,t, /itho,t yo,r de&i%erate&y tryi'g to hear e(ery o'e o* those so,'ds, ea-h o* the+ -o+es to yo, -&ear&y re-og'iIed a'd disti'g,ished0 1t?s 'ot yo$ doi'g the heari'g, so it?s 'ot a +atter o* se&*.po/er0 O' the other ha'd, si'-e yo, -a'?t (ery /e&& ha(e so+eo'e e&se do yo,r heari'g *or yo,, yo, -o,&d'?t -a&& it other.po/erK So, that /hi-h is'?t -o'-er'ed /ith se&*.po/er or other.po/er %,t

7# G 2A)KE1 :E) tra's-e'ds the+ %oth is /hat +y tea-hi'g is a%o,t0 1s'?t that rightE Che' yo, &iste' this /ay /ith the B'%or', yo, tra's-e'd /hate(er there is0 A'd a&& the rest o* yo,r a-ti(. ities are per*e-t&y +a'aged &ike this /ith the B'%or' too0 For the +a' /ho *,'-tio's /ith the B'%or', /hoe(er he +ay %e, a&& thi'gs are per*e-t&y +a'aged0 So, /hoe(er he is, the +a' o* the B'%or' is'?t -o'-er'ed /ith either se&*. po/er or other.po/er, %,t tra's-e'ds the+ %oth0J

0reams
A +o'k asked3 JChe' 1?+ s&eepi'g so,'d&y, 1 ha(e drea+s0 Ho/ is it that /e ha(e drea+sE 1?d &ike yo,r opi'. io' o' this0J The Master said3 JChe' a perso' is so,'d as&eep he does'?t ha(e drea+s0 Che' yo, ha(e drea+s, yo,?re 'ot s&eepi'g so,'d&y0J The +o'k /as spee-h&ess0

E)erybody has the B$ddha 7ind

The Master addressed the asse+%&y368 JChat 1 te&& e(eryo'e is 'othi'g %,t the *a-t that the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g0 Yo,?re a&& e'do/ed /ith the 2,ddha Mi'd, %,t si'-e yo, do'?t k'o/ it, 1?+ te&&i'g yo, a'd tryi'g to +ake yo, ,'dersta'd0 JCe&&, the', D,st /hat does it +ea' that e(ery%ody has the 2,ddha Mi'dE A&& o* yo, -a+e *ro+ ho+e /ith the eFpress i'te'tio' o* heari'g /hat 1?(e got to say, so yo,?re s,pposed to %e &iste'i'g to the ser+o'0 2,t, i' the -o,rse o* &iste'i'g to +y ta&k, i* a dog %arks o,tside the te+p&e, yo, re-og'iIe it as the (oi-e o* a dogM i* a -ro/ -a/s, yo, k'o/ it?s a -ro/M i* yo, hear the (oi-e o* a' ad,&t, yo,

-ermons G 7"

k'o/ it?s a' ad,&tM i* yo, hear the (oi-e o* a -hi&d, yo, k'o/ it?s a -hi&d0 Chat 1 +ea' is that /he' yo, a&& &e*t yo,r ho+es to -o+e here to the te+p&e, yo, did so pre-ise&y i' order to hear +e speak this /ayM yo, did'?t -o+e /ith a'y pre-o'-ei(ed idea that i*, /hi&e 1 /as ta&ki'g, there /ere so,'ds o* dogs a'd %irds, -hi&dre' or gro/'.,ps so+e. /here o,tside, yo, /ere de&i%erate&y goi'g to try to hear the+0 Yet here i' the +eeti'g yo, re-og'iIe the 'oises o* dogs a'd -ro/s o,tside a'd the so,'ds o* peop&e ta&ki'gM yo,r eyes -a' disti'g,ish red *ro+ /hite, a'd yo,r 'ose te&& good s+e&&s *ro+ %ad0 Fro+ the start, yo, had 'o de&i%erate i'te'tio' o* doi'g this, so yo, had 'o /ay to k'o/ /hi-h so,'ds, -o&ors or s+e&&s yo, /o,&d e'-o,'. ter0 2,t the *a-t that yo, re-og'iIe these thi'gs yo, did'?t e(&ect to see or hear sho/s yo,?re seei'g a'd heari'g /ith the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 1* o,tside the te+p&e a dog %arks, yo, k'o/ it?s a dogM i* a -ro/ -a/s, yo, k'o/ it?s a -ro/0 E(e' tho,gh yo,?re 'ot de&i%erate&y tryi'g to hear or 'ot to hear these di**ere't so,'ds, yo, re-og'iIe ea-h o'e the +o+e't it appears, a'd this is proo* o* the 2,ddha Mi'd, ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g0 This 'ot de. &i%erate&y tryin% to see or hear is the B'%or'0 0 0 0 J1 te&& e(eryo'e ho/ they?re e'do/ed /ith the 2,ddha Mi'd &ike this0 Fro+ the ti+e 1 /as yo,'g, 1 de(oted +yse&* to rea&iIi'g the 2,ddha Mi'd, goi'g a%o,t e(ery. /here e'gagi'g i' re&igio,s pra-ti-e, seeki'g o,t a--o+. p&ished tea-hers a'd i'ter(ie/i'g the+, H,estio'i'g the+ this /ay a'd that a%o,t +y pro%&e+, %,t there /as'?t o'e /ho -o,&d te&& +e /hat 1 had to k'o/0 The res,&t /as that 1 *ai&ed to get a -&ear ,'dersta'di'g a'd str,gg&ed i' a&& ki'ds o* /ays, doi'g IaIe', &i(i'g o** i' the +o,'tai's, p,'ishi'g +y %ody, %,t 1 /as sti&& i' the dark a%o,t the +atter o* the 2,ddha Mi'd0 The', at &ast, /he' 1 /as t/e'ty.siF, s,dde'&y 1 hit o' it, a'd e(er si'-e, 1?(e %ee' te&&i'g e(eryo'e ho/ the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&.

54 G 2A)KE1 :E) o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, so that they -a' a&so ,'dersta'd0 1 do,%t there are +a'y peop&e aro,'d /ho -a' gi(e yo, this ki'd o* detai&K JAs 1?(e to&d yo,, 1 *i'a&&y rea&iIed this 2,ddha Mi'd a*ter &o'g years o* re&igio,s pra-ti-e0 2,t the *a-t that a&& o* yo, -a' easi&y -o+e to k'o/ the 2,ddha Mi'd right at this +eeti'g, i' per*e-t -o+*ort, /itho,t e'gagi'g i' re&i. gio,s pra-ti-e or p,'ishi'g yo,r %odies, +ea's that yo,r a**i'ity /ith %,ddhahood is *ar deeper tha' +i'e /as, a'd +akes yo, &,-ky peop&e i'deed, ea-h a'd e(ery o'eK Ha(. i'g dis-o(ered that the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&. o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, 1?(e ta,ght this e(ery/here, a'd +a'y ha(e ,'derstood0 O* -o,rse, this B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd is'?t a'ythi'g 1 &ear'ed *ro+ +y tea-her<this B'%or' is so+ethi'g 1 dis-o(ered *or +yse&*, a'd at e(ery o'e o* these +eeti'gs 1 tea-h a--ordi'g to +y o/' rea&iIatio'0 Si'-e i* 1 to&d it to yo, o'&y o'-e or t/i-e yo, pro%a%&y /o,&d'?t ,'dersta'd, 1 te&& it to yo, agai' a'd agai'0 So i* yo,?(e got a'y H,estio' a%o,t a'ythi'g, D,st ask +e, a'd 1?&& speak to yo, so+e +ore0 0 0 0 JChat is it 1 te&& e(eryo'eE 1 o'&y ta&k a%o,t the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd yo, a&& i'tri'si-a&&y possess0 The +ai' thi'g is to rea&iIe this 2,ddha Mi'd0 Origi'a&&y, there is'?t a'y. thi'g e(i& i' yo,M %,t *ro+ D,st o'e &itt&e s&ip, yo, s/it-h the 2,ddha Mi'd *or tho,ghts0 Take a thie*, *or eFa+p&e3 At *irst, he pi'-hes a *e/ tri*&es, a'd the' thi'ks3 ?1 got ho&d o* these thi'gs /itho,t e(e' ha(i'g to p,t ,p a'y -ashM 1?+ s,re there?s 'o ha'dier /ay Oto +ake a &i(i'gPK? A*ter that, he %e-o+es a -o'*ir+ed a'd re-k&ess thie*, is i'e(ita%&y *o,'d o,t, -o&&ared, %o,'d, Dai&ed a'd O&ed o** to %eP -r,-i*ied0 2,t the', -o'*ro'ted /ith the p,'ish+e't *or his -ri+es, he *orgets a&& a%o,t the e(i&s he -o++itted a'd rai&s agai'st the i''o-e't o**i-ia&s /ho +,st -arry o,t his eFe-,tio', protesti'g that /hat he?s do'e does'?t de. ser(e s,-h harsh treat+e't a'd that it?s heart&ess&y -r,e& %esidesK Terri%&y +istake', is'?t itE This is ho/ peop&e

Ser+o's G @>

s/it-h their pre-io,s 2,ddha Mi'd *or the rea&+s o* h,'. gry ghosts a'd *ighti'g de+o's<it a&& %egi's *ro+ o'e &itt&e s&ip0 J1 a&so ha(e a te+p&e i' Kyoto, at Ya+ashi'a,6# a'd /he' 1?+ stayi'g there 1 go i'to the -ity e(ery day0 A/adag,-hi6" &ies a&o'g +y /ay, a'd at A/adag,-hi is a p&a-e /here -ri+i'a&s are -r,-i*ied a'd their heads gi%. %eted %e*ore the priso' gates0 Ha(i'g to pass %y there *re. H,e't&y, 1?d see this sort o* thi'g *ro+ ti+e to ti+e0 J1' Edo, the Cri+i'a& Magistrate is a +a' 'a+ed Lord Koide OI,+i084 1?+ o' *rie'd&y ter+s /ith hi+, a'd /he'e(er 1?d (isit at his +a'sio', 1?d see (ario,s -ri+i'a&s &ed o,t, -o'*ro'ted %y the o**i-ers, %o,'d a'd tied a'd p,t to the tort,re, s,**eri'g the +ost terri%&e ago'y0 At that +o+e't, these -ri+i'a&s H,ite *orgot their o/' +is-hie* /as to %&a+e a'd %erated the o**i-ers, /ho /ere i' 'o /ay at *a,&t, as i* it /ere a&& their doi'g0 1 o*te' /it'essed this0 A*ter/ards, seei'g ho/ thi'gs /ere, 1?d +ake s,re 1 (isited o'&y o' O**i-ia& 9ays o* A%sti'e'-e,8! as o' these days s,-h -ri+i'a&s /ere'?t %ro,ght to the +a'sio'0 This is a' eFa+p&e o* ho/, *ro+ o'e &itt&e s&ip, peop&e tho,ght&ess&y -ha'ge the 2,ddha Mi'd *or a he&&.d/e&&er0 E(eryo'e, grasp this -&ear&yK Che' it -o+es to /hat yo, a&& ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y, there?s 'ot a si'g&e thi'g yo,?(e got eF-ept the 2,ddha Mi'd0 So take great -are 'ot to -reate de&,sio's a'd %ad ha%its, /hi-h res,&t *ro+ se&*. -e'tered'ess a'd se&*ish desires that yo, do not ha(e i'. 'ate&y0 1t?s to i&&,strate this that 1?(e to&d yo, a%o,t the -ri+i'a&s0 0 0 0 JChe' yo,r pare'ts ga(e yo, &i*e, there /as'?t a tra-e o* se&*ish desire, %ad ha%its or se&*.-e'tered'ess0 2,t *ro+ the age o* *o,r or *i(e yo, pi-ked ,p the +ea' thi'gs yo, sa/ other peop&e do a'd the %ad thi'gs yo, heard the+ say, so that grad,a&&y as yo, +at,red, gro/i'g ,p %ad&y, yo, de(e&oped se&*ish desire, /hi-h i' t,r' prod,-ed se&*. -e'tered'ess0 9e&,ded %y this se&*.-e'tered'ess, yo, the'

57 G 2A)KE1 :E) pro-eeded to -reate e(ery sort o* e(i&0 1* it /ere'?t *or %ei'g -e'tered o' yo,rse&*, de&,sio's /o,&d'?t arise0 Che' they do'?t arise, that?s 'o'e other tha' a%idi'g i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 Apart *ro+ this, there?s 'o %,ddha, so i* there?s a'ythi'g yo, peop&e do'?t ,'dersta'd, -o+e a&o'g a'd ask +e, 'o +atter /hat it is0 There?s 'o 'eed to *ee& a'y hesitatio' i' aski'g a%o,t this0 This is di**ere't *ro+ aski'g a%o,t /or&d&y -o'-er's o* the +o+e't<it?s a +at. ter o* eter'ityK So i* yo,?(e got a'y do,%ts, %etter -o+e ask +e right 'o/0 1 -a'?t %e s,re o* +eeti'g yo, a&& agai', so take this opport,'ity to ask +e a%o,t /hate(er p,II&es yo,, a'd /he' yo,?(e thoro,gh&y grasped ho/ the 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, ea-h o* yo, /i&& ha(e his re/ard0J Ha(i'g th,s i'str,-ted the asse+%&y, the Master +o,'ted the a&tar p&at*or+87 to per*or+ the -&osi'g -ere+o'ies, a'd /he' he had *i'ished, he said3 J1?+ goi'g %a-k i'side 'o/0 Todays -ro/d /as H,ite a %ig o'e, so, to a(oid a r,sh, e(eryo'e p&ease &ea(e i' a' order&y *ashio', a'd, a%o(e a&&, take yo,r ti+e goi'g so there /o'?t %e a'y +ishaps0J

Bein% li)in% b$ddhas

JChat has %ro,ght this (ast thro'g here &ike this si'-e day%reak, hopi'g to hear /hat 1?(e got to say, is 'o'e other tha' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 The /ay yo,?(e a&& gath. ered here si'-e ear&y this +or'i'g, ,'&ess yo,?d *e&t the ser+o' /as so+ethi'g rea&&y ,',s,a&, yo,?d 'e(er ha(e sho/' this sort o* reso&(e0 Ce&&, the', a+o'g those o* yo, /ho?(e -o+e to this +eeti'g, a&& those /ho?(e rea-hed the age o* *i*ty ha(e &i(ed *or *i*ty years /itho,t rea&iIi'g yo, had the 2,ddha Mi'd right /ithi' yo,rse&*, /hi&e those /ho are thirty ha(e *ai&ed to rea&iIe this tr,th *or thirty years ,p ti&& today<yo,?(e a&& %ee' passi'g the +o'ths a'd years i' a daIe0 2,t at o,r +eeti'g today /he' yo,

-ermons , @@

thoro,gh&y grasp that ea-h o* yo, has the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd right /ithi' hi+se&*, *ro+ today o' yo,?&& &i(e i' the 2,ddha Mi'd a'd %e &i(i'g %,ddhas *ore(er a*ter0 Chat 1?+ te&&i'g yo, a&& is si+p&y to +ake yo, rea&iIe that the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g0 Che' yo,?(e thoro,gh&y rea&iIed this, *ro+ the' o' *ore(er a*ter yo,?&& possess a %,ddha?s %ody 'o di**ere't *ro+ Shaka?s85 a'd 'e(er agai' *a&& i'to the Three E(i& Rea&+s0 Ho/e(er, e(e' i* yo, grasp the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd /he' 1 eF. p&ai' it to yo, here &ike this, o'-e yo, go %a-k ho+e, thi'gs yo, see a'd hear +ay start ,p yo,r a'gry +i'd agai'0 A'd the', e(e' i* it?s o'&y a ti'y %it o* a'ger, yo,r si' /i&& %e a +i&&io' ti+es /orse tha' it /as before yo,?d heard +e te&& yo, a%o,t the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'dK Yo,?&& s/it-h the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd yo, &ear'ed a%o,t 'o/ *or he&&.d/e&&ers, %easts a'd h,'gry ghosts, tra's+igrati'g *ore(er0 J1?+ s,re there?s 'ot a perso' prese't /ho o%De-ts to %e-o+i'g a %,ddha0 That?s /hy 1?+ here prea-hi'g to yo, a&&0 Grasp thi'gs -&ear&y, a'd *ro+ today o' yo,?re &i(i'g %,ddhas0 E(e' i* 1 /ere to ,rge yo, a&&, ?Forget a%o,t %e-o+i'g %,ddhas<D,st *a&& i'to he&&K? 1 do,%t there /o,&d %e a si'g&e o'e o* yo, /ho?d a-t,a&&y (o&,'teer to goK The proo* o* this is that, i' order to -o+e to this +eeti'g a'd hear +y ser+o', yo, ro,sed yo,rse&(es i' the dark o* 'ight, tra(e&i'g here a'd Dost&i'g *or spa-e i' this h,ge -ro/d, a--epti'g a&& the hardships to &iste' to +y ta&k0 1s'?t it %e-a,se yo, a&& /a'ted to %e-o+e %,ddhasE Si'-e yo, ha(e this sort o* reso&(e, *ro+ here o' yo, sho,&d take great -are i' e(erythi'g yo, do0 0 0 0 J ?;,st /hat sort o* thi'g is this B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'dE? yo,?re pro%a%&y /o'deri'g0 Chi&e a&& o* yo, here are t,r'ed this /ay i'te't o' heari'g /hat 1?+ sayi'g, i* o,tside the te+p&e there?s the %arki'g o* a dog or the -ry o* so+e trades+a' pedd&i'g his /ares, e(e' tho,gh yo,?re 'ot tryi'g to hear these thi'gs i' the -o,rse o* the ser+o', ea-h o*

5$ G 2A)KE1 :E) the di**ere't so,'ds is heard<the dog?s %ark, the trades. +a'?s -ryM that?s heari'g /ith the B'%or', the dy'a+i*,'-tio' o* the 2,ddha Mi'd0 Let +e gi(e yo, a' eF. a+p&e0 The 2,ddha Mi'd, ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,. +i'ati'g, is &ike a %right +irror0 A +irror re*&e-ts /hate(er is i' *ro't o* it0 1t?s 'ot de&i%erate&y tryi'g to re*&e-t thi'gs, %,t /hate(er -o+es %e*ore the +irror, its -o&or a'd *or+ are s,re to appear0 Like/ise, /he' the o%De-t %ei'g re. *&e-ted is re+o(ed, the +irror is'?t de&i%erate&y tryi'g not to re*&e-t it, %,t /he' it?s take' a/ay it does'?t appear i' the +irror0 The B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd is D,st &ike this0 1t?s 'at,ra& that yo, see a'd hear thi'gs, /hate(er they are, /he' yo, de&i%erate&y try to see a'd hear the+M %,t /he' yo, see a'd hear thi'gs that yo, had'?t origi'a&&y antici5 &ated seei'g or heari'g, it?s thro,gh the dy'a+i- *,'-tio' o* the 2,ddha Mi'd that e(ery o'e o* yo, has0 That?s /hat?s +ea't %y the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 )o/ that 1?(e gi(e' yo, +y i'str,-tio' o' the B'%or' i' s,-h a /ay that a&& o* yo, -a' ,'dersta'd, i* a*ter this yo, sti&& do'?t grasp it, the' /hether yo,?(e &iste'ed to o'e tho,sa'd ser+o's or te' tho,sa'd, it /o'?t +ake a'y di**ere'-e0 E(e' i* it?s o'&y one ser+o', the perso' /ho rea&iIes this 2,ddha Mi'd that e(eryo'e i'tri'si-a&&y possesses is a &i(. i'g tathagata *ro+ that +o+e't o'K JTo gi(e yo, a'other eFa+p&e, s,ppose there?s so+e. o'e tra(e&i'g here to Mar,ga+e *ro+ Taka+ats,,8$ a'd he does'?t k'o/ the /ay0 There?s a'other perso' /ho does k'o/ it, a'd /he' the tra(e&er asks hi+, he eFp&ai's pre. -ise&y /hat ro,te to *o&&o/ a'd, +e+oriIi'g this thor. o,gh&y, the tra(e&er goes D,st as he?d %ee' to&d a'd arri(es here /itho,t a'y pro%&e+0 The sa+e /ay, /he' yo, a&& grasp eFa-t&y /hat 1?+ sayi'g 'o/, *ro+ that +o+e't o' yo,?&& a%ide i' the 2,ddha Mi'd D,st as it is0 O' the other ha'd, i* yo, *ai& to do so, it?s D,st as i* yo, /ere a%&e to &ear' the road to Mar,ga+e, %,t did'?t go as yo,?d %ee' to&d a'd headed *or so+e p&a-e e&se0 That?s /hy yo,?d

-ermons , @C

%etter &iste' -&ose&y to /hat 1 say0 1 -a'?t %e s,re 1?&& %e %a-k here agai' to ta&k to yo,M a'd e(e' i* yo, hear ser+o's so+e/here e&se, 1 do,%t there?s a'yo'e /ho?s goi'g to +ake a spe-ia& poi't o* eFp&ai'i'g to yo, ho/ this 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g0 So i* yo, thi'k the ser+o' 1?+ gi(i'g +akes se'se, %e o' yo,r g,ard to stop stirri'g ,p a&& ki'ds o* tho,ghts, a'd p,t a' e'd to yo,r tra's+igrati'g0 1* yo, *ai& to rea&iIe %,ddhahood 'o/, yo,?&& 'e(er agai' %e %or' i'to this h,+a' /or&d, 'ot e(e' i' te' tho,sa'd ka&pas,8> so do yo,r ,t+ost to -o'-&,si(e&y rea&iIe the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd do'?t %e de&,ded0 The', *ro+ today yo, +e' /i&& %e +e' a%idi'g i' the 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd yo, /o+e' /i&& %e /o+e' a%idi'g i' the 2,ddha Mi'd, a&& /itho,t %ei'g de&,ded0 That?s 'o'e other tha' %,ddhahood, 'o'e other tha' e'&ighte'+e't0 J1 -a' te&& yo, so+ethi'g a%o,t this +atter o* /o+e'?s 2,ddha Mi'd0 1 ,'dersta'd that /o+e' *ee& (ery dis. tressed heari'g it said that they -a'?t %e-o+e %,ddhas0 2,t it si+p&y is'?t soK Ho/ is there a'y di**ere'-e %et/ee' +e' a'd /o+e'E Me' are the 2,ddha 2ody,86 a'd /o+e' are the 2,ddha 2ody too0 Yo, sho,&d'?t e'tertai' a'y do,%ts o* this sort0 Che' yo, thoro,gh&y grasp the B'%or', the', i' the B'%or', there?s 'o di**ere'-e /hether yo,?re a +a' or a /o+a'0 E(eryo'e is the 2,ddha 2ody0 JYo, /o+e', &iste' -&ose&y 'o/0 Chi&e, i' ter+s o* physi-a& *or+, +e' a'd /o+e' are o%(io,s&y di**ere't, i' ter+s o* the 2,ddha Mi'd there?s 'o di**ere'-e at a&&0 9o'?t %e +is&ed %y appeara'-esK The 2,ddha Mi'd is ide'ti-a&M it +akes 'o disti'-tio' %et/ee' +e' a'd /o+e'0 JLet +e pro(e this to yo,0 There?s H,ite a -ro/d o* peop&e here at this +eeti'g, %,t /he' they hear the so,'d o* a dr,+ or a go'g o,tside the te+p&e, do yo, s,ppose the /o+e' +istake the so,'d o* the go'g *or that o* the dr,+, the so,'d o* the dr,+ *or that o* the go'gE 9o yo, rea&&y thi'k there?s a'y di**ere'-e %et/ee' the /ay the +e' are heari'g these thi'gs a'd the /ay the /o+e' hear

56 G 2A)KE1 :E) the+E There?s a%so&,te&y 'o di**ere'-e at a&&0 )o/, e(ery. o'e, is this tr,e o'&y *or ?+e' a'd /o+e'?E 1' this ha&& /e ha(e yo,'g peop&e a'd o&d, +o'ks a'd ho,seho&ders, +e' a'd /o+e', a&& here +i'g&ed togetherM %,t /he' it -o+es to heari'g the so,'d o* the go'g or the dr,+, -a' yo, say the o&d peop&e hear it this /ay, the yo,'g o'es hear it that /ayE Ca' yo, te&& the di**ere'-e i' the /ay the +o'ks hear it, the /ay the &ay peop&e hear it, the /ay the +e' hear it, the /ay the /o+e' hear itE The *a-t that there?s 'o di**er. e'-e at a&& Opro(es that /hat?s i'(o&(edP is 'o'e other tha' the O'e 1de'ti-a& 2,ddha Mi'd that e(eryo'e i'tri'si-a&&y possesses0 So this ta&k a%o,t ?+e'?s a'd /o+e'?s? is 'oth. i'g %,t 'a+es o* tra-es prod,-ed %y yo,r tho,ghts0 2e*ore these tra-es get prod,-ed, i' the rea&+ o* the B'%or', there?s 'othi'g a%o,t ?+e'? or ?/o+e'0? A'd si'-e that?s ho/ it is, as there?s 'o di**ere'-e %et/ee' +e'?s 2,ddha Mi'd a'd /o+e'?s 2,ddha Mi'd, yo, sho,&d'?t har%or a'y s,-h do,%ts0 JS,ppose yo, are stayi'g -o'ti',a&&y i' the B'%or', a%idi'g i' the 2,ddha Mi'd D,st as it is a'd *orgetti'g a'y disti'-tio's %et/ee' +e' a'd /o+e', /he' s,dde'&y yo, see or hear so+ethi'g Odist,r%i'gP, so+eo'e says 'asty thi'gs a%o,t yo,, or tho,ghts o* -&i'gi'g a'd -ra(i'g arise a'd yo, atta-h to the+3 yo,?&& -are&ess&y s/it-h the 2,ddha Mi'd *or tho,ghts, a'd the' -&ai+ it?s %e-a,se yo,?re o'&y a /ret-hed /o+a', or so+e s,-h thi'g0 Citho,t %ei'g de&,ded %y yo,r physi-a& *or+, thoro,gh&y grasp this O'e Cay o* the B'%or', a'd Oyo,?&& see thatP 'ot o'&y +e' a'd /o+e', %,t the %,ddhas o* the past a'd those o* the *,t,re are a&& the ide'ti-a& O'e 2,ddha Mi'd0 There?s 'o reaso' that /o+e' sho,&d %e a spe-ia& -ase a'd 'ot %e a%&e to rea&iIe %,ddhahood too0 J1* there rea&&y were so+e reaso' that /o+e' -o,&d'?t %e-o+e %,ddhas, D,st /hat do yo, thi'k 1 /o,&d ha(e to gai' %y de-ei(i'g yo, a&&, &yi'g to yo, a'd i'sisti'g they can' +is&eadi'g e(eryo'e i' this %ig -ro/dE 1* it /ere a

-ermons , 58

*a-t that /o+e' -o,&d'?t rea&iIe %,ddhahood, a'd 1 to&d yo, that they rea&&y co$ld' de-ei(i'g e(ery perso' here, 1?d %e s,re to &a'd i' he&& /e&& %e*ore a&& o* yo,K ;,st %e-a,se 1 &o'ged to rea&iIe %,ddhahood, *ro+ the ti+e 1 /as yo,'g 1 e'gaged i' hard a'd pai'*,& pra-ti-eM so 'o/ do yo, s,ppose 1?d /a't to get p,'ished *or &yi'g to yo, a&& a'd &a'd ,p i' he&&E Chat 1?+ te&&i'g yo, is 'o &ie0 1 /a't yo, &adies to grasp it -&ear&y a'd, *ro+ here o', *ee&i'g *,&&y ass,red, pass yo,r days i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 0 0 0 JE(e' i' e)il peop&e, the B'%or' Mi'd is'?t +issi'g0 Che' yo, re(erse their e(i& +i'd, it?s 'o'e other tha' 2,ddha Mi'd0 Let +e te&& yo, ho/ e(e' a' e(i& perso' has the 2,ddha Mi'd3 S,ppose t/o +e' are tra(e&i'g together *ro+ here to Taka+ats,0 O'e o* the+ is e(i& a'd the other is good, %,t %oth o* the+, /itho,t thi'ki'g o* good or e(i&, D,st /a&k a&o'g, -hatti'g /ith o'e a'other a%o,t this or that as they go0 1* there?s so+ethi'g a&o'g the road, /itho,t either o* the+ de&i%erate&y tryi'g to see it, /hate(er there is o' either side appears to %oth the eyes o* the good +a' a'd to those o* the %ad0 S,ppose so+e horses or -o/s sho,&d -o+e to/ard the+3 %oth the good +a' a'd the %ad /o,&d +o(e aside a'd +ake their /ay aro,'d0 E(e' tho,gh they had'?t a'ti-ipated doi'g so, as they go a&o'g -hatti'g together, %oth o* the+ si+p&y +o(e aside to get thro,gh0 1* there?s so+e spot they ha(e to &eap a-ross, %oth o* the+ /i&& take a &eapM i* there?s a ri(er, they?&& %oth *ord it0 E(e' tho,gh he had'?t p&a''ed to do so, the good +a', as yo,?d eFpe-t, +o(es aside a'd +akes his /ay past /hate(er o%sta-&es he e'-o,'ters0 2,t /hi&e yo, +ight eFpe-t that the e(i& +a' wo$ldn9t do eFa-t&y the sa+e as the good o'e<d,-ki'g o,t o* the /ay o* thi'gs, &eapi'g dit-hes a'd *ordi'g strea+s /itho,t a'y a'ti-ipa. tio'</hat he does is, i' *a-t, 'o di**ere't *ro+ /hat the good +a' does0 J1?(e to&d yo, this as a' eFa+p&e o* ho/ e(e' a' e(i& perso' is e'do/ed /ith the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 Ea-h

5# G 2A)KE1 :E) o* yo, too, ,p ti&& 'o/, has %ee' a' e(i& perso', -o's,+ed %y e(ery sort o* -&i'gi'g a'd -ra(i'g, preo--,pied /ith a'ger a'd rage, tra's+igrati'g a'd s/it-hi'g yo,r 2,ddha Mi'd *or *ighti'g de+o's a'd h,'gry ghosts0 2,t 'o/ that 1?(e eFp&ai'ed this B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd to yo, to. day, i* yo, grasp it -&ear&y, yo,r o/' +i'd o* -&i'gi'g a'd -ra(i'g, a'ger a'd rage /i&& i'sta't&y %e-o+e the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd yo,?&& 'e(er &ose this 2,ddha Mi'd, 'ot i' te' tho,sa'd ka&pas0 Si'-e yo,?&& %e a%idi'g i' this 2,ddha Mi'd, *ro+ today o' yo, yo,rse&(es /i&& %e &i(i'g tathagatas0 2,t +ake 'o +istakeM i* yo, &ose o,t o' the 2,ddha Mi'd 'o/, yo, /o'?t attai' %,ddhahood i' te' tho,sa'd or e(e' o'e h$ndred tho,sa'd ka&pas, so yo,?d %etter grasp thi'gs -&ear&yK JE(e' i* yo,r pre(io,s&y i'grai'ed %ad ha%its sho,&d &ead yo, to atta-h to thi'gs that -o+e yo,r /ay, so that tho,ghts te+porari&y arise, the +a' /ho is se-,re i' his *aith /i&& 'either atta-h to 'or reDe-t these tho,ghts < i' the t/i'k&i'g o* a' eye he?&& easi&y go right %a-k to the %,ddhahood o* the B'%or'K E(e' /ith the %,ddhas a'd patriar-hs, it /as'?t that they /ere -o+p&ete&y /itho,t tho,ghts *ro+ the start0 2,t si'-e they did'?t get i'(o&(ed /ith the+ a'd, D,st &ike &itt&e -hi&dre', did'?t -o'ti',e the+ a'y *,rther, it /as the sa+e as i* the tho,ghts did'?t arise0 That?s /hy they re+ai'ed *ree *ro+ tho,ghts0 J)o/, /he' tho,ghts do'?t arise, the +ar(e&o,s&y i&. &,+i'ati'g dy'a+i- *,'-tio' o* the 2,ddha Mi'd /o'?t +a'i*est itse&*, so the arisi'g o* tho,ghts is, i' *a-t, the dy'a+i- *,'-tio' o* the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd0 2oth +y eFp&ai'i'g these thi'gs to yo, a'd yo,r taki'g the+ i', too, are a&& d,e to e(eryo'e?s ha(i'g that /hi-h is +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g /ithi' the 2,ddha Mi'd0 1s'?t this a dire-t a'd pre-io,s thi'gE To take so+ethi'g so pre-io,s, aro,se a&& ki'ds o* tho,ghts a'd /ith the+ -reate the Three E(i& Rea&+s o* he&&.d/e&&ers, %easts a'd h,'gry ghosts, so that e(e' right i' this &i*e yo,?re p,&&ed a&o'g %y

-ermons , @A

that Oe(i&P kar+a<it?s rea&&y piti*,& to thi'k ho/ peop&e s,**er &ike this, +or'i'g to 'ight0 So grasp this -&ear&y, rea&iIe o'-e a'd *or a&& that dea&i'g /ith e(erythi'g %y stirri'g ,p tho,ghts o'&y +akes yo, s,**erM a'd, /itho,t s/it-hi'g yo,r O'e 2,ddha Mi'd *or tho,ghts that are not i''ate&y yo,rs, pass yo,r days a&/ays i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 J1?&& %e goi'g %a-k i'side 'o/0 E(eryo'e p&ease take yo,r ti+e &ea(i'g0J

-er)ants' sam$rai' h$sbands and wi)es

J 0 0 0 Che' yo, o%ser(e the /or&d at &arge, i* there?s so+eo'e /ith a -ertai' ski&& i' /hi-h he eF-e&s, 'o +atter /hat it is, e(eryo'e /i&& praise hi+3 ?He?s rea&&y ta&e'tedK? they?&& de-&are0 2,t the %igoted perso', o' heari'g this, /i&& say3 ?Ce&&, he +ay %e good at this parti-,&ar thi'g, %,t he?s a&so got s,-h.a'd.s,-h bad poi'ts0 0 0? th,s +a'agi'g to de'igrate e(e' his a%i&ities0 There?s 'o t/o /ays a%o,t it3 that?s the %igotry o* the arroga't e(i&doer, is'?t itE Cith peop&e &ike this, i* so+eo'e they?re partia& to has a &itt&e ta&e't, e(e' i* it?s ta&e't 'o o'e e&se has e(er heard o*, they?&& sta'd ,p a&o'e a'd praise hi+ to the skies0 ?2ra(oK? they eF-&ai+, ?Ce&& do'eK A rea& (irt,osoK? Yo, *i'd &ots o* peop&e &ike this0 1s'?t that sort o* thi'g terri%&y /ro'gE Ce sho,&d Doi' g&ad&y i' praisi'g those /ho+ others praise, a'd, heari'g o* a'other?s happi'ess, /e sho,&d reDoi-e D,st as i* the happi'ess /ere o,r o/'0 This is the /ay thi'gs o,ght to %e0 S,-h a perso' is a' i&&,+i'ed +a' /ho does'?t o%s-,re the 2,ddha Mi'd0 2,t i*, i' respo'se to /hat yo, see a'd hear, there?s a'y arroga'-e or %igotry, yo, -ha'ge the 2,ddha Mi'd /ith /hi-h yo,?re e'do/ed *or a he&&.d/e&&er0 0 0 0 JChe' yo, &ea(e %ehi'd yo,r a'ger, -&i'gi'g, -ra(i'g a'd se&*.-e'tered'ess, e(e' /he' it -o+es to yo,r ser.

$4 G 2A)KE1 :E) (a'ts, yo, /o'?t treat the+ harsh&y %,t /i&& sho/ the+ ki'd'ess0 ;,st %e-a,se yo, hire so+eo'e a'd pay hi+ a sa&ary is 'o reaso' to %eat hi+ or +ake hi+ do ,'reaso'. a%&e thi'gsK E(e' /ith yo,r ser(a'ts, yo, sho,&d'?t thi'k o* the+ as separate or ,'re&ated to yo,0 S,ppose right 'o/ yo,r o/' so' /ere %ei'g diso%edie't0 1* i'stead o* yo,r so' diso%eyi'g yo, it had %ee' a' o,tsider, ho/ i'-e'sed yo,?d %eK 2,t si'-e yo, rea&iIe it?s yo,r o/' so', yo, +a'age to p,t ,p /ith it, rightE Chat?s +ore, /hate(er sort o* 'asty thi'g yo,?d te&& yo,r o/' so' to do, si'-e it?s i' the *a+i&y he pro%a%&y /o,&d'?t rese't it too +,-hM %,t /ith a ser(a't, /ho is ,'re&ated to yo,, his rese't+e't is %o,'d to %e di**ere't *ro+ yo,r so'?s0 S-o&di'g peop&e heed&ess&y, *&yi'g i'to a rage<ti&& 'o/ it?s a&& %ee' a great +istake0 Ti&& 'o/, yo, did'?t ,'dersta'd the pri'-ip&e %e. hi'd this, so yo, D,st /e't a&o'g tho,ght&ess&y, %e&ie(i'g that a'ger a'd rage /ere the 'at,ra& /ay o* thi'gs i' the h,+a' /or&d0 2,t 'o/ that yo,?(e heard a%o,t the B'. %or' 2,ddha Mi'd ea-h o* yo, has i''ate&y, *ro+ here o' yo,?d %etter keep *ro+ doi'g it a'y har+0 J1t +ay see+ to yo, so+eho/ that 1?+ speaki'g &ike this at the reH,est o* the ser(a'ts<%,t it rea&&y is'?t soK E(e' /he' it -o+es to a r,de ser(a't, 'o +atter ho/ %ad he is, /hat 1?+ te&&i'g yo, a&& is 'ot to &ose yo,r te+per se'se&ess&y a'd har+ the 2,ddha Mi'd0 0 0 0 J1' the /or&d, o'e *i'ds -ertai' ki'ds o* +e' /ho do thi'gs ha&*hearted&y0 B'&ike +e', ho/e(er, /o+e' are si'-ere0 1t?s tr,e they?re a&so +ore *oo&ish tha' +e' i' so+e /ays0 2,t /he' yo, te&& the+ that %y doi'g e(i& yo, *a&& i'to he&&, they do'?t do,%t it i' the s&ightestM a'd /he' yo, tea-h the+ that, /hi&e doi'g e(i& /i&& &a'd yo, i' he&&, doi'g good /i&& +ake yo, a %,ddha, they /ho&e. hearted&y reso&(e to %e-o+e %,ddhas, a'd their *aith deep. e's a&& the +ore0 Che' they hear /hat 1?+ tea-hi'g a%o,t the B'%or', their *aith is ro,sed, a'd that?s /hy /o+e', %ei'g si'-ere, /i&& rea&iIe %,ddhahood +ore readi&y tha'

Ser+o's G $P

+e' /ith their pho'y -&e(er'ess0 So +ake ,p yo,r +i'ds that yo,?re goi'g to %e-o+e %,ddhas 'o/K JE(eryo'e is pro%a%&y thi'ki'g3 ?Here he is D,st te&&i'g ,s, JCat-h o,t a&& the ti+e<do'?t &ose yo,r te+perK do'?t %e greedyKJ 2,t i* /e /ere doi'g this a'd so+eo'e -a+e a&o'g a'd re+arked, JChy, /hat %ig *oo&s these peop&e areKJ /e s,re&y -o,&d'?t %ri'g o,rse&(es to te&& hi+, JCer. tai'&y, /e are *oo&sKJ ? JO* -o,rse, s,-h thi'gs do happe'M %,t a perso' /ho -a&&s a'other a *oo&, e(e' /he' he?s 'ot, is a *oo& hi+se&*0 So /ith peop&e &ike this, D,st &et it go a'd do'?t %other a%o,t it a'y *,rther0 JHo/e(er, i* a sa+,rai /ere %ei'g addressed /ith s,-h disrespe-t*,& ta&k, there?d %e 'o H,estio' o* his to&erati'g it0 Let +e gi(e yo, a' eFa+p&e0 )o/adays there are &ots o* peop&e /ho o/' high.pri-ed -era+i-s<*&o/er (ases a'd Korea' tea%o/&s088 1 do'?t o/' a'ythi'g o* this sort +yse&*, %,t /he' 1 see the peop&e /ho do, they take the -era+i-s a'd /rap the+ ro,'d a'd ro,'d /ith so*t -otto' a'd -repe a'd sti-k the+ i' a %oF, /hi-h +akes good se'se0 1* a -ost&y -era+i- strikes agai'st so+ethi'g hard, it?s s,re to %reak, so to keep these -era+i-s *ro+ %reaki'g %y /rappi'g the+ i' -otto' a'd -repe is s,re&y a D,di-io,s +eas,re0 The sa+,rai?s +i'd is D,st &ike this0 To %egi' /ith, sa+,rai a&/ays p&a-e ho'or a%o(e a&& e&se0 1* there?s e(e' a si'g&e /ord o* disagree+e't %et/ee' the+, they -a'?t &et it pass /itho,t -a&&i'g it to a--o,'t<s,-h is the /ay o* the sa+,rai0 O'-e a si'g&e /ord is -ha&&e'ged, there?s 'o goi'g %a-k0 So a sa+,rai a&/ays keeps the ?hard? parts o* his +i'd ,'der /raps, s/athed i' -otto' a'd -repe, a'd *ro+ the start takes the greatest -are to a(oid ?striki'g agai'st? a%rasi(e peop&e0 E(eryo'e /o,&d do /e&& a&/ays to %e -are*,& a%o,t this0 O'-e a'yo'e has -ha&. &e'ged his /ords, the sa+,rai is %o,'d to ki&& hi+0 Yo,?d %etter grasp this -&ear&y0 JThe' there?s the sort o* ki&&i'g that o--,rs /he' a

$7 G 2A)KE1 :E) sa+,rai thro/s hi+se&* %e*ore his &ord a'd -,ts do/' a' atta-ker0 This ser(es to destroy e(i&doers a'd pa-i*y the rea&+ a'd -o'stit,tes the reg,&ar (o-atio' o* the sa+,rai, so *or a /arrior this sort o* thi'g is 'ot -o'sidered to %e +,rder0 2,t to ki&& a'other si+p&y s-he+i'g *or yo,r o/' perso'a& e'ds, stirri'g ,p se&*ish desires as a res,&t o* se&*. -e'tered'ess<this is +,rder i'deed0 1t sho/s dis&oya&ty to yo,r &ord, ,'*i&ia&ity to yo,r pare'ts, a'd -ha'ges the 2,d. dha Mi'd *or a *ighti'g de+o'0 O' the other ha'd, i' -ir-,+sta'-es /he' o'e +,st die *or o'e?s &ord, to *ai& to die, to r,' a/ay a'd %eha(e &ike a -o/ard, is s/it-hi'g the 2,ddha Mi'd *or a' a'i+a&0 2irds a'd %easts do'?t ha(e the sort o* i'te&&ige'-e peop&e do, so they -a'?t ,'dersta'd the proper /ay to a-tM they do'?t k'o/ the +ea'i'g o* ho'or a'd si+p&y *&ee *ro+ p&a-e to p&a-e tryi'g to stay a&i(e0 2,t /he' a sa+,rai, si+i&ar&y, *ai&s to ,'dersta'd the +ea'i'g o* ho'or a'd r,'s a/ay, 'ot e(e' sho/i'g sha+e %e*ore his *e&&o/ /arriors, that?s D,st &ike %ei'g a' a'i+a&0 J1' Edo, 1 a&so ha(e a te+p&e,8# &o-ated i' AIa%, o' the edge o* the -ity0 There /as o'-e a ser(a't /ho?d %ee' /ith +e *or H,ite so+e ti+e a'd had de(e&oped a -ertai' re&igio,s *ee&i'g0 1 s,ppose that as he -o'sta't&y /at-hed the %eha(ior o* the +o'ks, this sort o* thi'g had 'at,ra&&y o--,rred0 1t happe'ed that o'e day, to/ard d,sk, this +a' /as se't o' a' erra'd %y so+e o* +y st,de'ts0 His ro,te &ed thro,gh the o,tskirts o* the -ity, past -ertai' areas /ith ho+es a'd others that /ere tota&&y ,'i'ha%ited0 1' these deso&ate spots, s/ords+e' /o,&d o*te' &ie i' /ait to test their %&ades o' ,'s,spe-ti'g tra(e&ers,8" a'd /ith 'o o'e a%o,t a*ter dark, it /as'?t sa*e to %e there0 2,t /he' the others tried to stop hi+, p&eadi'g, ?1t?s da'gero,s, do'?t goK? he re*,sed to &iste', a'd /e't o**, te&&i'g the+, Ti& %e %a-k0? JO' his /ay ho+e, the s,' had go'e do/', a'd o'e o* these street-or'er assassi's happe'ed to %e /aiti'g i'

-ermons , $5

his ,s,a& spot0 He p,shed de&i%erate&y i'to the ser(a't, dre/ the s/ord at his side a'd eF-&ai+ed3 ?Yo, to,-hed +e /ith yo,r s&ee(eK 1 /o'?t &et yo, %yK? JThe ser(a't rep&ied3 ?My s&ee(e did 'ot to,-h yo,0? JA'd the', /itho,t e(e' thi'ki'g, he prostrated hi+. se&* three ti+es0 Chere,po', stra'ge to te&&, the sa+,rai sheathed the s/ord that /as a&ready poised to ki&&, a'd said3 ?Ce&&, yo,?re a pe-,&iar *e&&o/K 1?&& &et yo, o**0 Go o'K? JTh,s, he +a'aged to es-ape disaster0 JMea'/hi&e, a +er-ha't /ho D,st the' -ha'-ed to %e passi'g sa/ /hat /as happe'i'g a'd ra' *or sa*ety i'to a' adDa-e't tea shop, taki'g *,rti(e peaks at /hat /as goi'g o'0 As he /aited there /o'deri'g, ?1s he ki&&i'g hi+ 'o/E )o/ is he goi'g to ki&& hi+E? the ser(a't appeared %e*ore hi+0 J?Yo, rea&&y had a 'arro/ es-apeK? said the +er-ha't0 ?Ho/?d yo, e(er happe' to thi'k o* %o/i'g &ike thatE? JThe ser(a't to&d hi+3 ?1 &i(e i' a te+p&e, a'd the peop&e there are a&/ays +aki'g three %o/s0 ;,st 'o/, 1 de-ided, JCe&&, i* he?s goi'g to ki&& +e, &et hi+ ki&& +eKJ A'd, /itho,t e(e' thi'ki'g, 1 D,st a,to+ati-a&&y +ade the ,s,a& three %o/s0 JYo,?re a pe-,&iar *e&&o/,J he said, J1?&& &et yo, o**0 Go o'KJ A'd 1 /as a%&e to -o'ti',e o' +y /ay0? JThat?s /hat the ser(a't to&d +e0 J ?E(e' this,? 1 said to hi+, ?e(e' yo,r es-ape *ro+ a' i'es-apa%&e predi-a+e't, /he' yo, -o+e right do/' to it, /as %e-a,se yo, a&/ays kept yo,r *aith0? A'd ha(i'g heard ho/ the heart o* e(e' a %r,ta& /ayside assassi' /as +o(ed, 1?+ s,re there is'?t a'yo'e /ho -a' do,%t the 2,ddhadhar+a0 JAs 1 tra(e& a%o,t e(ery/here, 1 -o+e a-ross a&& sorts o* di**ere't thi'gs0 1 a&so ha(e a te+p&e at OI, i' &yo,#4 a'd 1 ge'era&&y go there a'd spe'd so+e ti+e ea-h year0 The OI, te+p&e is 'othi'g &ike this0 1t?s a h,ge str,-t,re0 Che' 1?+ there, thro'gs o* (isitors pa-k the te+p&e, a'd there?s

$$ G 2A)KE1 :E) o'e ha&& reser(ed *or /o+e' a'd a'other D,st *or +e'0 1' OI,, /e ha(e *o,r ,shers<t/o *or the /o+e' a'd t/o *or the +e'</ho gi(e dire-tio's so there /o'?t %e a'y ,'see+&y s-ra+%&i'g, a'd e(eryo'e &iste's respe-t*,&&y0 A&& the &o-a& -o,'try peop&e -o+e *ro+ t/o or three ri#! aro,'d0 JO'-e there /as a *e&&o/ *ro+ OI, /ho ga(e his da,ghter i' +arriage to a +a' /hose ho+e /as i' the -o,'tryside so+e t/o ri away. His +other &i(ed /ith the+, a'd a so' /as %or', %,t the -o,p&e a&/ays got o' %ad&y a'd 'e(er -eased H,arre&i'g0 E(e't,a&&y, they had a ter. ri%&e ro/, a'd the /i*e /a&ked o,t, ha'di'g their o'&y -hi&d to her h,s%a'd a'd a''o,'-i'g that she /as ret,r'. i'g to her pare'ts0 J2,t the h,s%a'd, -&,t-hi'g the -hi&d i' his ar+s, de-&ared3 ?1* yo, go %a-k to yo,r pare'ts, 1?&& thro/ this -hi&d i' the ri(erK? JThe /o+a' said3 ?Fi'eK He?s yo,r -hi&d, a'd 'o/ 1?+ &etti'g yo, ha)e hi+, so go ahead a'd thro/ hi+ i' the ri(er, get rid o* hi+ i* yo, /a't to<1 do'?t -areK? JThe', the h,s%a'd to&d her3 ?Yo, +ay %e goi'g ho+e to yo,r pare'ts, %,t yo,?re 'ot taki'g %a-k so +,-h as a s-rap o* -&othi'g or ho,seho&d %e&o'gi'gsK?#7 JShe rep&ied3 ?O'-e 1?+ o,t o* this ho,se, 1 do'?t care a%o,t that -&othi'g a'd ho,seho&d st,**K? A'd so sayi'g, she &e*t a'd set o** *or OI,0 J;,st the', she happe'ed to 'oti-e a gro,p o* peop&e o' their /ay to hear +y ser+o', so i'stead o* -o'ti',i'g to her pare'ts, she Doi'ed the -ro/d a'd -a+e to +y te+p&e0 She &iste'ed -are*,&&y to /hat 1 said that day0 Ce&&, /he' +y ta&k /as o(er, e(eryo'e dispersed, a'd o' the /ay ho+e, this /o+a' happe'ed to +eet a +a' /ho /as a 'eigh%or o* her pare'ts0 J ?Chat?s %ro,ght yo, hereE? he asked her0 JShe to&d hi+3 This +or'i'g +y h,s%a'd a'd 1 had a *ight0 1?d -o+e this *ar /he' 1 'oti-ed a -ro/d o' their

-ermons , $>

/ay to the te+p&e0 1t &ooked as i* there /o,&d %e a ser+o', a'd the happy tho,ght -a+e to +e that this /as a good opport,'ity a'd 1 o,ght to Doi' the+0 So, i'stead o* pro. -eedi'g to +y pare'ts, 1 /e't a&o'g to the te+p&e0 E(ery. thi'g i' the ser+o' today app&ied to +e perso'a&&y0 1 *ee& so terri%&y asha+edK My &ea(i'g +y h,s%a'd?s ho,se today /as d,e to +y o/' /ro'g+i'ded'ess0 My h,s%a'd did'?t /a't +e to go0 He tried sayi'g a&& ki'ds o* thi'gs to +e a'd, together /ith +y +other.i'.&a/, atte+pted to stop +e, %,t 1 persisted i' +y se'se&ess o,trage a'd *i'a&&y o,traged +y h,s%a'd a'd +other.i'.&a/ as /e&&0 Ho/. e(er, the ser+o' today +ade +e see ho/ /ro'g 1 /as, so 1 /o'?t %e goi'g %a-k to +y pare'ts a*ter a&&0 Fro+ here, 1?&& ret,r' ho+e to +y h,s%a'd a'd %eg *orgi(e'ess *or the /ro'g 1?(e do'e, h,+%&e +yse&* %e*ore the+ %oth a'd a&so te&& the+ a%o,t this /o'der*,& ser+o'M *or ,'&ess 1 e'-o,rage the+ as /e&& to take a' i'terest i' sa&(atio', +y ha(i'g heard it /o'?t %e tr,&y /orth/hi&e0? JThe 'eigh%or re+arked3 ?Ho/ -a' yo, go %a-k ho+e a&o'e a*ter *ighti'g /ith yo,r h,s%a'd a'd -o+i'g a&& this /ayE First, go to yo,r pare'ts? p&a-eM the', 1?&& go %a-k to yo,r h,s%a'ds /ith yo, a'd see that yo,r ret,r' /orks o,t a&& right0? J ?)o, 'o,? the /o+a' said, ?it does'?t +atter ho/ it?s goi'g to /ork o,t0 Si'-e, a*ter a&&, it /as 1 /ho %eha(ed %ad&y, it?s ,p to +e to +ake ,p to the+ %oth a'd see that e(erythi'g -o+es right0 2esides, i* this /o'der*,& ser+o' re+ai'ed *or +y heari'g a&o'e, it /o,&d'?t %e /orth/hi&e0 Che' 1?(e shared it /ith the+ %oth a'd e'-o,raged the+ to take a' i'terest i' sa&(atio', o'&y the' /i&& +y ha(i'g heard it %e tr,&y +ea'i'g*,&0? JAs the t/o o* the+ /a&ked a&o'g speaki'g this /ay, they /ere o(erheard %y the peop&e aro,'d the+ -o+i'g *ro+ the te+p&e0 J ?Chat a re+arka%&e perso' this /o+a' isK? they +ar. (e&ed0 Today, a*ter heari'g a si'g&e ser+o', she repe'ts

$6 G 2A)KE1 :E) her errors0 Chat eFtraordi'ary %eha(ior *or a +ere /o+a'K This other perso' -ertai'&y spoke ig'ora't&y0 To try to dis. s,ade her *ro+ goi'g %a-k a&o'e, a'd to ha(e him straighte' thi'gs o,t *or her ret,r'</hat sort o* %,si'ess /o,&d that %eK Si'-e he?s *ro+ OI,, he +,st ha(e heard that ser+o' o(er a'd o(er, %,t, sti&&, /hat %ad ad(i-e he ha'ds o,tK? J1' this *ashio', those /ho?d %ee' a%&e to hear /hat had happe'ed re%,ked the +a', a'd to&d the /o+a' /ho had a''o,'-ed that she /as goi'g ho+e3 To,r attit,de rea&&y is ad+ira%&eK H,rry ho+e right a/ayK? J ?Yes, 1 willD9 she rep&ied, a'd ret,r'ed0 JThat day, 1?d %ee' i'(ited to (isit a' OI, -&a's+a', a'd /hi&e 1 /as there, a -ro/d o* a-H,ai'ta'-es -a+e %y0 JTo,r ser+o' today -a,sed a +ira-&eK? they to&d +e, a&& o* the+ at o'-e %&,rti'g o,t this story0 JA*ter/ards, 1 &ear'ed /hat happe'ed /he' the /o+a' /e't %a-k to her h,s%a'd0 JRet,r'i'g as she?d i'te'ded, she to&d the+ %oth3#5 ?E(e' tho,gh 'either o* yo, ordered +e o,t, +y o/' /ro'gheaded'ess +ade +e go agai'st yo,r /ishes a'd &ea(e ho+e0 Yet, si'-e +y de-isio' to ret,r' to +y pare'ts &ed +e to OI,, +y &ea(i'g ho+e today +,st itse&* ha(e %ee' the res,&t o* so+e kar+i- a**i'ity /ith 2,ddhis+0 O' +y /ay, 1 +et a -ro/d o* peop&e tra(e&i'g to the te+p&e, a'd, Doi'i'g the+, 1 /e't a&o'g0 Che' 1 &iste'ed to the ser+o', there /as'?t a thi'g that did'?t app&y to +e perso'a&&y0 As 1 &iste'ed, 1 rea&iIed ho/ /ro'g +y o/' attit,de had %ee', a'd i'stead o* goi'g o' to +y pare'ts, 1 -a+e straight ho+e *ro+ the te+p&e0 1t /as +y o/' /ro'g+i'ded'ess that +ade yo, %oth a'gry /ith +e0 Fro+ here o', 1?&& o%ey yo, i' e(erythi'g, so i* yo,?re a'gry /ith +e 'o/, go ahead a'd satis*y yo,r a'ger<do a'ythi'g to +e yo, /a'tK )o +atter ho/ tryi'g thi'gs +ay %e *or +e, 1 /o'?t %ear yo, a'y rese't+e't at a&&, so 1 hope yo,?&& %oth *orgi(e +e0? JLike the ho'est *o&k they /ere, /he' they heard this,

-ermons , $8

%oth h,s%a'd a'd +other.i'.&a/ de-&ared3 ?1t /as yo, /ho got yo,rse&* ,pset o(er 'othi'g a'd ra' o,t o' yo,r o/', e(e' tho,gh 'o o'e had to&d yo, to go0 )o/ that yo,?(e rea&iIed yo, /ere +istake' a'd -o+e %a-k, ho/ -o,&d /e ho&d it agai'st yo,K? JSo they /ere happy to ha(e her %a-k agai', a'd e(ery. thi'g t,r'ed o,t *or the %est0 Therea*ter, the /o+a' /as s-r,p,&o,s&y o%edie't to her h,s%a'd, /ith /ho+ she &i(ed i' per*e-t har+o'y, a'd /as respe-t*,& to/ard her +other.i'.&a/ as /e&&, &ooki'g a*ter the +ea&s a'd te&&i'g the+ *ro+ ti+e to ti+e a%o,t the +ar(e&o,s ser+o' she?d heard0 Fi'a&&y, she pre(ai&ed ,po' the+ %oth, so that /hi&e 1 /as stayi'g Oi' the areaP, the three o* the+ /o,&d o*te' -o+e together to hear +e0 JFor peop&e /ho ha(e a' a**i'ity &ike this /ith 2,d. dhis+ to %e *reed o* their H,arre&s a'd rese't+e'ts %y a si'g&e ser+o'<e(e' i* they?re o'&y ig'ora't *o&k /itho,t a'y sort o* ,'dersta'di'g<-ertai'&y sho/s a /o'der*,& attit,de, do'?t yo, agreeE 1?(e %ee' te&&i'g yo, this /ith the idea that i* a&& o* yo,, too, hear these thi'gs, yo,?re s,re to *or+ a' i'sta't a**i'ity o* yo,r o/'0 2e-a,se the 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, e(e' a +ere /o+a', /itho,t a'y sort o* ,'dersta'di'g, -a' *i'd herse&* re&yi'g o' the 2,ddha Mi'd0 So a&& yo, peop&e as /e&&, *ro+ here o', sho,&d -o'sta't&y s,++o' ,p yo,r *aith i' order to a%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'dK JToday?s ta&k /as &o'g, a'd yo,?re pro%a%&y a&& /or' o,t, so &et?s stop here0 E(eryo'e take yo,r ti+e &ea(i'g, a'd p&ease -o+e agai' to+orro/0J

2B$ddha2 7a%oemon
J 0 0 0 Ce&&, the', &et +e te&& yo, so+ethi'g a%o,t the +ar(e&o,s /orki'gs o* the 2,ddha Mi'd0 A%o,t thirty

$# G 2A)KE1 :E) years ago there /as a *e&&o/ /ho %e-a+e a dis-ip&e o* +i'e, Oa +er-ha'tP /ho o,tdid e(eryo'e e&se i' se&&i'g his goods, *reH,e't&y t,r'i'g a ha'dso+e pro*it, so that peop&e a&& %ega' to -a&& hi+ ?Thie* Magoe+o'0?#$ Che'e(er he?d pass %y, e(eryo'e /o,&d poi't to hi+ a'd say3 ?There?s that Thie* Magoe+o'K? Sti&&, as he /as -&e(er at t,r'i'g a pro*it, o,tdoi'g a&& the rest, &ater o' thi'gs /e't /e&& *or hi+<he got hi+se&* a ho,se, +ade +o'ey<a'd *ro+ that ti+e o', he o*te' -a+e to +y p&a-e0 1 to&d hi+3 ?1* peop&e are -a&&i'g yo, a' o,trageo,s thie*, so+ethi'g +,st %e /ro'g0 Parti-,&ar&y /he' so+eo'e /ho?s -o+i'g reg,. &ar&y to this te+p&e gets -a&&ed s,-h %ad 'a+es %y e(eryo'e a'd has e(ery%ody ta&ki'g a%o,t hi+, there?s 'o t/o /ays a%o,t it<it?s his o/' *a,&tK? JChe' 1?d take' hi+ to task &ike this, Magoe+o' said to +e3 ?1* 1 /e't to peop&e?s p&a-es a'd sto&e thi'gs, or -,t +y /ay i'to their storeroo+s, 1?d -ertai'&y *ee& asha+edM %,t 1?+ 'ot stea&i'g &ike that0 A'd 1?+ hard&y the o'&y o'e aro,'d /ho?s +aki'g a pro*it i' %,si'ess0 2esides, the peop&e /ho are s&a'deri'g +e are +ost&y +er-ha'ts the+. se&(es, %,t si'-e they -a'?t t,r' a pro*it &ike 1 do, ,'*ort,. 'ate&y yo, e'd ,p heari'g %ad thi'gs a%o,t +e0 A*ter a&&, the /ho&e poi't o* doi'g %,si'ess is to +ake a pro*it0 0 0 0? A'd goi'g o' i' this (ei', he re+ai'ed ,'-o'-er'ed0 JLater o', 1 do'?t k'o/ /hat -a+e o(er hi+, %,t he t,r'ed his a**airs o(er to his 'ephe/ a'd e(e' distri%,ted a&& the +o'ey he?d a--,+,&ated a+o'g his *a+i&y, -o+i'g to +e a'd aski'g to re-ei(e the to's,re0 1 to&d hi+3 ?1* it /ere a'yo'e e&se, there?d -ertai'&y %e so+e H,estio' i' +y +i'd, %,t i' yo,r -ase, as so+eo'e /ho?s a&/ays had a %ad rep,tatio', it sho/s a sp&e'did reso&(e0? So sayi'g, 1 +ade hi+ a +o'k right a/ay0 JFro+ the' o', he grad,a&&y deepe'ed his *aith a'd %e-a+e a +a' o* *aith0 A'd /hat does this sho/E That /hat?s -a&&ed the 2,ddha Mi'd possesses a +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g dy'a+i- *,'-tio'0 )ot thirty days a*ter this

-ermons G $"

*e&&o/ had %e-o+e a +o'k, e(eryo'e had a&ready take' to -a&&i'g hi+ 9B$ddha Magoe+o'K? That?s ho/ it goes, so 1 /a't yo, a&& to grasp this -&ear&y0 There?s 'othi'g i' the /or&d so pre-io,s as the 2,ddha Mi'd0 Si'-e yo,?re a&& tryi'g to rea&iIe the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, yo, -a'?t get %y /itho,t ,'dersta'di'g this -o'-&,si(e&y0 1 do'?t go te&&. i'g yo,3 ?1t?s 'o good ,'&ess yo, per*or+ this pra-ti-eK? ?O%ser(e the pre-eptsK? ?Read the s,tras a'd re-ordsK? ?9o IaIe'K? 2e-a,se the 2,ddha Mi'd is prese't i' ea-h o'e o* yo,, there?s 'o H,estio' o* +y %i)in% yo, the 2,ddha Mi'd0 Liste'i'g -&ose&y to this ser+o', rea&iIe the 2,ddha Mi'd that ea-h o* yo, has right /ithi' hi+se&*, a'd *ro+ today o' yo,?re a%idi'g i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 O'-e yo,?(e a**ir+ed the 2,ddha Mi'd that e(eryo'e has i''ate&y, yo, -a' a&& do D,st as yo, p&ease3 i* yo, /a't to read the s,tras, read the s,trasM i* yo, *ee& &ike doi'g IaIe', do IaIe'M i* yo, /a't to keep the pre-epts, take the pre. -eptsM e(e' i* it?s -ha'ti'g the nemb$ts$ or the daimok$'E or si+p&y per*or+i'g yo,r a&&otted tasks</hether as a sa+,rai, a *ar+er, a' artisa' or a +er-ha't#6<that %e. -o+es yo,r samddhi.<F A&& 1?+ te&&i'g yo, is3 ?Rea&iIe the 2,ddha Mi'd that ea-h o* yo, has *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&yK? Chat?s esse'tia& is to rea&iIe the 2,ddha Mi'd ea-h o* yo, has, a'd si+p&y a%ide i' it /ith *aith0 0 0 0J

4ike little children of three or fo$r

The Master i'str,-ted the asse+%&y3 JAs yo,?(e a&& %ee' heari'g +e say, e(eryo'e has the i''ate 2,ddha Mi'd, so a&& yo, 'eed to do is a%ide i' the B'%or' D,st as it is0 Ho/e(er, O*o&&o/i'gP the /ays o* the /or&d, yo, get i'to %ad ha%its i' &i*e a'd s/it-h the 2,ddha Mi'd *or the /ret-hed rea&+ o* h,'gry ghosts /ith its -&i'gi'g a'd -ra(. i'g0 Grasp this thoro,gh&y a'd yo,?&& a&/ays a%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 2,t i*, /ishi'g to rea&iIe the B'.

>4 G 2A)KE1 :E) %or', yo, peop&e try to sto& yo,r tho,ghts o* a'ger a'd rage, -&i'gi'g a'd -ra(i'g *ro+ arisi'g, the' %y stoppi'g the+ yo, di(ide o'e +i'd i'to t/o0 1t?s as i* yo, /ere p,rs,i'g so+ethi'g that?s r,''i'g a/ay0 As &o'g as yo, de&i%erate&y try to stop yo,r risi'g tho,ghts, the tho,ght o* tryi'g to stop the+ /ars agai'st the -o'ti',a&&y arisi'g tho,ghts the+se&(es, a'd there?s 'e(er a' e'd to it0 To gi(e yo, a' eFa+p&e, it /o,&d %e &ike /ashi'g a/ay %&ood /ith %&ood0 O* -o,rse, yo, +ight get o,t the origi'a& %&oodM %,t the %&ood a*ter that /o,&d sti-k, a'd the red 'e(er go a/ay0 Si+i&ar&y, the origi'a& a'gry tho,ghts that yo, /ere a%&e to stop +ay ha(e -o+e to a' e'd, %,t the s,%seH,e't tho,ghts -o'-er'ed /ith yo,r stoppi'g the+ /o'?t e)er -ease0 J ?Ce&&,? yo, +ay /o'der, ?the' /hat can 1 do to stop the+E? E(e' i* s,dde'&y, despite yo,rse&* a'd /ho&&y ,'a. /ares, rage or a'ger sho,&d appear, or tho,ghts o* -&i'gi'g a'd -ra(i'g arise, D,st &et the+ -o+e<do'?t de(e&op the+ a'y *,rther, do'?t atta-h to the+0 Citho,t -o'-er'i'g yo,rse&* a%o,t /hether to stop yo,r risi'g tho,ghts or 'ot to stop the+, D,st do'?t %other /ith the+, a'd the' there?s 'othi'g e&se they -a' do b$t stop0 Yo, -a'?t ha(e a' ar. g,+e't /ith the *e'-e i* yo,?re sta'di'g there a&& a&o'eK Che' there?s 'o o'e there to *ight /ith, thi'gs -a'?t he&p %,t si+p&y -o+e to a' e'd o* the+se&(es0 JE(e' /he' a&& sorts o* tho,ghts do -rop ,p, it?s o'&y *or the ti+e %ei'g /hi&e they arise0 So, D,st &ike &itt&e -hi&dre' o* three or *o,r /ho are %,sy at p&ay, /he' yo, do'?t -o'ti',e ho&di'g o'to those tho,ghts a'd do'?t -&i'g to a'y Oparti-,&arP tho,ghts, /hether they?re happy or sad, 'ot thi'ki'g a%o,t /hether to stop or 'ot to stop the+< /hy, that?s 'othi'g e&se %,t a%idi'g i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 So keep the o'e +i'd as o'e +i'd0 1* yo, a&/ays ha(e yo,r +i'd &ike this, the', /hether it?s good thi'gs or %ad, e(e' tho,gh yo,?re 'either tryi'g not to thi'k the+ 'or to stop the+, they -a'?t he&p %,t D,st stop o* the+.

-ermons , -I

se&(es0 Chat yo, -a&& a'ger a'd Doy yo, prod,-e e'tire&y yo,rse&* d,e to the stre'gth o* yo,r se&*.-e'tered'ess, the res,&t o* se&*ish desire0 Tra's-e'd a&& tho,ghts o* atta-h. +e't a'd these tho,ghts -a'?t he&p %,t perish0 This ?per. ishi'g? is 'o'e other tha' the 1+perisha%&e0 A'd that /hi-h is i+perisha%&e is the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 JAt a'y rate, the +ai' thi'g is a&/ays to %e +i'd*,& o* the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd a'd 'ot go -ooki'g ,p tho,ghts o* this or that o' the gro,'d o* the B'%or', atta-hi'g to thi'gs that -o+e yo,r /ay, -ha'gi'g the 2,ddha Mi'd *or tho,ghts0 As &o'g as yo, do'?t /a(er i' this, 'o tho,ghts /i&& arise, /hether good or %ad, a'd so, o* -o,rse, there /o'?t %e a'y 'eed to try to stop the+, either0 The', are'?t yo, 'either -reati'g 'or destroyi'gE That?s 'othi'g %,t the B'%or' a'd 1+perisha%&e 2,ddha Mi'd, so yo,?d %etter grasp this -&ear&yKJ

3ettin% an%ry
JLooki'g aro,'d +e, 1 see that /e ha(e a' e(e' &arger -ro/d tha' ,s,a& this +or'i'g, so pro%a%&y a &ot o* yo, did'?t hear the ta&k 1 D,st ga(e0 A&& those /ho heard it sho,&d &ea(e at this poi't a'd gi(e their p&a-es to those /ho did'?t0J Che' those prese't had -ha'ged p&a-es a'd seated the+se&(es, a -ertai' +a' %ro,ght *or/ard a H,estio' he /ished to ask the Master0 J1' yo,r ser+o's,J he said, Jyo, a&/ays state that, get. ti'g i'to %ad ha%its i' &i*e, /e s/it-h the 2,ddha +i'd *or e(i& tho,ghts0 Heari'g yo,, 1 rea&iIe that doi'g this is /ro'g0 Sti&&, 1?+ a to/'s+a', +y %,si'ess is trade, a'd thi'gs peop&e say +ake +e a'gry or a''oyed0 1'side +e, 1 do'?t har%or a'y e(i& tho,ghts o* a'ger or a''oya'-e, %,t other peop&e o*te' %et +e a'gry, /hether it?s +y /i*e a'd -hi&dre' or +y ser(a'ts0 A*ter heari'g yo,r ser+o', 1 re.

>7 G 2A)KE1 :E) a&iIed doi'g this /as /ro'g a'd tried to p,t a' e'd to it0 2,t i* 1 stop those a'gry tho,ghts, they o'&y -o+e ,p agai', a'd there?s 'o e'd to the+ a*ter a&&0 Chat -a' 1 do, the', to stop the+EJ The Master rep&ied3 JThe *a-t is, yo, want to get a'gry, so yo,?re %ettin% yo,rse&* +ad0 1* yo, had'?t the &east %ad tho,ght to %egi' /ith, 'o +atter ho/ +,-h others pro. (oked yo,, yo, s,re&y /o,&d'?t get a'gry0 2,t i*, i' yo,, *ee&i'gs o* a'ger a'd a''oya'-e ha(e a&ready %ee' *or+ed, the', e(e' tho,gh Othe other peop&eP do'?t set o,t de&i%er. ate&y to say thi'gs to +ake yo, +ad, yo, get -arried a/ay %y the *or-e o* yo,r o/' se&*.-e'tered'ess, &ose yo,r te+. per a'd i'sist, ?1 do'?t say a'ythi'g that?s ,'tr,e or i+. properK? Yo,r tho,ghts -reate the kar+a o* the Three E(i& Rea&+s, /hi&e yo,r de+o'i- +i'd tor+e'ts yo,0 This is the *iery -art## o* se&* a'd se&*.-reated kar+a0 JO,tside, he&&, h,'gry ghosts, kar+a, de+o's a'd *iery -arts si+p&y do'?t eFist0 Chat?s +ore, to try to stop yo,r risi'g tho,ghts, ho&di'g the+ %a-k a'd s,ppressi'g the+, is a %ad idea0 The origi'a&, i''ate 2,ddha Mi'd is o'e a&o'e<it?s 'e(er t/o0 2,t /he' yo, try to stop yo,r risi'g a'ger, Oyo,r +i'dP is sp&it %et/ee' yo,r a'gry tho,ghts a'd yo,r tho,ghts o* stoppi'g the+0 1t?s as i* yo,?re -has. i'g a*ter so+eo'e /ho is r,''i'g a/ay, eF-ept that yo,?re %oth the r,''er a'd the o'e p,rs,i'g hi+ as /e&&K Let +e gi(e yo, a' eFa+p&e o* /hat 1 +ea'3 Yo, -a' %,sy yo,rse&* s/eepi'g ,'der a tree /ith thi-k Oa,t,+'P *o&iageM %,t si'-e the tree?s &ea(es /i&& keep s-atteri'g do/' *ro+ a%o(e, e(e' i*, *or the +o+e't, yo, +a'age to get thi'gs 'eat&y s/ept a/ay, +ore &ea(es /i&& o'&y -o+e *a&&i'g &ater o', /o'?t theyE 1' the sa+e /ay, e(e' i* yo, stop yo,r origi'a& tho,ghts o* a'ger, the s,%seH,e't tho,ghts i'(o&(ed /ith the stoppi'g o* the+ /i&& 'e(er -o+e to a' e'd0 So the idea o* tryi'g to stop Oyo,r tho,ghtsP is /ro'g0 Si'-e that?s ho/ it is, /he' yo, 'o &o'ger %other a%o,t those risi'g tho,ghts, 'ot tryi'g either to stop the+ or 'ot to stop

Ser+o's G >5

the+, /hy, that?s the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 That?s /hat 1?(e %ee' te&&i'g a%o,t D,st 'o/ i' s,-h detai&0 Cere'?t yo, &iste'i'gE O1* yo, /ere'?t,P it?s a sha+eKJ#"

Blindness and the 1nborn

A %&i'd /o+a' addressed the Master3 J1 ha(e heard that o'e /ho is physi-a&&y ha'di-apped -a''ot attai' %,d. dhahood0 1, as yo, see, a+ %&i'd, a'd /itho,t the oppor. t,'ity e(e' to /orship the i+age o* a %,ddha, 1 *ee& that +y %ei'g %or' a h,+a' has %ee' tr,&y i' (ai' a'd that /he' 1 die 1?&& D,st si'k i'to the E(i& Paths0 1* there?s a'y /ay %y /hi-h e(e' o'e /ho is %&i'd -a' %e said to attai' %,ddhahood, 1 %eg yo, to i'str,-t +e0J The Master rep&ied3 JPeop&e do ta&k that /ay, %,t i' the B'%or' 1 speak o*, there?s 'o disti'-tio' %et/ee' %ei'g ha'di-apped or 'ot %ei'g ha'di-apped0 E(e' i* yo,?re %&i'd, i' the i''ate 2,ddha Mi'd itse&* there?s 'ot the s&ightest di**ere'-e0 9o 'ot do,%t thisK ;,st keep -&ear o* -&i'gi'g, a'ger a'd *oo&ish'ess"4 a'd *,&&y a**ir+ these ser+o's 1?(e %ee' gi(i'g, a%idi'g a&/ays i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd yo,?&& attai' %,ddhahood right i' this &i*eK JThere /as a'other %&i'd /o+a', i' A%oshi, /ho asked +e the sa+e sort o* thi'g0 Che' 1 to&d her /hat 1?(e said to yo, 'o/, she grasped it thoro,gh&y, a'd *ro+ the' o' she -o+p&ete&y -ha'ged a'd ,phe&d the B'%or', te&&i'g +e ti+e a'd agai'3 ?Tha'ks to yo,r i'str,-tio', 1?(e 'o/ gai'ed so+e ,'dersta'di'g o* the *a-t that 1 a+ ,'%or'0 Ho/ grate*,& 1 *ee&K Had 1 %ee' a%&e to see, tho,ghts o* -&i'gi'g a'd -ra(i'g /o,&d ha(e %ee' ro,sed %y /hate(er 1 sa/M 1 /o,&d ha(e *or+ed deep atta-h+e'ts, a'd ho/ -o,&d this *aith ha(e appearedE Stra'ge&y e'o,gh, pre. -ise&y %e-a,se 1 was %&i'd, 1 -o,&d'?t see the good a'd %ad thi'gs o* the /or&d, so that s,-h tho,ghts o* atta-h+e't

>$ G 2A)KE1 :E) did'?t arise, a'd /he' 1 heard yo,r ser+o', 1 /as a%&e to p&a-e +yse&* i' the B'%or'0 1t?s d,e e'tire&y to +y %&i'd. 'essK? JTh,s she %e-a+e a perso' o* *aith0 So grasp this -&ear&y, a'd yo,r re&igio,s pra-ti-e /i&& e'd ,p goi'g e(e' +ore s+ooth&y tha' that o* so+eo'e /ho co$ld seeKJ Che' the Master had *i'ished i'str,-ti'g her, this %&i'd /o+a' too eF-&ai+ed, JHo/ /o'der*,&K Ho/ +ar. (e&o,sKJ 1t is said that, -o'(i'-ed o* the tr,th o* the Master?s /ords, she thoro,gh&y a-k'o/&edged the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, ass,red %eyo'd a do,%t that e(e' o'e /ho is ha'd. i-apped -a' rea&iIe %,ddhahood0

'"I',','!,"'".''''"',

2odhidhar+a0 Pai'ted %y 2a'kei0 Property o* the Ryo+o'Di0 8Co$rtesy -h$n/$sha6

PART 11

)o/ 1?+ %oin% to talk to the women

J1 see /e ha(e a great +a'y /o+e' here too at the +eeti'g today0 Co+e' te'd to a'ger easi&y a'd stir ,p de&,sio's, e(e' o(er H,ite tri(ia& thi'gs0 1?+ goi'g to ta&k to the /o+e' 'o/, %,t 1?+ s,re that /hat 1 say /i&& %e *a+i&iar to e(eryo'e0 Ce&&, the', 1?&& %egi', so pay -&ose atte'tio'0 JFor the +ost part, /o+e' ,s,a&&y %,sy the+se&(es /ith se/i'g0 1* a'y o* yo, &adies are %,sy se/i'g a ki+o'o, or /hate(er, a'd so+eo'e happe's a&o'g<a' o&d /o+a', the ',rse+aid or /hoe(er it +ight %e<yo,?&& pro%a%&y start to ta&k0 2,t /he' this happe's, yo,r se/i'g does'?t get i' the /ay a'd pre(e't yo, *ro+ heari'g /hat?s said0 A'd the -o'(ersatio' does'?t get i' the /ay a'd pre(e't yo, *ro+ se/i'g0 Citho,t droppi'g yo,r /ork, yo, -a' easi&y hear /hat?s said a'd e(e' respo'd appropriate&y< yo, -a' se/ a'd &iste' too /itho,t 'eg&e-ti'g a'ythi'g0 1s'?t that %e-a,se the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or', so that yo, -a' %oth se/ a'd &iste' at the sa+e ti+eE O' the other ha'd, s,ppose yo, happe' to %e se/i'g, or /ea(i'g, a'd the thread keeps %reaki'g, the 'eed&e s'aps, or yo, stit-h thi'gs /ro'g0 Chi-he(er it is, at that +o+e't yo, start to seethe /ith i+patie'-e a'd *&y i'to a rage0 Terri%&y *oo&ish, is'?t itE Ho/ are yo, goi'g to se/ or /ea(e proper&y /he' yo,?re getti'g yo,rse&* a'gryE G >>

>6 G 2A)KE1 :E) Che' yo,?re i' the ha%it o* &osi'g yo,r te+per &ike that, the o'&y res,&t is that yo,r 'eed&e s'aps a&& the +ore, yo,r thread %reaks a&& the +oreK J1*, /he' yo, got a'gry /hi&e yo, /orked, thi'gs got do'e, /hi&e /he' yo, *ai&ed to get a'gry, yo,r /ork *e&& %ehi'd, the' yo,?d %e /e&&.ad(ised to go ahead a'd get yo,rse&* a'gry e(eryti+e yo, had to do a'ythi'g at a&&0 2,t that?s si+p&y 'ot the /ay thi'gs areK 1' *a-t, D,st the re. (erse, /he' yo, get yo,rse&* a'gry /hi&e doi'g yo,r /ork, the Do% doesn9t get do'e0 O' the other ha'd, /he' yo, do'?t get +ad, %,t keep a -heer*,& attit,de a'd a' e(e' dispositio', yo,r /ork is -ertai' to +o(e a&o'g0 Ho/e(er +,-h yo, i'sist that yo,r /ork gets do'e /he' yo,?re a'gry, a&& yo,?re doi'g is -ha'gi'g the O'e 2,ddha Mi'd *or a *ighti'g de+o' /hi&e yo, /ork0 So, it see+s to +e that getti'g a'gry a'd -ha'gi'g yo,r pre-io,s B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd *or a *ighti'g de+o' is tota&&y ,se&ess0 2y getti'g yo,rse&(es i'to a te+per o(er /orth&ess thi'gs, yo, %e-o+e de&,ded, s/it-hi'g yo,r 2,ddha Mi'd *or a *ight. i'g de+o', a *oo&ish %east, a -o(eto,s h,'gry ghost, tra's. +igrati'g thro,gh e(ery sort o* O%ase rea&+P0 So 1 /a't yo, /o+e' to pay -&ose atte'tio'K JThere are so+e o* yo, /ho e+p&oy others, keepi'g a great +a'y erra'd %oys a'd +aids0 S,ppose o'e o* these ser(a'ts sho,&d %e -are&ess a'd a--ide'ta&&y %reak so+e (a&,a%&e ho,seho&d o%De-t<a tea %o/& or so+e s,-h thi'g0 E(e' tho,gh it?s hard&y /orth +aki'g s,-h a *,ss o(er, the %&ood r,shes to yo,r *a-e a'd, *&yi'g i'to a rage, yo, atta-k the+ /ith ,'reaso'a%&e se(erity0 )o +atter how (a&,a%&e a tea %o/& it is, it?s 'ot as i* they?d s+ashed it de&i%erate&yK Che' so+ethi'g is %roke' a--ide'ta&&y, there?s 'othi'g +ore yo, -a' do a%o,t it0 2,t i' the +ea''ess o* yo,r se&*ish desire, yo, rash&y s/it-h the pre-io,s 2,ddha Mi'd that yo, /ere %or' /ith *or a *ighti'g de+o'0 1s'?t this e(e' +ore tho,ght&ess tha' s+ashi'g a tea %o/&E 1* yo, %,y a tea %o/&, yo, -a' a&/ays rep&a-e it0 Chat?s +ore,

-ermons , >8

%et/ee' the tea yo, dri'k *ro+ a Korea' tea %o/& a'd the tea yo, dri'k *ro+ a tea %o/& +ade i' 1+ari,! there?s 'o parti-,&ar di**ere'-e so *ar as *&a(or goes3 either /ay, yo,?(e got e(erythi'g yo, 'eed *or dri'ki'g tea0 2,t o'-e yo,?(e stirred ,p yo,r a'ger, there?s 'o goi'g %a-k o' itl J1* yo,?(e -&ear&y grasped /hat?s i'(o&(ed i' this %,si. 'ess a%o,t the tea %o/&, it goes /itho,t sayi'g that /ith e(ery other +atter, too, it?s D,st the sa+e0 So it?s o%(io,s /itho,t +y goi'g i'to ea-h parti-,&ar -ase0 1' e(erythi'g e&se, too, D,st keep *ro+ +oi&i'g thi'gs o(er a'd o(er i' yo,r +i'd, getti'g a'gry a'd t,r'i'g i'to a *ighti'g de. +o' or a *oo&ish %east, or t,r'i'g i'to a h,'gry ghost %e-a,se o* yo,r se&*ish desires, a'd that?s 'othi'g %,t a%id. i'g 'at,ra&&y i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 Rea&iIe the pre-io,s'ess o* the 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd e(e' i* yo, do'?t want to, yo,?&& *i'd yo,rse&* ha)in% to a%ide i' the B'. %or'K JChat 1?+ te&&i'g yo, a%o,t 'ot s/it-hi'g yo,r 2,d. dha Mi'd *or the Three Poiso's7 is eFtre+e&y i+porta't, so &ear' it /e&&, a'd do yo,r ,t+ost 'ot to s/it-h yo,r B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd *or a'ythi'g e&se0J

The old n$rse from -an$ki

JLet +e te&& yo, a%o,t so+ethi'g i' this -o''e-tio'0 Che' 1 /as gi(i'g a ser+o' at Mar,ga+e i' Sa',ki, e(eryo'e i' to/' sho/ed ,p i' a h,ge -ro/d to &iste'0 The &ady o* a sa+,rai retai'er -a+e /ith a +aidser(a't a'd her o&d ',rse, a'd, a*ter heari'g +y i'str,-tio', re. t,r'ed ho+e0 Later, this &ady a'd her ',rse -a+e agai', a'd this ti+e the &ady to&d +e3 J ?2e*ore +eeti'g yo,r Re(ere'-e, +y ',rse /as -o'. ti',a&&y short.te+pered a'd /i&&*,&, ready to *&y i'to a rage at the s&ightest thi'g0 2,t e(er si'-e she heard yo,r i'str,-. tio' that day, i' spite o* a&& the ti+e that?s passed, she has'?t

># G 2A)KE1 :E) &ost her te+per o'-e0 Chat?s +ore, she says o'&y se'si%&e thi'gs a'd does'?t &et her +i'd d/e&& at a&& o' ,se&ess +atters0 The res,&t is that 1 +yse&* ha(e 'o/ -o+e to *ee& asha+ed %e*ore this o&d ',rse0 She D,st see+s to ha(e -o+p&ete&y grasped yo,r Re(ere'-e?s tea-hi'g, a'd as 1 %e&ie(e this to %e parti-,&ar&y tha'ks to yo,, %oth she a'd 1 are tr,&y grate*,&0? JE(e' a*ter/ards, /he' 1 happe'ed to hear a%o,t her, e(eryo'e to&d +e that she?d 'e(er agai' strayed i'to de&,. sio'0 The 2,ddha Mi'd 1?+ speaki'g a%o,t is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, so the perso' *or /ho+ e(ery. thi'g is per*e-t&y +a'aged /ith the B'%or' a'd *or /ho+ e(erythi'g *,'-tio's thro$%h the B'%or' /i&& ope' the eye that sees i'to +e' a'd -o'-&,si(e&y rea&iIe that e(eryo'e is a &i(i'g tathagata here today0 The', &ike the o&d ',rse *ro+ Sa',ki, he?&& keep *ro+ %ei'g de&,ded a'y +ore a'd rea&iIe the pre-io,s'ess o* the 2,ddha Mi'd0 1t?s %e-a,se a&& o* yo, fail to rea&iIe the pre-io,s'ess o* the 2,ddha Mi'd that yo, stir ,p de&,sio's a%o,t e(erythi'g, e(e' the +ost tri(ia& +atters, a'd re+ai' ,'e'&ighte'ed %ei'gs0 ;,st keep *ro+ -reati'g de&,sio's, a'd yo,?&& a%ide i' the *,'-tio' o* the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd0J

Nothin% to do with r$les

JThat?s /hy, i' +y p&a-e, 1?+ a&/ays te&&i'g e(eryo'e, ?A%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd a'd 'othi'g e&seK? Other tha' that, 1?+ 'ot setti'g ,p a'y spe-ia& r,N-s5 a'd +aki'g the+ pra-ti-e0 A&& the sa+e, si'-e e(eryo'e got together a'd de-ided to pra-ti-e *or Oa period o*P t/e&(e sti-ks o* i'-e'se$ e(ery day, 1 to&d the+, ?Go ahead, do /hate(er yo, &ike?M so 1?+ &etti'g the+ pra-ti-e e(ery day *or Oa period o*P t/e&(e sti-ks o* i'-e'se0 2,t the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd is'?t a +atter o* sti-ks o* i'-e'seK Che' yo, a%ide i' the 2,ddha Mi'd a'd do'?t %e-o+e de&,ded,

Ser+o's G >"

then' /itho,t &ooki'g *or e'&ighte'+e't o,tside, yo,?&& D,st sit i' the 2,ddha Mi'd, D,st sta'd i' the 2,ddha Mi'd, D,st s&eep i' the 2,ddha Mi'd, D,st get ,p i' the 2,ddha Mi'd<D,st a%idi'g i' the 2,ddha Mi'd, so that i' a&& yo,r ordi'ary a-ti(ities yo, *,'-tio' as a &i(i'g %,d. dha0 There?s rea&&y 'othi'g to it0 JAs *or +a+en' si'-e +a O?sitti'g?P is the 2,ddha Mi'd?s sitti'g at ease, /hi&e +en O?+editatio'?P is a'other 'a+e *or 2,ddha Mi'd, the 2,ddha Mi'd?s sitti'g at ease is /hat?s +ea't %y +a+en. So /he' yo,?re a%idi'g i' the B'%or', all the time is +a+enG +a+en is'?t D,st the ti+e /he' yo,?re pra-ti-i'g *or+a& +editatio'0 E(e' /he' yo,?re sitti'g i' +editatio', i* there?s so+ethi'g yo,?(e got to do, it?s H,ite a&& right to get ,p a'd &ea(e0 So, i' +y gro,p, e(eryo'e is *ree to do as he &ikes0 ;,st a&/ays a%ide at ease i' the 2,ddha Mi'd0 Yo, -a'?t si+p&y re+ai' sitti'g *ro+ +or'. i'g ti&& 'ight, so do /a&ki'g +editatio' > *or o'e periodM a'd yo, -a'?t D,st keep o' yo,r *eet, either, so sit do/' a'd +editate *or o'e period0 Yo, -a'?t (ery /e&& do 'oth. i'g %,t s&eep, so yo, get ,pM a'd yo, -a'?t D,st keep o' ta&ki'g, so 1 &et yo, pra-ti-e +editatio'0 2,t this has 'oth. i'g to do /ith r$lesl2

0e)ices
JGe'era&&y speaki'g, :e' tea-hers 'o/adays i'str,-t peop&e %y setti'g ,p r,&es or ,si'g de(i-es0 2e&ie(i'g that /itho,t de(i-es they -a'?t +a'age, %eha(i'g as i* /itho,t the+ it?s i+possi%&e to i'str,-t a'yo'e, they?re ,'a%&e to tea-h %y si+p&y poi'ti'g thi'gs o,t dire-t&y0 To tea-h peop&e Othis /ayP, ,'a%&e to +a'age /itho,t de(i-es, is ?de. (i-es :e'0? JOthers te&& st,de'ts p,rs,i'g this tea-hi'g that it?s 'o good ,'&ess they ro,se a great %a&& o* do,%t6 a'd s,--eed i' %reaki'g thro,gh it0 ?)o +atter /hat,? they te&& the+,

64 G 2A)KE1 :E) ?yo,?(e got to ro,se a %a&& o* do,%tK? They do'?t tea-h, ?A%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'dK? O%,t i'steadP -a,se peop&e witho$t a'y %a&& o* do,%t to sadd&e the+se&(es with o'e, +aki'g the+ eF-ha'ge the 2,ddha Mi'd *or a %a&& o* do,%t0 A +istake' %,si'ess, is'?t itKJ

*lain s&eakin%
J1' Chi'a too yo, ha(e this sort o* thi'g0 As yo, -a' see i' the re-ords that ha(e %ee' %ro,ght to ;apa', the tr,e tea-hi'g o* the B'%or' &o'g ago -eased to eFist there, so that 'o/adays, e(e' i' Chi'a, +e' o* the B'%or' are 'ot to %e *o,'d, a'd that?s /hy 'o re-ords that speak o* the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd ha(e -o+e to ;apa'0 JChe' 1 /as yo,'g a'd tryi'g to ,'-o(er the 2,ddha Mi'd, 1 e(e' +ade a serio,s e**ort at taki'g part i' mondoF O,si'g Chi'ese eFpressio'sP0 2,t &ater o', ha(i'g -o+e to a rea& ,'dersta'di'g o* thi'gs, 1 ga(e it ,p0 ;apa'ese are %etter o** aski'g a%o,t thi'gs i' a +a''er that?s s,ita%&e to ;apa'ese, ,si'g their ordi'ary &a'g,age0 ;apa'ese are poor at Chi'ese, so i' dia&og,es ,si'g Chi'ese Oter+sP, they -a'?t H,estio' Otea-hersP a%o,t thi'gs as thoro,gh&y as they +ight /ish0 Che' yo, p,t yo,r H,estio's i' ordi'ary ;apa'ese, there?s 'o +atter yo, -a'?t ask a%o,t0 So, i'stead o* taki'g a ro,'da%o,t /ay a'd k'o-ki'g yo,rse&(es o,t tryi'g to pose yo,r H,estio's i' di**i-,&t Chi'ese /ords,# yo,?re %etter o** *ree&y p,tti'g the+ i' easy ;apa'ese, /ith. o,t eFha,sti'g yo,rse&(es0 1* there?s so+e sit,atio' i' /hi-h the 9har+a /o'?t %e -o+p&ete&y rea&iIed ,'&ess yo, ask yo,r H,estio's ,si'g Chi'ese /ords, the' it?s a&& right to ,se the+0 2,t si'-e, a*ter a&&, yo, -a' +a'age *ree&y %y aski'g yo,r H,estio's i' ordi'ary ;apa'ese, to ask the+ ,si'g di**i-,&t Chi'ese /ords is a -&,+sy /ay to go a%o,t thi'gs0 So, a&& o* yo,, grasp this, a'd /hate(er +atter yo, take ,p, D,st dea& /ith it s+ooth&y %y aski'g yo,r H,estio's

-ermons , H>

/itho,t -o'strai't, a(ai&i'g yo,rse&(es o* the *reedo+ o* ordi'ary &a'g,age0 So &o'g as yo, -a' dea& /ith thi'gs s+ooth&y, there?s 'othi'g so ha'dy as yo,r o/' *a+i&iar, ordi'ary spee-h0 JThe reaso' ;apa'ese +o'ks are tea-hi'g &ay+e' i'ept at Chi'ese ,si'g Chi'ese /ords that are hard *or the+ to ,'dersta'd is that they themsel)es ha(e'?t sett&ed the +at. ter o* the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd e(ade peop&e?s H,es. tio's %y ,si'g Chi'ese /ords that are hard *or ordi'ary *o&k to grasp0 O' top o* /hi-h, these Odi**i-,&t eFpressio'sP are 'othi'g %,t the dregs a'd s&o%%er o* the Chi'ese patri. ar-hsK JChe' 1 /as yo,'g, 1 deter+i'ed that so+eho/ 1?d rea&iIe the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd, e(e' the', as 1 tra(e&ed a%o,t here a'd there, k'o-ki'g at the doors o* (ario,s tea-hers, 1 H,estio'ed the+ a&& i' ordi'ary &a'g,age a'd /as a%&e to +a'age per*e-t&y, +ak. i'g +yse&* easi&y ,'derstood a*ter a&&0 That?s ho/ thi'gs /ere *or +e0 So e(e' tho,gh at the %egi''i'g 1 tried o,t this sort o* thi'g, a*ter/ards 1 ga(e it ,p as ,se&ess0 1?+ 'ot parti-,&ar&y &ear'ed or er,dite, so it?s a &,-ky thi'g 1 didn9t -o'ti',e e'gagi'g i' +o+N6 ,si'g Chi'eseKJ

Illness and the B$ddha 7ind

JCith +y o'&y tho,ght to *i'd the 2,ddha Mi'd, 1 str,gg&ed *r,it&ess&y, *&o,'deri'g desperate&y a'd dashi'g a&& o(er0 2,t /hat happe'ed /as that 1 got +yse&* i&& a'd /as &aid ,p i' %ed *or a &o'g ti+e, so that 1?(e -o+e to k'o/ a &ot a%o,t si-k'ess too0 2ei'g %or' i'to this /or&d a'd ha(i'g a %ody, /e +,st eFpe-t to +eet /ith i&&'ess0 2,t /he' yo, -o'-&,si(e&y rea&iIe the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd, yo, do'?t distress yo,rse&* o(er the s,**eri'gs o* i&&'ess3 yo, -&ear&y disti'g,ish i&&'ess as i&&'ess, s,**eri'g as s,**eri'g0 This is %e-a,se the 2,ddha Mi'd, %ei'g origi.

67 G 2A)KE1 :E) 'a&&y ,'%or', has 'othi'g to do /ith Doy or s,**eri'g, the reaso' %ei'g that that /hi-h is ,'%or' tra's-e'ds tho,ght0 1t?s /he' tho,ghts arise that yo, eFperie'-e s,**eri'g a'd Doy0 The 2,ddha Mi'd does'?t atta-h to i&&'ess, it re+ai's i' the B'%or' D,st as it is, so it does'?t -reate s,**eri'g0 1* tho,ghts did arise *ro+ the p&a-e o* the B'%or', there /o,&d %e 'o /ay yo, -o,&d he&p -reati'g s,**eri'g, atta-h. i'g to yo,r i&&'ess a'd -ha'gi'g the 2,ddha Mi'd0 O2,t that?s hard&y the -ase0P E(e' the s,--essi(e s,**eri'gs o* %ei'gs i' he&&, so *ar as the s,**eri'g itse&* is -o'-er'ed, are'?t a'y di**ere't0 JCa,ght ,p i' the s,**eri'g o* atta-hi'g to yo,r i&&'ess, yo, start thi'ki'g o'e thi'g a'd a'other3 ?1 o,ght to %e /e&& %y 'o/0 May%e the +edi-i'e?s 'ot rightM perhaps the do-tor?s 'o good 0 0 0? a'd so o'0 C&i'gi'g to the Ohope o*P re-o(ery, yo, s/it-h the 2,ddha Mi'd *or a'g,ished tho,ghts so that the i&&'ess %esetti'g yo,r +i'd %e-o+es /orse tha' the origi'a& si-k'ess0 1t?s as i* yo,?re -hasi'g a*ter so+ethi'g that?s r,''i'g a/ay0 E(e' as yo, grad,a&&y do re-o(er yo,r I&hysicalB hea&th, the +e'ta& si-k'ess o* -hasi'g a*ter OitP is gai'i'g the ,pper ha'd0 That?s /hat?s +ea't %y atta-hi'g to thi'gs a'd +aki'g yo,rse&* s,**er0 JA&& the sa+e, i* there?s a'yo'e /ho te&&s yo, he -a' ,'dergo 'ot o'&y i&&'ess %,t e(ery ki'd o* s,**eri'g /itho,t *ee&i'g a'y pai', that *e&&o/ is a &iar /ho sti&& has'?t rea&. iIed the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g dy'a+i- *,'-tio' o* the 2,ddha Mi'd0 1* there?s a'yo'e /ho te&&s yo, he *ee&s a%so&,te&y 'o pai' at a&&, 1 do,%t he k'o/s the di**ere'-e %et/ee' *ee&i'g pai' a'd not *ee&i'g it0 There?s si+p&y 'o s,-h thi'g as 'ot *ee&i'g pai'0 Si'-e the 2,ddha Mi'd is e'do/ed /ith a +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g dy'a+i- *,'-. tio', 'ot o'&y i&&'ess %,t e(erythi'g there is -a' %e -&ear&y re-og'iIed a'd disti'g,ished0 That?s /hy, /he' yo,?re *a-ed /ith the s,**eri'gs o* i&&'ess, i* yo, si+p&y do'?t get i'(o&(ed /ith the+ or atta-h to the+, there?s 'othi'g yo, /o'?t %e a%&e to e'd,re0 So D,st go with the i&&'ess, a'd, i*

-ermons G 65

yo,?re i' pai', go ahead a'd groa'K 2,t, /hether yo,?re si-k or yo,?re 'ot, a&/ays a%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 JHo/e(er, yo, o,ght to rea&iIe that /he', i' respo'se to the s,**eri'gs o* i&&'ess, yo, %e-o+e i'(o&(ed /ith tho,ghts, i' additio' to yo,r i&&'ess, yo, s,**er *ro+ -ha'gi'g the 2,ddha Mi'd *or tho,ghts0 That /hi-h is origi'a&&y witho$t tho,ght is the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 Fai&i'g to rea&iIe the ,'%or' O'at,reP o* the 2,ddha Mi'd, yo, s,**er a'd eF-ha'ge it *or tho,ghts0 The', 'o +atter ho/ +,-h yo, -&ai+ yo,?re 'ot *ee&i'g pai', it?s D,st ta&k. i'g a%o,t yo,r idea o* %ei'g /itho,t pai', it?s +ere&y a 'otio' %ased o' tho,ght0 So yo, are'?t *ree *ro+ s,**eri'g a*ter a&&0 The *a-t that s,-h tho,ghts e(e' arise sho/s that, ha(i'g *ai&ed to rea&iIe -o'-&,si(e&y the 2,ddha Mi'd that tra's-e'ds %irth a'd death, yo,?re s$fferin% *ro+ %irth a'd death0J

Bein% free in birth and death

JChe' it -o+es to the idea o* %ei'g *ree i' %irth a'd death, peop&e are apt to +is,'dersta'd0 There are so+e /ho, %e*oreha'd, a''o,'-e they?re goi'g to die i' a -er. tai' ',+%er o* days, /hi&e others go so *ar as to eFpress their i'te'tio' to die, say, 'eFt year' i' s,-h.a'd.s,-h a +o'th a'd o' s,-h.a'd.s,-h a day0 Che' the ti+e ar. ri(es, so+e o* the+, e(e' tho,gh they?re 'ot i&&, die D,st as they said, /hi&e others p,t it o** *or a'other day, or a +o'th, a'd then pass a/ay0 There are &ots o* peop&e /ho -o'sider this %ei'g *ree i' %irth a'd death0 )ot that 1 say this is'?t so0 So *ar as *reedo+ goes, they?re terribly *reeK 2,t thi'gs o* this sort are o'&y a res,&t o* the stre'gth o* peop&es as-eti- pra-ti-es, a'd o*te' they ha(e'?t ope'ed the Eye o* the Cay0" E(e' a+o'g ordi'ary peop&e, yo, *reH,e't&y *i'd this0 Chi&e they +ay k'o/ Othe ti+e o*

6$ G 2A)KE1 :E) theirP death, they ha(e'?t yet ope'ed the Eye o* the Cay, a'd that?s /hy 1 do'?t a--ept this ki'd o* thi'g0 The +a' o* the B'%or' transcends %irth a'd death0 J)o/, 1?+ s,re yo,?re a&& /o'deri'g D,st /hat it +ea's to tra's-e'd %irth a'd death0 That /hi-h is ,'%or' is i+perisha%&eM a'd si'-e /hat does'?t perish does'?t die, it tra's-e'ds %irth a'd death0 So, /hat 1 -a&& a +a' /ho?s *ree i' %irth a'd death is o'e /ho dies ,'-o'-er'ed /ith %irth a'd death0 Chat?s +ore, the +atter o* %irth a'd death is so+ethi'g that?s /ith ,s a&& day &o'g<it does'?t +ea' o'&y o'-e i' a &i*eti+e /he' /e -o'*ro't the +o. +e't o* death itse&*0 A +a' /ho?s *ree i' %irth a'd death is o'e /ho a&/ays re+ai's ,'-o'-er'ed /ith %irth a'd death, k'o/i'g that so &o'g as /e?re a&&o/ed to &i(e, /e &i(eM a'd /he' the ti+e -o+es to die<e(e' i* death -o+es right 'o/</e D,st die, Orea&iIi'gP that when /e die is'?t o* great i+porta'-e0 S,-h a perso' is a&so o'e /ho has -o'-&,si(e&y rea&iIed the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g B'. %or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 Ta&ki'g a'd thi'ki'g a%o,t so+ethi'g &ike /hat ho,r o* /hat day yo,?re goi'g to die is rea&&y 'arro/.+i'ded, do'?t yo, thi'kE JThe' there?s the idea that ?%irth a'd death are 'ir. (a'a0?!4 This agai' is so+ethi'g %o,'d $& /ith %irth a'd death0 OE(eryo'e k'o/sP the rea&+ o* %irth a'd death is 'o di**ere't *ro+ the rea&+ o* 'ir(a'a, does'?t heE The reaso' Oso+e peop&e ha(e to go a'd spe&& it o,t &ike thisP is that they do'?t rea&iIe the 2,ddha +i'd e(eryo'e has *ro+ his pare'ts i''ate&y is here, today, per*e-t&y +a'agi'g a&& thi'gs /ith the B'%or'0 Crapped ,p i' /ords a'd &etters, they sear-h a%o,t, &ooki'g *or so+e %irth a'd death a'd 'ir(a'a o,tside, eF-ha'gi'g their B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd *or 'o. tio's o* %irth a'd death a'd 'ir(a'a, so that a&& day &o'g they?re *,'-tio'i'g i' the rea&+ o* %irth a'd death a'd ha(e'?t e(e' a +o+e't?s pea-e0 Patheti-, /he' yo, thi'k o* itK

Ser+o's G 6>

JSi'-e the 2,ddha Mi'd is per*e-t&y +a'agi'g a&& thi'gs /ith the B'%or', it does'?t k'o/ a'ythi'g a%o,t ?%irth a'd death? or ?'ir(a'a0? Fro+ the p&a-e o* the B'%or', %irth a'd death a'd 'ir(a'a too are D,st a &ot o* e+pty spe-,&atio'0 That?s /hy e(e' *or so+eo'e /ho ,p ti&& D,st the other day had %ee' i'(o&(ed i' Othe rea&+ o*P arisi'g a'd -easi'g, i* *ro+ today o' he *,&&y rea&iIes his +istake, a'd does'?t eF-ha'ge the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd *or the Three Poiso's or i'(o&(e hi+se&* /ith %irth a'd death or 'ir(a'a, he?&& a%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 The', /he' the ti+e -o+es *or the e&e+e'ts that -o+pose his physi-a& %ody to disperse, he?&& D,st &et the+ go, a'd die /itho,t a'y atta-h+e't0 This is a +a' *or /ho+ %irth a'd death are 'ir(a'a, a +a' /ho is *ree i' %irth a'd death0J

The ori%inal face

JChat?s -a&&ed o'e?s ?origi'a& *a-e?!! is a&so 'o'e other tha' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 Chat yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y is the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd a&o'e<there?s 'othi'g e&se yo,?(e got i''ate&y0 This is a' eFpressio' &e*t %ehi'd %y a +aster o* o&d i' his atte+pt to +ake peop&e rea&iIe the *a-t that the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd is 'o'e other tha' o'e?s origi'a& *a-e0 E(e' /hat /e -a&& ?*ather a'd +other? are 'a+es o* tra-es that ha(e a&ready arise'0 The +a' /ho has -o'-&,si(e&y rea&iIed the 2,ddha Mi'd a%ides at the so$rce o* *ather a'd +other, a'd that?s /hy /e speak o* Othat /hi-h eFistsP ?%e*ore *ather a'd +other /ere %or'0? This ?%e*ore they /ere %or'? is 'o'e other tha' the B'%or'M so the 2,ddha Mi'd is the sa+e as yo,r origi'a& *a-e0 0 0 0J

Entrances
J)o/ a%o,t the Three Re*,ges3!7 *or %,ddha, /e take re*,ge i' a parti-,&ar %,ddha o* o,r -hoosi'gM *or 9har+a,

66 G 2A)KE1 :E) /e take re*,ge i' a parti-,&ar 9har+aM *or sa'gha, /e take re*,ge i' a parti-,&ar sa'gha0 A&& 1 te&& peop&e a%o,t is the 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd that?s /hy 1?+ 'ot 'e-essari&y &i+ited to a'y parti-,&ar s-hoo&0 9i**ere'-es eFist i' the /ay s-hoo&s *or+,&ate their parti-,&ar do-tri'es a'd tea-h the+ to peop&eM %,t the o'&y reaso' tea-hi'gs are esta%&ished is to +ake peop&e rea&iIe *or the+se&(es /hat it is they a&& i'. tri'si-a&&y possess, the 2,ddha Mi'd they ha(e *ro+ their pare'ts i''ate&y0 So /he' it -o+es to the esta%&ish+e't o* (ario,s s-hoo&s, as they?re a&& e'tra'-es to the Path o* 2,ddha Mi'd, /e -a&& the+ ?e'tra'-es to the tea-hi'g0? JThere are +a'y o* yo, +o'ks gathered here *ro+ e(ery H,arter *or this trai'i'g period, so yo, pro%a%&y %e. &o'g to +a'y di**ere't s-hoo&s0 2,t 1?+ s,re that as yo, &iste' to the ser+o's 1?+ gi(i'g, there /i&& %e those /ho a**ir+ /hat 1 say0 There are %o,'d to %e others /ho /o'?t a**ir+ it, too, a'd *or those o* yo, i' the asse+%&y /ho do'?t, so &o'g as yo, keep *ro+ %a-ks&idi'g i' yo,r *aith, so+e/here or other the day /i&& -ertai'&y -o+e /he' yo,?&& ,'dersta'd0 Che' that happe's, 1?+ s,re yo,?&& re+e+%er a%o,t +e, so yo,?d %etter grasp /hat 1?+ sayi'g0J

T o &ractice is hard
JE(e' a+o'g those i' the asse+%&y 'o/ /ho a-k'o/&. edge /hat 1 say, there are so+e /ho +ere&y tea-h the B'%or' /ith their +o,ths a'd do'?t -o'ti',a&&y a%ide i' the B'%or', peop&e /ho o'&y k'o/ abo$t the B'%or', peop&e o* +ere&y i'te&&e-t,a& ,'dersta'di'g0 Fro+ the sta'dpoi't o* the B'%or', i'te&&e-t,a& ,'dersta'di'g too is e+pty spe-,&atio', so yo, -a'?t say s,-h a perso' has -o'-&,si(e&y reali+ed the B'%or'0 Che' yo, -o+e right do/' to it, this ki'd o* approa-h is /orth&ess0 E(e' i* yo, tea-h others a%o,t the B'%or', they /o'?t rea&iIe it0 A'd

-ermons , HF

the reaso' they /o'?t is that, to start /ith, yo, yo$rself ha(e'?t &e*t e(erythi'g to the 2,ddha Mi'd?s ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g Oa-ti(ityPM yo, do'?t li)e %y the tea-hi'g or *,'-tio' /ith the B'%or' at a&& ti+es a'd i' a&& thi'gs<yo, *ai& to pra-ti-e it yo,rse&* a'd o'&y tea-h /hat yo, k'o/ i'te&&e-t,a&&y, so there?s 'o /ay others are goi'g to a-k'o/&edge it0 1* yo, do'?t tr,&y a-k'o/&edge +y ser+o', tr,&y pra-ti-e it, tr,&y +a'i*est it, %,t D,st tea-h others /hat yo,?(e grasped i'te&&e-t,a&&y, they -a'?t possi%&y rea&iIe it the+se&(es0 1' the e'd, this o'&y &eads to %&asphe+i'g the 9har+a0 So, a&tho,gh peop&e /ho?(e eFperie'-ed so+e ?rea&iIatio'? /i&& t,r' ,p *ro+ ti+e to ti+e, there has'?t yet %ee' o'e /ho acts a--ordi'g to his rea&iIatio' i' a&& his a**airs right here a'd 'o/0 To ,'der. sta'd is easyM to pra-ti-e is hard0J

The crow and the cormorant

JThat?s /hy, /he' it -o+es to +y dis-ip&es i' per+a. 'e't reside'-e at the te+p&e, i* they ha(e'?t ope'ed the Eye o* the Cay, i* they &a-k the eye that sees i'to +e', 1 *or%id the+ to tea-h0 1* they are tea-hi'g &ike this, they?re o'&y +i+i-ki'g +y /ords0 As the sayi'g goes, /he' a -ro/ tries to i+itate a -or+ora't, his %&a-k -o&ori'g +ay %e the sa+e, %,t o'-e he?s i' the /ater, he?s ,'a%&e to *,'-tio' *ree&y the /ay the -or+ora't does0 1' eFa-t&y the sa+e /ay, D,st as the -ro/?s %&a-k -o&ori'g is &ike the -or. +ora't?s, st,de'ts /ho i+itate the /ay 1 speak +ay %e a%&e to +o,th thi'gs a%o,t the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 2,t si'-e those /hose eye has'?t ope'ed to the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g Oa-ti(ityP o* this 2,ddha Mi'd &a-k the eye that sees i'to +e', /he' they ha(e to respo'd to peop&e?s H,estio's, so+eho/ they *i'd the+se&(es to'g,e.tied a'd -a'?t *,'-tio' *ree&y0 1t?s the sa+e as the -ro/ /he' he gets

6# G 2A);CE1 :E) i' the /ater a'd -a'?t *,'-tio' *ree&y the /ay the -or+o. ra't does0 That?s /hy 1 stri-t&y *or%id +y dis-ip&es to tea-h0 1t?s %e-a,se, /itho,t k'o/i'g the B'%or', peop&e D,st stay o' the p&a'e o* ,'dersta'di'g, o* /hat?s see' or heard, *e&t or tho,ght,!5 a'd eF-ha'ge the 2,ddha Mi'd *or 'otio's0 This is /hat?s +ea't %y de&,sio'0J

4et it be
JThe reaso' peop&e +is,'dersta'd the di**ere'-e %e. t/ee' tho,ghts a'd de&,sio's is that e(eryo'e i+agi'es tho,ghts a&& eFist at the %otto+ a'd arise *ro+ thereM %,t origi'a&&y there?s 'o a-t,a& s,%sta'-e at the ?%otto+? *ro+ /hi-h tho,ghts arise0 1'stead, yo, retai' the thi'gs yo, see a'd hear, a'd *ro+ ti+e to ti+e, i' respo'se to -ir. -,+sta'-es, the i+pressio's -reated %y these eFperie'-es are re*&e-ted %a-k to yo, i' pre-ise detai&0 So /he' they?re re*&e-ted, D,st &et the+ %e, a'd re*rai' *ro+ atta-hi'g to the+0 E(e' i* e)il tho,ghts -o+e ,p, D,st &et the+ -o+e ,p, do'?t i'(o&(e yo,rse&* /ith the+, a'd they -a'?t he&p %,t stop0 1s'?t this D,st the sa+e as i* they did'?t ariseE That /ay, there /o'?t %e a'y e(i& tho,ghts *or yo, to dri(e o,t *or-e*,&&y, or a'y re+orse a%o,t ha(i'g had the+0 J2e-a,se the 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'at. i'g, +e'ta& i+pressio's *ro+ the past are re*&e-ted, a'd yo, +ake the +istake o* &a%e&i'g as ?de&,sio's? thi'gs that are'?t de&,sio's at a&&0 9e&,sio's +ea's the a'g,ish o* tho,ght *eedi'g o' tho,ght0 Chat *oo&ish'ess it is to -re. ate the a'g,ish o* de&,sio' %y -ha'gi'g the pre-io,s 2,d. dha Mi'd, po'deri'g o(er this a'd that, +,&&i'g o(er thi'gs o* 'o /orthK 1* there /ere a'yo'e /ho a-t,a&&y s,--eeded at so+ethi'g %y po'deri'g it a&& the /ay thro,gh, it +ight %e a&& right to do thi'gs that /ayM %,t I9)e 'e(er

-ermons , HA

heard o* a'yo'e /ho, i' the e'd, /as a%&e to a--o+p&ish a'ythi'g &ike thisK So, po'deri'g o(er thi'gs is ,se&ess, is'?t itE 1t?s ,tter&y ,se&essK The +ai' thi'g is a&/ays to %e -are*,& 'ot to stir ,p tho,ghts a'd -ha'ge the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd *or a *ighti'g de+o', a he&&.d/e&&er, a h,'. gry ghost, a %east, a'd the &ike0 1* yo, do, yo, /o'?t ha(e a'other -ha'-e to %e %or' a h,+a', 'ot i' te' tho,sa'd or e(e' o'e h$ndred tho,sa'd ka&pasKJ

The laws$it
JL,-ki&y, 1 happe' to re-a&& so+ethi'g i' this -o''e-. tio', so &et +e te&& yo, a&& a%o,t it0 1?(e got a te+p&e, the F,+o'Di,!$ at Hirado i' HiIe' pro(i'-e0 Last year, /he' 1 /as gi(i'g ser+o's at this te+p&e, the peop&e *ro+ three or *o,r ri!> aro,'d -a+e to &iste', a'd /e had as %ig a -ro/d as the o'e that -o+es to the )yohoDi!6 i' OI, i' &yo0 OAt this ti+e,P there /ere t/o +er-ha'ts *ro+ Hirado, a' ,'-&e a'd 'ephe/, /ho /ere e+%roi&ed i' a &a/s,it0 The ,'-&e had *i&ed a *or+a& petitio' o* -o+p&ai't /ith the +agistrate a'd /as pressi'g it deter+i'ed&y, %,t, /hat. e(er the 'at,re o* the s,it, it pro(ed a di**i-,&t o'e, a'd e(e' the +agistrate /as hard p,t to reso&(e it a'd had %e-o+e *ed ,p /ith the /ho&e a**air0 For three years the -ase dragged o', %itter&y dead&o-ked0 Mea'/hi&e, ha(i'g *ai&ed to rea-h a'y sett&e+e't, the ,'-&e a'd 'ephe/ stopped eF-ha'gi'g (isits a'd %roke o** a&& re&atio's0 JThe', o'e day, the ,'-&e -a+e to hear +y ser+o', a'd grad,a&&y %e-a+e -o'(i'-ed %y /hat he heard0 J Tr,&y,? he -o'sidered, ?,p ti&& 'o/ 1?d 'e(er drea+ed 1 /as eF-ha'gi'g the 2,ddha Mi'd 1 ha(e *ro+ +y par. e'ts i''ate&y *or a *ighti'g de+o', a he&&.d/e&&er, a %east or a h,'gry ghostK 1?+ s,re there?s 'o greater ,'*i&ia&ity

84 G 2A)KE1 :E) to/ard o'e?s pare'tsK Chat?s +ore, a 'ephe/ is a' i'ti. +ate +e+%er o* the *a+i&y, D,st &ike o'e?s o/' so'<it?s 'ot as i* he /ere a stra'ger0 Yet, the tr,th is that, %e-a,se o* the %ase'ess o* +y o/' desires, 1?(e %ee' i'd,&gi'g i' se&*.-e'tered'ess, /hi-h is'?t at all i''ate, atta-hed to /or&d&y -o'-er's0 Ho/ -o,&d 1 e(er &et thi'gs -o+e to this<,'-&e a'd 'ephe/ t,r'ed i'to +orta& e'e+ies, a%o,t to -o'de+' the+se&(es to tra's+igrate *ore(er, dyi'g a'd %ei'g re%or' a+id the Three E(i& Rea&+sK? Re*&e-ti'g &ike this, /itho,t e(e' ret,r'i'g ho+e, he /e't straight *ro+ /here 1 /as gi(i'g the ser+o' to see the +agistrate a'd to&d hi+3 ?1 ha(e p,t yo,r Ho'or to +,-h tro,%&e i' this &a/s,it /ith +y 'ephe/ a'd a+ si'-ere&y grate*,& *or a&& yo,?(e do'e0 Ho/e(er, today *or the *irst ti+e 1 heard the Ve'era%&e 2a'kei?s ser+o', a'd 1?(e rea&iIed +y +istake0 Mis&ed %y +y o/' petty desires, /ith 'o sha+e a%o,t /hat peop&e +ight say, 1 %ro,ght -harges agai'st +y o/' 'ephe/ %e*ore yo,r Ho'or, pressi'g the+ re&e't&ess&y, *i&&ed o'&y /ith hatred a'd &a-ki'g a'y sy+pathy at a&&0 )o/ that 1?(e rea&iIed +y error, 1 *ee& -o+p&ete&y asha+ed0 Heari'g the Ve'era%&e 2a'kei?s i'str,-tio', 1 /as tr,&y sa(ed, so *ro+ here o' 1?+ a%a'do'i'g +y &a/s,it0 1 there*ore h,+%&y reH,est yo,r Ho'or to ret,r' to +e the petitio' 1 ga(e yo,0? JThe +agistrate readi&y agreed, a'd, *i&&ed /ith ad+i. ratio', de-&ared3 Tr,&y, his Re(ere'-e?s s,perior (irt,e is 'ot &i+ited o'&y to 2,ddhis+ %,t is a%&e to +a'age /or&d&y a**airs a'd go(er'+e't as /e&&K O' yo,r part, too, ho/ eFtraordi'ary that yo, a-k'o/&edged his tea-hi'g, *orgi(. i'g yo,r 'ephe/ a'd a%a'do'i'g the &a/s,it0? Cith these /ords o* praise, he ha'ded %a-k the petitio'0 JThe ,'-&e, ha(i'g re-ei(ed the petitio' *ro+ the +ag. istrate, *irst ret,r'ed to his ho+e, a'd the', p&a-i'g the petitio' i'side his ro%e, O/e't o** to seeP the 'ephe/ /ho+ he had'?t (isited *or three years0 JSi'-e the ,'-&e had -o+e e'tire&y o' his o/', p,tti'g

Ser+o's G 8!

aside his st,%%or' /i&&*,&'ess, he took the 'ephe/ -o+. p&ete&y %y s,rprise0 J ?Stra'ge,? he tho,ght to hi+se&*, d,+%*o,'ded3 This ,'-&e *i&es a &a/s,it agai'st +e *or three years, se(ers a&& -o'ta-t %et/ee' ,s, does'?t pay a si'g&e (isit, a'd 'o/ he -o+es to see +e this /ayK ChyE 1t -ertai'&y is hard to *ig,re0 Chat?s goi'g o'E 1t D,st does'?t *ee& right0? JSti&&, there /as his ,'-&e, a'd, e(e' /hi&e they +ight 'ot ha(e %ee' o' speaki'g ter+s, 'o/ that he had arri(ed a'd a''o,'-ed hi+se&*, there /as 'o /ay the 'ephe/ -o,&d es-ape, so he to&d hi+3 ?Ce&-o+e0 P&ease -o+e i'0? A'd /hi&e the 'ephe/ /as thi'ki'g3 ?1 /o'der /hat he?s got to sayE? his ,'-&e de-&ared3 J ?1 rea&iIe +y -o+i'g here +,st see+ stra'ge, %,t 1 had to te&& yo, this3 Yo, a'd 1 are ,'-&e a'd 'ephe/, %,t, o&d as 1 a+, 1?(e a-ted &ike a -hi&d, setti'g +yse&* agai'st yo, /ho are yo,'g, /ro'g*,&&y starti'g a &a/s,it a'd %reaki'g o** a&& re&atio's %et/ee' ,s *or three years0 2,t today, a*ter heari'g the Ve'era%&e 2a'kei?s /o'der*,& tea-hi'g, 1?+ -o+p&ete&y asha+ed o* +yse&*0 1?(e %eha(ed disgra-e*,&&y i' *ro't o* e(eryo'e, a'd 'o/, *i&&ed /ith re+orse, 1?(e -o+e here to o**er +y apo&ogies, so p&ease *orgi(e +e *or the /ro'g 1?(e do'e0 A'd to pro(e to yo, that 1?+ 'ot goi'g to prose-,te this &a/s,it a'y *,rther, today, as soo' as 1 &e*t the p&a-e /here the Ve'era%&e 2a'kei /as de&i(eri'g his ta&k, 1 /e't straight to the +agistrate, took %a-k the petitio' 1?d gi(e' hi+, a'd %ro,ght it here to sho/ to yo, a'd set yo,r +i'd at ease0 Here, see *or yo,rse&*K? the ,'-&e said, dra/i'g the &a/s,it *ro+ his ro%e0 JThi'ki'g, ?Ce&&, 1?d 'e(er eFpe-ted hi+ to %eha(e &ike s,-h a +ode& ,'-&eK? the 'ephe/ said3 ?Chat -o,&d %e +ore /o'der*,&K N /as at *a,&t *or *ai&i'g to a--ord yo, the respe-t d,e as +y se'ior0 1?(e tr,&y (io&ated Hea(e'?s /i&& a'd *ee& -o+p&ete&y asha+ed0 1 ha(e 'o pare'ts 'o/, so, /hate(er it /as, it /as +y d,ty to ask yo,r ad(i-e a'd

87 G 2A)KE1 :E) a--ept yo,r orders a'd i'str,-tio's0 1'stead, +y %eha(ior has %ee' ,'+e'tio'a%&e0 Chate(er yo, to&d +e, it /as +y d,ty to o%ey yo,, /itho,t a'y protest, %,t 1 opposed yo, a'd dro(e yo, to *i&e a &a/s,it /ith the +agistrate0 To ha(e a-ted &ike this /as ,'+i'd*,& o* the Cay o* Hea(e', heed&ess o* the gods a'd %,ddhas0 There is 'o/here 1 -a' hide +y sha+e %e*ore +y o/' dead *ather0 P&ease *orgi(e +eK 1 H,arre&ed a'd %roke o** re&atio's /ith yo,, +y re. spe-ted ,'-&e, a'd the', Jo'-e the ship /as ,'der /ay, there /as 'o t,r'i'g %a-k,J 'o -hoi-e eF-ept to stop seei'g o'e a'other ti&& 'o/0 1* the tr,th %e to&d, it /as *or +e to -o+e to yo, a'd prese't my apo&ogies0 The *a-t that, i' the e'd, it /as yo,, +y ,'-&e, /ho -a+e here a'd spoke to +e &ike this sho/s the +ost sha+e&ess %eha(ior o' +y part0 Ho/ grate*,& 1 *ee&K? So sayi'g, he po,red *orth tears a'd de-&ared3 ?1' a&& o,r H,arre&s %e*ore, the *a,&t /as e'tire&y +y o/', ,'-&e, so 1 %eg yo, to *orgi(e +eK? JChe' the 'ephe/ had spoke', the ,'-&e said3 ?)o, 'oK )ot at a&&K The *a,&t is +i'e, a'd it?s 1 /ho ask *or *orgi(e'ess0 Che' o'e is yo,'g, as yo, /ere, it?s -o+. +o', /hoe(er it is, to a-t rash&y, 'ot k'o/i'g /hat?s good or %ad, right or /ro'g i' the /or&d, 'ot -ari'g /hat others +ay thi'k0 2,t e(e' tho,gh yo, /ere'?t gro/', 1 t,r'ed agai'st yo,, %e&ie(i'g yo, /ere a detesta%&e -hara-ter< a'd yo, too, i' yo,r t,r', +,st ha(e %e-o+e -o'(i'-ed that 1 /as %eha(i'g heart&ess&y, so that %oth o* ,s 'ear&y -o'de+'ed o,rse&(es to tra's+igrate *ore(er, /ith 'o hope o* es-ape, s,'k i' a' eter'ity o* a--,+,&ated si'K Ho/ asha+ed 1 *ee& 'o/ /he' 1 thi'k o* itK? JThey did'?t stop at +ere&y e'di'g the &a/s,it, %,t /ith ea-h o* the+ i'sisti'g &ike this o' taki'g a&& the %&a+e, they pat-hed ,p their three years? %rea-h0 The ,'-&e &i'. gered &eis,re&y at the 'ephe/?s ho,se a'd /as &a(ish&y *easted %e*ore ret,r'i'g ho+eM a'd &ater, the 'ephe/ p,t o' his *or+a& attire a'd ret,r'ed the -o,rtesy %y goi'g to (isit his ,'-&e0 The res,&t /as that, a*ter this, they %e-a+e e(e'

Ser+o's G 85 -&oser to o'e a'other tha' they had %ee' %e*ore the &a/. s,it0 This sort o* thi'g -a' rea&&y happe'K JA&& /ho /it'essed the si'-ere re&atio'ship %et/ee' the ,'-&e a'd 'ephe/ /ere a+aIed a'd deep&y +o(ed0 Those i' the 'eigh%ori'g to/'s /ho /ere -o'd,-ti'g &a/. s,its o* their o/', o' heari'g a%o,t this, yie&ded to reaso', ga(e /ay i' their se&*ish i'siste'-e a'd /e't ea-h a'd e(ery o'e to /ithdra/ the &a/s,its they?d prese'ted0 So+e se(e'tee' petitio's had %ee' s,%+itted to the +agistrates, %,t, 'e(erthe&ess, 1 ,'dersta'd that a&& se(e'tee' /ere /ithdra/'0 1' *a-t, as so+eo'e *ro+ Hirado to&d +e, this ,'-&e had a&/ays %ee' a thoro,gh&y hard.'osed -hara-. ter<'ot at a&& the sort yo,?d eFpe-t to go to the ne&hewl 2,t those /ho are hard.'osed /i&& a&so gi(e /ay easi&y0 JCo'sideri'g the /ho&e +atter o* this &a/s,it %et/ee' the ,'-&e a'd 'ephe/, do'?t yo, thi'k it?s patheti- the /ay they %e-a+e de&,ded as a res,&t o* their sha+e&ess se&*ish. 'ess to/ard o'e a'other a'd the stre'gth o* their se&*. -e'tered'ess, 'ot e(e' rea&iIi'g that others /ere regardi'g the+ /ith s-or' a'd speaki'g %ad&y o* the+, +aki'g the+ the o%De-t o* a&& ki'ds o* ta&kE O* -o,rse, /he' it?s so+eo'e e&se?s s,its a'd &itigatio's, yo, -a' ta&k g&i%&y a%o,t the rights a'd /ro'gsM %,t /he' yo$9re the o'e -o'-er'ed, it?s 'ot so easyK 2e-a,se o* se&*ish desire, to ratio'a&iIe yo,r o/' positio' D,st to get /hat yo, /a't, a-ti'g /i&&*,&&y a'd /ro'g*,&&y, -ha'gi'g the pre-io,s 2,ddha Mi'd *or desire a'd *a&&i'g i'to the rea&+ o* h,'gry ghosts, o%s-,r. i'g the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd a'd %e. -o+i'g a %east<this is the greatest ,'*i&ia&ity yo, -a' sho/ yo,r pare'ts0 J1?+ te&&i'g yo, peop&e this sort o* thi'g i' the hope it /i&& pro(e i'str,-ti(e to a&& o* yo, too0 The ,'-&e?s ha(i'g i'sta't&y gi(e' /ay a'd %ee' sa(ed /he' he heard a si'g&e ser+o' /as a&so e'tire&y d,e to the dy'a+i- *,'-tio' yo, i'tri'si-a&&y possess, the pre-io,s 2,ddha Mi'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&yKJ

8$ G 2A)KE1 :E)

7$
A +o'k /ho had go'e to see the Master i' pri(ate i'ter(ie/ said3 J1 re-ei(ed the koa' ?;osh,?s M,?!8 *ro+ a -ertai' :e' tea-her a'd /orked at it *or +a'y years, app&y. i'g +yse&* si'g&e.+i'ded&y, eFerti'g a&& +y stre'gth, 'e(er &ea(i'g it *ro+ +y +i'd e(e' /he' +o(i'g +y ha'ds or *eetM %,t, try as 1 did, 1 -o,&d'?t so&(e it0 Chat?s +ore, e(e' tho,gh 1 dro(e +yse&* so hard that a*ter/ard 1 /as i&& *or H,ite so+e ti+e, 'othi'g spe-ia& happe'ed0 1' *a-t, o' the -o'trary, 1 %e-a+e a si-k +a', a'd, a*ter a /ho&e year o* %ei'g eFha,sted %y i&&'ess, ga(e ,p +y /ork o' the M, koa'0 Che' 1 si+p&y kept +y +i'd &ike the e+pty sky, 1 *e&t re+arka%&y easy i' %oth +i'd a'd %ody, a'd grad,a&&y re-o(ered +y hea&th0 Today, the', 1?+ 'o &o'ger /orki'g o' the M, koa', a'd, /hi&e 1 do'?t *ee& 1?(e so&(ed it, si'-e 1 a&/ays keep +y +i'd &ike the e+pty sky, 1?+ H,ite -o'te't0 Sti&&, 1?d (ery +,-h &ike to re-ei(e yo,r i'str,-. tio'0J The Master rep&ied3 JTo p,t aside the koa' M, a'd keep yo,r +i'd &ike the e+pty sky is'?t %ad si'-e it?s Oat &eastP a' eFpressio' o* yo,r o/' spirit,a& po/er0 2,t, /hi&e it?s a&& right, it?s hard&y the ,&ti+ate0 Si'-e yo,r B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd has'?t %ee' rea&iIed, yo, -a'?t +a'age s+ooth&y i' yo,r a-t,a& dai&y a**airs0 1' eF-ha'gi'g it *or so+ethi'g &ike ?the e+pty sky,? yo,?re obsc$rin% the +ar. (e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd the res,&t is, yo, &a-k the eye that sees i'to +e'0 B'&ess yo, ope' the eye that sees i'to +e', yo,?re a %&i'd +a' a'd /o'?t %e a%&e to see i'to others0 Ho/ a%o,t itE 1?+ s,re the +i'ds o* others +,st %e H,ite i'(isi%&e to yo,0J The +o'k said3 JYes, it?s tr,e0J The Master to&d hi+3 J1t?s o'&y 'at,ra&K So do as 1 say,

-ermons , 8>

thoro,gh&y a**ir+ /hat 1?+ te&&i'g yo,0 Che' yo, a--ept /hat yo,?(e heard a'd -o'-&,si(e&y rea&iIe it, the' a'd there the eye that sees i'to +e' /i&& appear, a'd yo, /o'?t +ake a'y +istake a%o,t thi'gs0 That +o+e't is the -o+. p&ete rea&iIatio' o* the 9har+a0J

The crows %o kaa5kaa' the s&arrows' ch$$5 ch$$

The Master addressed the asse+%&y3 J;,st as a&/ays, e(ery si'g&e day /he' 1 -o+e o,t to ta&k, today too the -ro/s go kaa5kaa' the sparro/s, ch$$5ch$$' a'd 1 ha(e'?t a'ythi'g di**ere't to say +yse&*0 A&& the sa+e, /he' yo, rea&&y a-k'o/&edge this o'e /ord O?,'%or'?P,!# yo,?&& *i'd e(erythi'g is s+ooth&y +a'aged0 JThe proo* o* this is that, /hi&e a&& o* yo, here are t,r'ed to/ard +e, i'te't o'&y o' heari'g +y ser+o' a'd /o'deri'g, ?Chat?s 2a'kei goi'g to sayE? yo, are'?t tryi'g either to hear or 'ot to hear the -a/i'g o* the -ro/s a'd the -hirpi'g o* the sparro/s o,t i' %a-k0 2,t, e(e' so, o'-e they start to -hirp a'd -a/, yo, re-og'iIe a'd disti'. g,ish the -ro/?s kaa5kaa a'd the sparro/s ch$$5ch$$. A'd it?s 'ot o'&y *or -ro/s a'd sparro/s3 e(erythi'g here, /he' yo, per-ei(e it /ith the B'%or', /i&& %e si+,&ta'e. o,s&y disti'g,ished, a'd yo, /o'?t o(er&ook e(e' o'e thi'g i' o'e h,'dred or o'e tho,sa'd0 1' the +ea'/hi&e, i* a go'g ri'gs o,tside the te+p&e, yo, k'o/ it?s a go'g, i* a dr,+ so,'ds, yo, k'o/ it?s a dr,+0 Yo,r disti'g,ishi'g e(erythi'g yo, see a'd hear &ike this, /itho,t prod,-i'g a si'g&e tho,ght, is the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g dy'a+i*,'-tio', the 2,ddha Mi'd that is ,'%or'0J

Two5thirds is with the 1nborn

J1* yo, di(ided the day i'to three parts, yo,?d *i'd that, o* a&& yo,r a-ti(ities *ro+ +or'i'g ti&& 'ight, t/o.thirds

86 G 2A)KE1 :E) /o,&d %e +a'aged /ith the B'%or'0 Yet, /itho,t rea&iI. i'g this, yo, i+agi'e yo, operate e'tire&y thro,gh -&e(er. 'ess a'd dis-ri+i'atio'<a serio,s error i'deedK As *or the re+ai'i'g third, ,'a%&e to a%ide i' the B'%or', yo, -ha'ge yo,r 2,ddha Mi'd *or tho,ghts, atta-hi'g to thi'gs that -o+e yo,r /ay, so that e(e' right i' this &i*e yo,?re -reat. i'g *ighti'g de+o's, -reati'g %easts, -reati'g h,'gry ghosts, a'd /he' yo,r &i*e -o+es to a -&ose, yo, *a&& right i'to the Three E(i& Rea&+s0 To %e&ie(e the Three E(i& Rea&+s eFist after yo, die is a great +istake, a %it o* *ar.*et-hed spe-,. &atio'KJ

4ookin% for enli%htenment

JTo eFert yo,rse&(es i' re&igio,s pra-ti-e, tryi'g to pro. d,-e e'&ighte'+e't %y doi'g re&igio,s pra-ti-es a'd Ia. Ie', is a&& /ro'g too0 There?s 'o di**ere'-e %et/ee' the +i'd o* a&& the %,ddhas a'd the 2,ddha Mi'd o* ea-h o'e o* yo,0 2,t %y /a'ti'g to rea&iIe e'&ighte'+e't, yo, -re. ate a d,a&ity %et/ee' the o'e /ho reali+es e'&ighte'+e't a'd /hat it is that?s %ei'g rea&iIed0 Che' yo, -herish e(e' the s+a&&est desire to rea&iIe e'&ighte'+e't, right a/ay yo, &ea(e %ehi'd the rea&+ o* the B'%or' a'd go agai'st the 2,ddha Mi'd0 This 2,ddha Mi'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y is o'e a&o'e<'ot t/o, 'ot threeKJ

)o del$sion' no enli%htenment
JYo, peop&e a&& i+agi'e yo,?d %e-o+e %,ddhas 'o/ *or the *irst ti+e0 2,t the 2,ddha Mi'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y is ,'%or', so it has 'o %egi''i'g a'd 'o e'd0 There?s 'ot e(e' a hair?s %readth o* a'ythi'g yo,

-ermons G 88

-a' -a&& de&,sio'0 So get it sH,are&y i' yo,r +i'ds that there?s 'othi'g arisi'g *ro+ i'side0 The +ai' thi'g is si+p&y 'ot getti'g i'(o&(ed /ith the /or&d o* eFter'a&s0!" That /hi-h is'?t i'(o&(ed /ith the /or&d o* eFter'a&s is the 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd si'-e the 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, /he' yo, a%ide i' this +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i. 'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd D,st as it is, there?s 'o de&,sio', 'o e'&ighte'+e't0 Chether yo,?re +aki'g a *ist or r,''i'g a%o,t, it?s a&& the ,'%or' *,'-tio'i'g o* the 2,ddha Mi'd0 Chat?s +ore, i* yo,?re the &east %it i' a r,sh to %e-o+e a s,perior perso' right a/ay, yo,?&& i++ediate&y go -o,'ter to the B'%or' a'd &ea(e it *ar %ehi'd0 1' the i''ate 2,d. dha Mi'd, there?s 'either Doy, sorro/ 'or a'ger<'othi'g %,t the 2,ddha Mi'd itse&*, +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g a'd disti'g,ishi'g Oa&& thi'gsP0 JSo, /he' yo, disti'g,ish the thi'gs that -o'*ro't yo, i' the /or&d o* eFter'a&s<Doy, sorro/, a'ger, or a'ythi'g ,'der the s,'<it?s the dy'a+i- *,'-tio' o* the +ar(e&. o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd, the 2,ddha Mi'd yo, origi'a&&y possess0J

!ater and ice

JSi'-e the 2,ddha Mi'd ea-h o* yo, has i''ate&y is'?t ?-reated,? it does'?t -o'tai' e(e' a spe-k o* de&,sio'0 So a'yo'e /ho says, T+ de&,ded %e-a,se 1?+ a' ,'e'&ight. e'ed %ei'g? is a terri%&y ,'*i&ia& perso' s&a'deri'g his o/' pare'tsK 1' the 2,ddha Mi'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y, the %,ddhas o* the past a'd the peop&e o* the prese't are a&& o'e s,%sta'-e, /ith 'o di**ere'-e %et/ee' the+0 1t?s D,st &ike the /ater o* the o-ea'3 1' the depths o* /i'ter, the /ater *reeIes a'd t,r's to i-e, ass,+i'g (ario,s *or+s<a'g,&ar, or ro,'dM %,t /he' it +e&ts, it?s a&& the

8# G 2A)KE1 :E) o'e /ater o* the o-ea'0 Che' yo, rea&iIe the ,'%or' 'at,re o* the 2,ddha Mi'd, that?s the /ater itself' D,st as it is, a'd yo, -a' *ree&y dip yo,r ha'ds right i'KJ74

-to&&in% tho$%hts
JSi'-e the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,. +i'ati'g, it has'?t so +,-h as a hair?s %readth o* a'y se&*ish %ias, so it adapts itse&* *ree&y, a'd, as it e'-o,'ters di**ere't sorts o* -ir-,+sta'-es, tho,ghts sporadi-a&&y pop ,p0 1t?s a&& right so &o'g as yo, si+p&y do'?t get i'(o&(ed /ith the+M %,t i* yo, do get i'(o&(ed /ith tho,ghts a'd go o' de(e&opi'g the+, yo, /o'?t %e a%&e to stop, a'd the' yo,?&& o%s-,re the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g O*,'-tio'P o* the 2,ddha Mi'd a'd -reate de&,sio's0 O' the other ha'd, si'-e *ro+ the start the 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,. +i'ati'g, readi&y i&&,+i'i'g a'd disti'g,ishi'g a&& thi'gs, /he' yo, hate a'd &oathe those de&,ded tho,ghts that -o+e ,p a'd try to sto& the+, yo, get -a,ght ,p i' stop. pi'g the+ a'd -reate a d,a&ity %et/ee' the o'e /ho is doi'g the stoppi'g a'd that /hi-h is %ei'g stopped0 1* yo, try to stop tho,ght /ith tho,ght, there /i&& 'e(er %e a' e'd to it0 1t?s D,st &ike tryi'g to /ash a/ay %&ood /ith %&ood0 E(e' i* yo, s,--eed i' getti'g o,t the origi'a& %&ood, yo,?&& %e &e*t /ith the stai' o* the %&ood that -a+e a*ter0J

The mirror
JSi'-e this 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, it?s a tho,sa'd, te' tho,sa'd ti+es %righter tha' a +irror, a'd there?s 'othi'g it does'?t re-og'iIe a'd disti'g,ish0 Cith a +irror, 'o soo'er do the *or+s o* thi'gs pass %e*ore it, tha' their re*&e-ted i+ages appear0

Ser+o's G 8"

2e-a,se, *ro+ the start, the +irror is /itho,t -o's-io,s i'te'tio', it has'?t a'y tho,ght o* reDe-ti'g or 'ot reDe-ti'g the *or+s o* thi'gs that -o+e %e*ore it, 'o tho,ght to re+o(e or 'ot to re+o(e those i+ages it re*&e-ts0 This is the *,'-tio' o* the shi'i'g +irror0 Ce -a'?t he&p -o+par. i'g the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g *,'-tio' o* the 2,ddha Mi'd to a +irror, so 1?+ si+p&y +aki'g the -o+pariso'0 2,t the +irror does'?t e(e' -o+e -&ose<the 2,ddha Mi'd is a tho,sa'd ti+es, ten tho,sa'd ti+es +ore /o'der*,&K JCith the dy'a+i- *,'-tio' o* the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,. +i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd, e(ery o%De-t that -o+es %e*ore yo,r eyes is i'di(id,a&&y re-og'iIed a'd disti'g,ished /itho,t yo,r doi'g a thi'g0 So, e(e' tho,gh yo,?re 'ot tryin% to do so, yo, re-og'iIe tho,sa'ds o* di**ere't i+. pressio's %y sight or %y so,'d0 A&& these are thi'gs /ith *or+, %,t e(e' those witho$t *or+<the thi'gs i' peop&e?s hearts that -a'?t %e see'<are pre-ise&y re*&e-ted0 E(e' /ith the di**ere't sorts o* *a-es yo, e'-o,'ter, their good or e(i& tho,ghts are re*&e-ted %y the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'at. i'g 2,ddha Mi'd0 JTake the peop&e asse+%&ed here, i'te't o' &iste'i'g to +y ta&k3 1* so+eo'e happe's to -o,gh, yo,?re 'ot +aki'g a de&i%erate e**ort to &iste'M %,t as soo' as there?s -o,gh. i'g<e(e' tho,gh yo,?re 'ot tryi'g either to hear it or 'ot to hear it<yo, -a' disti'g,ish it /e&& e'o,gh to say /hether that -o,gh D,st 'o/ -a+e *ro+ a +a' or a /o+a', a' o&d perso' or a yo,'g o'e0 Or take the -ase o* so+eo'e /ho+ yo, &ast sa/ t/e'ty years %e*ore3 Yo, ha(e'?t see' hi+ si'-e, a'd the', %y -ha'-e, yo, +eet o' the street a'd, pro+pted %y this e'-o,'ter, the e(e'ts o* t/e'ty years %e*ore at o'-e spri'g -&ear&y to +i'd0 Ho/ di**ere't this is *ro+ the *,'-tio' o* the +irrorKJ

Fire is hot
JThis sort o* thi'g, yo,r re-og'iIi'g a'd disti'g,ishi'g i'sta't&y a'd spo'ta'eo,s&y /hate(er yo, see a'd hear, is

#4 G 2A)KE1 :E) the dy'a+i- *,'-tio' o* the 2,ddha Mi'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y, the 2,ddha Mi'd, ,'%or' a'd +ar. (e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g0 JAs a'other eFa+p&e o* the ,'%or' *,'-tio' o* the 2,ddha Mi'd3 Che' yo,?re D,st there /ith 'o parti-,&ar tho,ght at a&& a'd so+eo'e p,ts a *&a+e to yo,r *i'gertips, yo, gi(e a start, a'd, /itho,t thi'ki'g, a,to+ati-a&&y p,&& %a-k yo,r ha'd0 This too is proo* that the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or' a'd per*e-t&y +a'. ages Oe(erythi'gP0 O' the other ha'd, to thi'k, ?That /as a *&a+e D,st 'o/,? a'd the' rea&iIe, ?1t?s hotK? a'd get a'gry /ith the *e&&o/ /ho %,r'ed yo, is to *a&& i'to the rea&+ o* se-o'dary eFperie'-e, de&i%erati'g a*ter the *a-t0J

Be st$&id=
J1 te&& +y st,de'ts a'd those o* yo, -o+i'g reg,&ar&y here to the te+p&e3 ?2e st,pidK? 2e-a,se yo,?(e got the dy'a+i- *,'-tio' o* the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd, e(e' i* yo, get rid o* dis-ri+i'ati(e ,'dersta'di'g, yo, /o'?t %e *oo&ish0 So, a&& o* yo,, *ro+ here o', %e st,pidK E(e' i* yo,?re st,pid, /he' yo,?re h,'gry, yo,?&& ask *or so+ethi'g to eat, /he' yo,?re thirsty, yo,?&& ask *or so+e teaM /he' it gets /ar+, yo,?&& p,t o' thi', &ight -&othes, a'd /he' it?s -o&d, yo,?&& p,t o' +ore -&othes0 As *ar as yo,r a-ti(ities o* today are -o'-er'ed, yo,?re 'ot &a-ki'g a thi'gK7! JCith peop&e /ho are -&e(er, there are s,re to %e a great +a'y short-o+i'gs0 To ha(e tra's-e'ded those -&e(er peop&e /ho+ a&& the /or&d ho&ds i' great estee+ is /hat?s +ea't %y ?st,pidity0? There?s rea&&y 'othi'g /ro'g /ith %ei'g a %&o-kheadK JChe' peop&e say that so+eo'e is a -&e(er *e&&o/, 1 ask

-ermons G #!

to +eet hi+, a'd /he' 1 do a'd /e ha(e a -ha'-e to ta&k, it &ooks to +e as i* peop&e i' the /or&d are praisi'g a' a/*,& &ot o* *oo&ish'ess0 The *a-t is that those -&e(er peop&e a--&ai+ed %y the /or&d are, *ro+ the start, de&,ded %y their o/' -&e(er'ess0 They distort the 2,ddha Mi'd a'd o%s-,re its +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g Ody'a+i- *,'-tio'P, -o'sideri'g other peop&e as o* 'o a--o,'t, -o'tradi-ti'g /hate(er they say, s&ighti'g a'd i's,&ti'g the+0 O* -o,rse, si'-e those they?re i's,&ti'g are also a+p&y e'do/ed /ith the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd, they are'?t goi'g to &et the+se&(es %e s&ighted &ike that, so they get a'gry a'd a's/er right %a-k, heed&ess&y po,ri'g *orth a%,se0 The tr$e +a'?s idea& is to sho/ ki'd'ess to those /ho are *oo&ish a'd he&p those /ho are e(i&0 To %e re-og'iIed as a good +a' %y the peop&e o* the /or&d is pre-ise&y /hat +akes %ei'g %or' a h,+a' %ei'g /orth/hi&e0 Ho/ -a' it %e a'y good to ear' yo,rse&* the rep,tatio' o* a /i-ked perso'E JSo /he' yo, go %a-k to yo,r ho+es a'd +eet yo,r o&d a-H,ai'ta'-es, yo, sho,&d ha(e the+ /o'deri'g a%o,t yo, a&&3 ?Ho/ did 2a'kei tea-h the+ 2,ddhis+, a'y/ayE Chy, they?(e -o+e %a-k e(e' +ore st,pid tha' %e*ore they &e*tK? JChat 1?+ ta&ki'g a%o,t is'?t the st,pidity o* st,pidity a'd ,'dersta'di'g0 That /hi-h transcends st,pidity a'd ,'dersta'di'g is /hat 1 +ea' %y st,pidityKJ

-mokin%
J1 k'o/ it?s so+ethi'g 1?+ te&&i'g yo, day a*ter day, %,t do'?t get i'to %ad ha%itsK 2ad ha%its o--,r /he' yo, atta-h to thi'gs that others do0 These thi'gs %e-o+e i'grai'ed so that yo, -a'?t get the+ o,t o* yo,r +i'd, a'd e'd ,p %y *or+i'g %ad ha%its0 JTake s+oki'g3 1s there a'yo'e /ho?s a s+oker right

#7 G 2A)KE1 :E) *ro+ %irthE )o, i'deedK Seei'g others s+oke, yo, i+itate the+, a'd the' yo,r s+oki'g %e-o+es i'grai'ed a'd t,r's i'to a %ad ha%it0 E(e' /he' yo,?re i' the prese'-e o* i+porta't perso's, or i' p&a-es /here s+oki'g is'?t a&. &o/ed, yo, sti&& ha(e the ,rge to s+oke, a'd a&& %e-a,se yo,?(e got i'to the %ad ha%it o* %ei'g a--,sto+ed to s+oke a&& the ti+e0 Chat?s +ore, /he' yo,?re thirsty a'd yo, s+oke to%a--o, it does'?t H,e'-h yo,r thirstM a'd /he' yo,?re star(i'g, 1?(e 'e(er heard that yo, -o,&d satis*y yo,r h$n%er %y s+oki'g, eitherK Yet, despite the *a-t that it?s a -o+p&ete&y /orth&ess a-ti(ity, o'-e yo, happe' to pi-k ,p s+oki'g a'd +ake it a ha%it, it %e-o+es so+ethi'g yo, D,st -a'?t stop0 Thro,gh this o'e eFa+p&e, yo, -a' -&ear&y ,'dersta'd e(ery sit,atio'0 So, e(e' i' s+a&& thi'gs, a(oid -reati'g %ad ha%its a'd +aki'g yo,rse&* de&,ded0J

)o s$ch thin% as enli%htenment

A +o'k /ho had -o+e *ro+ Se'dai i' Osh,77 said3 JSo+e/here 1 see+ to re-a&& there %ei'g the eFpressio', The +i'd e's&a(ed to physi-a& *or+0?75 1?+ a'Fio,s to a--ord /ith origi'a& +i'd at a&& ti+es, %,t ho/ sho,&d 1 pra-ti-e i' order to do thisE P&ease i'str,-t +e0J The Master rep&ied3 J1' +y s-hoo&, there?s 'o spe-ia& *or+ o* i'str,-tio'M a'd as *or re&igio,s pra-ti-e, there?s 'o parti-,&ar /ay *or doi'g that either0 Peop&e *ai& to rea&iIe that right /ithi' the+se&(es they?re *,&&y e'do/ed /ith the 2,ddha Mi'd they ha(e *ro+ their pare'ts i''ate&y, so they &ose their *reedo+ a'd ta&k a%o,t /a'ti'g to ?a--ord /ith origi'a& +i'd0? Che' yo,?(e rea&iIed that the 2,d. dha Mi'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts is ,'%or' a'd +ar. (e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g, yo,r ha'ds a'd *eet /i&& *,'-tio' *ree&y, a'd that?s the /orki'g o* the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'at. i'g 2,ddha Mi'd /hi-h is ,'%or'0

-ermons G #5

JAs proo* that yo,r 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or' a'd *ree&y *,'-tio'i'g3 Che' yo, -a+e *ro+ Se'dai ha(i'g heard a%o,t 2a'kei, yo, tra(e&ed a &o'g /ayM %,t as yo, stopped *or the 'ight here a'd there a&o'g the road, yo, /ere'?t thi'ki'g -o'ti',o,s&y a%o,t +e0 1' the dayti+e, yo, &ooked aro,'d at a&& the sights, a'd i* yo, had tra(e&i'g -o+pa'. io's, yo, ta&ked to the+0 2,t e(e' tho,gh yo, did'?t /a&k a&o'g thi'ki'g a%o,t o,r +eeti'g a'd de&i%erate&y keepi'g it i' +i'd at e(ery step o* the /ay, i' the e'd yo, arri(ed here at +y p&a-e0 This is /hat?s +ea't %y the 2,ddha Mi'd %ei'g ,'%or' a'd per*e-t&y +a'agi'g thi'gs0 J)o/, the hero's yo, see i' Se'dai are /hite, /itho,t ha(i'g to %e dyed that /ayM a'd the -ro/s, /itho,t %ei'g dyed, are %&a-k0 A'd right here too, e(e' tho,gh /he' yo, see the+ yo,?re 'ot de&i%erate&y tryi'g to disti'g,ish %et/ee' the t/o, as soo' as they appear %e*ore yo,, yo, k'o/ the /hite o'e?s a hero' a'd the %&a-k o'e?s a -ro/0 Citho,t ro,si'g a si'g&e tho,ght, it?s a&& s+ooth&y +a'. aged, is'?t itE 0 0 0 0J The', the +o'k asked3 J1 *i'd it i+possi%&e to -o'tro& a&& +y passio's a'd de&,sio's0 Chat sho,&d 1 doE 1t?s si+p&y pro(ed too +,-h *or +e, a'd 1 /ish to re-ei(e yo,r i'. str,-tio'0J The Master rep&ied3 JYo,r idea o* /a'ti'g to -o'tro& yo,r passio's a'd de&,sio's is itself de&,sio', -ha'gi'g the 2,ddha Mi'd *or de&,sio'K 9e&,sio's do'?t ha(e a'y a-. t,a& s,%sta'-e /he' they arise0 1' *a-t, they?re 'othi'g %,t shado/ *ig,res, thi'gs yo,?(e see' a'd heard that pop ,p sporadi-a&&y i' respo'se to -ir-,+sta'-es0J Agai', the +o'k H,estio'ed the Master3 JChat is e'. &ighte'+e'tEJ The Master rep&ied3 JThere?s 'o s,-h thi'g as e'&ight. e'+e't0 1t?s a -o+p&ete&y eFtra'eo,s p,rs,it0 To rea&iIe -o'-&,si(e&y that the 2,ddha Mi'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'at. i'g<that9s e'&ighte'+e't0 Not rea&iIi'g this +akes yo,

#$ G 2A)KE1 :E) de&,ded0 Si'-e the Origi'a& 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or', it *,'-tio's /itho,t tho,ghts o* de&,sio' or tho,ghts o* /a'ti'g to %e e'&ighte'ed0 As soo' as yo, thi'k o* /a'ti'g to %e e'&ighte'ed, yo, &ea(e the p&a-e o* the B'%or' a'd go -o,'ter to it0 2e-a,se the 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or', it has 'o tho,ghts at a&&0 Tho,ghts are the so,r-e o* de&,. sio'0 Che' tho,ghts are go'e, de&,sio' (a'ishes too0 A'd o'-e yo,?(e stopped %ei'g de&,ded, ta&ki'g a%o,t /a'ti'g to attai' ?e'&ighte'+e't? -ertai'&y is ,se&ess, do'?t yo, agreeEJ

Abide in the B$ddha 7ind

A +o'k asked3 JMy reg,&ar pra-ti-e is to read the s,tras a'd per*or+ IaIe'0 1 *ee& these a-ti(ities are +eritorio,s a'd do the+ a&& the ti+e0 Sho,&d 1 'o/ gi(e the+ ,p as ,se&essEJ The Master rep&ied3 JPra-ti-i'g IaIe' a'd readi'g the s,tras is *i'e0 :aIe' is so+ethi'g that a&& +o'ks /ho seek to dra/ the /ater o* Shaka?s strea+ +,st pra-ti-e a'd 'ot despise0 9ar,+a?s /a&&.gaIi'g,7$Tok,sa'?s riddi'g hi+se&* o* his s,tras,7> G,tei?s raisi'g his *i'ger,76 Ri'Iai?s 9kats$=9;F< e(e' tho,gh these (ary a--ordi'g to the di**ere't -ir-,+. sta'-es at the ti+e a'd the parti-,&ar +a''er o* the tea-her i'(o&(ed, they a&& D,st ha(e to do /ith eFperie'-i'g *or yo,rse&* the O'e B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 Yo, do'?t +is. take the so,'d o* a go'g *or that o* a dr,+, the so,'d o* a -ro/ *or that o* a sparro/, the so,'d o* a sparro/ *or that o* a -ro/<a&& the so,'ds yo, hear are i'di(id,a&&y re-. og'iIed a'd disti'g,ished /itho,t yo,r +issi'g a si'g&e o'e0 1t?s the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd that?s &iste'i'g, the 2,ddha Mi'd /hi-h is ,'%or'0 The /ords o* Ri'Iai?s Re-ord7# a'd these thi'gs 1?+ te&&i'g yo, are eFa-t&y the sa+e, there?s 'o di**ere'-e %et/ee' the+0 Fro+ here, the o'&y H,estio' is /hether or 'ot yo, ha(e *aith0

-ermons G #>

1* yo, -a'?t a%ide i' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd D,st as it is, a'd stir ,p di**ere't tho,ghts, regretti'g the past, /or. ryi'g a%o,t the *,t,re, the', i' D,st a day?s ti+e, /itho,t e(e' k'o/i'g it, t,r'i'g a'd tra's*or+i'g, yo,?&& ha(e -ha'ged the 2,ddha Mi'd *or passi'g tho,ghts, a'd yo,?&& 'e(er ha(e a +o+e't?s pea-eK J)o/, yo, +ay %e doi'g IaIe' a'd readi'g the s,tras, %,t a%ide i' the 2,ddha Mi'd that yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y, D,st as it is, a'd rea&iIe the B'%or'0 1* yo, pra-ti-e IaIe' or read the s,tras /ith so+e de&i%erate ai+ i' +i'd, hopi'g to a--,+,&ate +erit, or /hate(er, yo,?&& o'&y %e -ha'gi'g the 2,ddha Mi'd *or +erit, or -ha'gi'g it *or IaIe' a'd s,trasK That?s ho/ it is, so a&& yo,?(e got to do is a-k'o/&edge /ith pro*o,'d *aith a'd rea&iIatio' that, /itho,t yo$r prod,-i'g a si'g&e tho,ght or resorti'g to a'y -&e(er'ess or shre/d'ess, e(erythi'g is i'di(id,a&&y re-og'iIed a'd disti'g,ished o* itse&*0 A'd a&& %e-a,se the +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'. %or' a'd s+ooth&y +a'ages ea-h a'd e(ery thi'g0J

!hen tho$%hts arise

A 'o(i-e o* *o,rtee' or *i*tee' asked3 JChe' 1 pra-ti-e IaIe', tho,ghts see+ to -o+e ,p0 Chat sho,&d 1 do a%o,t thisEJ The Master rep&ied3 JTo disti'g,ish a'd re-og'iIe ea-h o'e o* the di**ere't tho,ghts that arise<that?s 'o'e other tha' the dy'a+i- *,'-tio' o* the 2,ddha Mi'd0 2e-a,se the 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g as /e&&, /hate(er thi'gs are retai'ed i' yo,r +i'd rise to the s,r*a-e0 1' the 2,ddha Mi'd, there aren9t a'y tho,ghts or ?thi'gs?M so /he' yo, do'?t get yo,rse&* i'(o&(ed /ith the+, do'?t /orry a%o,t tryi'g to get rid o* the+ or stop the+, yo,?&& D,st 'at,ra&&y a--ord /ith the B'%or' 2,d. dha Mi'd0J

#6 G 2A)KE1 :E)

4ettin% thin%s take care of themsel)es

The Master i'str,-ted a +o'k /ho had -o+e *ro+ Ta+%a37" JTo take the attit,de that, ha(i'g -o+e a&& this /ay, yo, /a't to %e s,re a'd rea&iIe %,ddhahood 'o/ as H,i-k&y as yo, -a' is to %e de&,ded %y yo,r -o's,+i'g desire *or %,ddhahood0 This +ay see+ &ike so+ethi'g per*e-t&y *i'e a'd ad+ira%&e, %,t it is, i' *a-t, de&,ded0 Che' it -o+es to +e, 1 'e(er e(e' H,ote the /ords o* the %,ddhas a'd patriar-hs i' the s,tras a'd re-ords0 A'd i* yo, /a't to k'o/ /hy, it?s %e-a,se 1 -a' +a'age per*e-t&y dea&i'g /ith peop&e?s o/' se&(es, so that?s a&& 1 ta&k to the+ a%o,t0 JYo,r /a'ti'g to rea&iIe %,ddhahood as H,i-k&y as yo, -a' is ,se&ess to %egi' /ith0 Si'-e the 2,ddha Mi'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts is ,'%or' a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i. 'ati'g, %e*ore e(e' a si'g&e tho,ght is prod,-ed, a&& thi'gs are re-og'iIed a'd disti'g,ished /itho,t resorti'g to a'y -&e(er'ess0 Citho,t atta-hi'g to O'otio's o*P ?e'&ighte'ed or ?de&,ded,? D,st re+ai' i' the state /here a&& thi'gs are re-og'iIed a'd disti'g,ished0 Let thi'gs take -are o* the+se&(es, a'd /hate(er -o+es a&o'g /i&& %e s+ooth&y +a'aged</hether yo, &ike it or 'otK That?s the O/orki'g o* theP 2,ddha Mi'd a'd its +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g dy'a+i- *,'-tio'0 Like a +irror that?s %ee' per*e-t&y po&. ished, /itho,t prod,-i'g a si'g&e tho,ght, /ith 'o a/are. 'ess o' yo,r part, /itho,t e(e' rea&iIi'g it, ea-h a'd e(ery thi'g is s+ooth&y dea&t /ith as it -o+es *ro+ o,tside0 )ot ,'dersta'di'g this, yo, peop&e take a&& the -redit a'd a-t as i* yo, +a'aged e(erythi'g yo,rse&(es %y +ea's o* -&e(. er'essK That?s /hy yo, -a'?t he&p re+ai'i'g de&,ded0 1* yo, -&ear&y grasp that tho,ght is so+ethi'g yo, prod,-e yo,rse&* /he' yo, get i'(o&(ed /ith thi'gs that -o+e a&o'g,

-ermons , JF

a'd keep *ro+ s/it-hi'g Othe 2,ddha Mi'dP *or so+e ?thi'gN /hy, that?s the %asis o* re&igio,s pra-ti-eM a'd it?s a&so /hat?s +ea't /he' /e say that the 2,ddha Mi'd is ,'%or', o,r o/' i'tri'si- a'd +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g dy'a+i- *,'-tio'0J

HOGO 8Instr$ction6

0$ality
A &ay+a' asked3 J1?+ grate*,& *or yo,r tea-hi'g o* the B'%or', %,t 1 *i'd that tho,ghts easi&y -o+e ,p as a res,&t o* +y i'grai'ed %ad ha%its, a'd /he' 1?+ distra-ted %y the+, 1 -a'?t /ho&ehearted&y rea&iIe the B'%or'0 Ho/ -a' 1 p,t +y *aith tota&&y Oi' the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'dPEJ The Master said3 JChe' yo, try to stop yo,r risi'g tho,ghts, yo, -reate a d,a&ity %et/ee' the +i'd that does the stoppi'g a'd the +i'd that?s %ei'g stopped, so yo,?&& 'e(er ha(e pea-e o* +i'd0 ;,st ha(e *aith that tho,ghts do'?t origi'a&&y eFist, %,t o'&y arise a'd -ease te+porari&y i' respo'se to /hat yo, see a'd hear, /itho,t a'y a-t,a& s,%sta'-e o* their o/'0J 8+ensh$' p0 !7$0A

The do% and the chicken

A &ay+a' asked3 J1 ha(e heard that tho,ghts o* *oo&ish. 'ess a'd ig'ora'-e &ead to %e-o+i'g a %east, so that o'e goes *ro+ dark'ess i'to dark'ess, ,'a%&e to rea&iIe %,d. dhahood0 Ho/e(er, /he' a %east has 'o a/are'ess it?s patheti-, it *ai&s to rea&iIe that %ei'g the /ay it is is ago'y, so -a'?t it, a*ter a&&, %e per*e-t&y -o'te'tEJ The Master rep&ied3 J1s'?t it &a+e'ta%&e to tra's*or+

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , JA

the 2,ddha Mi'd a'd 2,ddha 2ody e(eryo'e has i''ate&y i'to the ago'y o* a he&&.d/e&&er, 'ot e(e' rea&iIi'g ho/ patheti- this isK For eFa+p&e, /he' yo, dri(e o** a'd a%,se the dog /ho sto&e yo,r -hi-ke' the day %e*ore, the dog does'?t rea&iIe it?s %e-a,se he sto&e the -hi-ke', so /he' he +eets /ith this a%,se, he %arks a'd ho/&s i' a'g,ish0 2ei'g a' a'i+a&, he -a'?t ,'dersta'd the &a/ o* -a,se a'd e**e-t a'd has to go o' s,**eri'g e'd&ess&y0 2e-a,se h,+a' %ei'gs are e'do/ed /ith %right /isdo+, /he' they ha(e the -ha'-e to +eet a /ise tea-her they -a' readi&y attai' %,ddhahood0 A /o'der*,& thi'g, is'?t it, ha(i'g the good *ort,'e to %e %or' i' a h,+a' %ody i' /hi-h yo, +ay easi&y rea&iIe %,ddhahoodE ;,st s,-h a great +atter sta'ds right %e*ore yo,r eyes0 9o'?t *ritter a/ay yo,r ti+eKJ 8+ensh$' p0 !7>0A

Farmin% with the B$ddha 7ind

A *ar+er asked3 J1?+ short.te+pered %y 'at,re a'd eas. i&y get a'gry0 2e-a,se 1?+ a *ar+er, 1?+ /ho&&y take' ,p /ith +y -hores a'd it?s hard *or +e to rea&iIe the B'%or'0 Ho/ -a' 1 %e i' a--ord /ith the B'%or' Mi'dEJ The Master said3 JE(eryo'e has the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd i''ate&y, so there?s 'o /ay yo,?re goi'g to %e i' a--ord /ith it 'o/ *or the *irst ti+eK To per*or+ yo,r /ork as a *ar+er si'g&e.+i'ded&y is pra-ti-i'g the B'%or' Mi'd0 Che' yo,?re at /ork /ith yo,r hoe, yo, +ay %e speaki'g /ith so+eo'e at the sa+e ti+e, %,t e(e' i* yo,?re a%. sor%ed i' the -o'(ersatio', it does'?t i'ter*ere /ith yo,r hoei'gM a'd i* yo,?re a%sor%ed i' hoei'g, it does'?t i'ter. *ere /ith yo,r -arryi'g o' a -o'(ersatio'0 E(e' /he' yo,?re a'gry, yo, -a' sti&& go o' hoei'g, %,t si'-e a'ger is the e(i& -a,se o* %e-o+i'g a he&&.d/e&&er, Oyo,r /orkP

"4 G 2A)KE; :E) t,r's i'to a di**i-,&t a'd pai'*,& pra-ti-e0 Che' yo, do yo,r hoei'g /itho,t de&,sio's &ike a'ger, Oyo,r /orkP /i&& %e-o+e a' easy a'd Doy*,& pra-ti-e0 This is the pra-ti-e o* the 2,ddha Mi'd, the pra-ti-e o* the B'%or' a'd 1+per. isha%&e0J 8+ensh$' pp0 !7>.!760A

The tra)elers
A +o'k asked3 J1 ha(e heard that the +asters o* o&d rea-hed great e'&ighte'+e't thro,gh di**i-,&t a'd pai'*,& pra-ti-e, a'd that it /as thro,gh (ario,s sorts o* di**i-,&t pra-ti-e that the +asters o* o,r o/' day too attai'ed -o+. p&ete rea&iIatio' o* the 9har+a0 1 -a'?t H,ite a--ept the idea that so+eo'e &ike +yse&* -a' rea&iIe the B'%or' 2,d. dha Mi'd D,st as 1 a+ /itho,t e'gagi'g i' re&igio,s pra-. ti-e or attai'i'g e'&ighte'+e't0J The Master said3 JS,ppose there?s a gro,p o* tra(e&ers passi'g thro,gh ta&& +o,'tai' peaks0 Arri(i'g at a spot /here there?s 'o /ater, they %e-o+e thirsty, a'd o'e o* the+ goes o** to sear-h *or /ater i' a dista't (a&&ey0 A*ter stre',o,s&y sear-hi'g a&& o(er, he *i'ds so+e at &ast a'd ret,r's to gi(e it to his -o+pa'io's to dri'k0 Citho,t +aki'g a'y stre',o,s e**orts the+se&(es, the peop&e /ho dri'k the /ater -a' satis*y their thirst D,st the sa+e as the o'e /ho did +ake s,-h e**orts, -a'?t theyE OO' the other ha'd,P those /ho har%or do,%ts a'd re*,se to dri'k the /ater /i&& ha(e 'o /ay to satis*y their thirst0 2e-a,se 1 did'?t +eet /ith a'y -&ear.eyed +e', 1 /e't astray a'd e'gaged i' stre',o,s e**orts ti&& *i'a&&y 1 ,'-o(ered the %,ddha /ithi' +y o/' +i'd0 So /he' 1 te&& a&& o* yo, that, /itho,t pai'*,& pra-ti-e, yo, O-a' ,'-o(erP the %,d. dha i' yo,r o/' +i'ds, it?s D,st &ike Othe tra(e&ersP dri'ki'g the /ater a'd s&aki'g their thirst /itho,t ha(i'g go'e i' sear-h o* the /ater the+se&(es0 1' this /ay, /he' yo,

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , A>

+ake ,se o* the 2,ddha Mi'd that e(eryo'e has, D,st as it is, a'd attai' pea-e o* +i'd /itho,t de&,sory di**i-,&t pra-ti-e, that?s the pre-io,s tr,e tea-hi'g, is'?t itEJ 8+ensh$' p0 !760A

*arents
A ',' *ro+ 1I,+o asked3 J2oth +y pare'ts are sti&& &i(i'g0 Ho/ sho,&d 1 o%ser(e +y *i&ia& d,ty to/ard the+EJ The Master rep&ied3 JThere?s 'o parti-,&ar +a''er i' /hi-h o'e +,st eFpress *i&ia&ity0 Si+p&y a%idi'g i' the 2,ddha Mi'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y, D,st as it is<this is the tr,e pra-ti-e o* *i&ia&ity0 Fai&i'g to do this is /hat it +ea's to %e ,'*i&ia&0J 8+ensh$' pp0 !76.!780A

Becomin% an e(&ert at del$sion

The Master addressed the asse+%&y3 JOrigi'a&&y, at %irth, yo, /ere a&& /itho,t a'y sort o* de&,sio'0 2,t, %e-a,se o* yo,r %ad ,p%ri'gi'g, yo, t,r'ed the i''ate 2,ddha Mi'd i'to a *irst.rate ,'e'&ighte'ed %ei'g, i+itati'g a'd taki'g o' a&& the de&,sio's yo, sa/ aro,'d yo, a'd *or+i'g %ad ha%its, so that yo, e'ded ,p %e-o+i'g reg,&ar eFperts at de&,sio'K 1t?s %e-a,se the 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&o,s&y O*,'-tio'i'gP that yo, pi-k ,p a&& sorts o* de&,ded O%eha(. iorP that the' %e-o+e se-o'd 'at,re to yo,0 )e(erthe&ess, /he', heari'g a%o,t this sort o* pre-io,s thi'g,! yo, ro,se yo,r *aith a'd reso&(e to keep *ro+ %ei'g de&,ded, right the' a'd there yo,?&& a%ide i' the origi'a& B'%or', D,st as it is0 So, it?s %e-a,se the 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g that yo,?re de&,dedM a'd it?s a&so %e-a,se the

"7 G 2A)KE1 :E) 2,ddha Mi'd is +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g that yo,?re en5 li%htened. Si'-e yo, do'?t rea&iIe the pre-io,s'ess o* the 2,ddha Mi'd, yo, thi'k the de&,sio's that are har+i'g yo, are treas,res o* great (a&,e0 A'd yo, (a&,e these so high&y, that yo, %e-o+e de&,ded a'd thro/ yo,r &i*e a/ayK 1s'?t that tho,ght&essE 1s'?t it *oo&ishEJ 8+ensh$' p0 !780A

The li)in% B$ddha 7ind

The Master addressed the asse+%&y3 JFor o'e /ho at a&& ti+es -o'-&,si(e&y rea&iIes the 2,ddha Mi'd, /he' he goes to %ed, he goes to %ed /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he gets ,p, he gets ,p /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he stays, he stays /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he goes, he goes /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he sits, he sits /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he sta'ds, he sta'ds /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he s&eeps, he s&eeps /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he /akes ,p, he /akes ,p /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he speaks, he speaks /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he?s si&e't, he?s si&e't /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he eats ri-e, he eats /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he dri'ks tea, he dri'ks /ith the 2,ddha Mi'dM /he' he p,ts o' his -&othes, he p,ts the+ o' /ith the 2,ddha Mi'd0 At a&& ti+es he a%ides -o'ti',a&&y i' the 2,ddha Mi'd, a'd there?s 'ot a si'g&e +o+e't /he' he isn9t i' the 2,ddha Mi'd0 He *,'-tio's /ith per*e-t *reedo+ i' a--orda'-e /ith -ir-,+sta'-es, &etti'g thi'gs take their /ay0 ;,st do good thi'gs a'd do'?t do %ad o'es0 1* yo, pride yo,rse&* o' Oyo,rP good deeds, ho/e(er, %e-o+i'g atta-hed to the+ a'd a%o+i'ati'g the %ad, that?s goi'g agai'st the 2,ddha Mi'd0 The 2,ddha Mi'd is 'either good 'or %ad, %,t operates %eyo'd the+ %oth0 1s'?t that the &i(i'g 2,ddha Mi'dE Che' yo,?(e -o'-&,si(e&y rea&iIed this a'd ha(e'?t a'y do,%ts, the' a'd there yo,?&& ope' the eye that pe'e.

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , "5

trates +e'?s +i'ds0 That?s /hy +y s-hoo& is -a&&ed the C&ear.Eyed S-hoo&0J 8+ensh$' p0 !780A

The 2teetotaler2
A &ay+a' asked3 J1 do'?t do,%t that, origi'a&&y, de&,ded tho,ghts do'?t eFistM %,t si'-e the *&o/ o* +y tho,ghts 'e(er stops *or e(e' a +o+e't, it?s i+possi%&e *or +e to rea&iIe the B'%or'0J The Master said3 JChe' yo, -a+e i'to this /or&d, there /as o'&y the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 As yo, gre/, ho/e(er, yo, pi-ked ,p the ig'ora't attit,des yo, sa/ aro,'d yo,, so that, as ti+e passed, yo, got $sed to %ei'g de&,ded, a'd the de&,ded +i'd gai'ed a *ree ha'd0 Orig. i'a&&y, i' yo,r i''ate se&*, tho,ghts do'?t eFist, so i' the +i'd that a**ir+s a'd has *aith i' its o/' ,'%or' %,ddha. hood, tho,ghts si+p&y (a'ish0 1t?s &ike a +a' /ho?s *o'd o* /i'e %,t gets si-k *ro+ it a'd has to stop dri'ki'g0 1* he *i'ds hi+se&* i' a sit,atio' /here /i'e is ser(ed, tho,ghts o* /a'ti'g to dri'k +ay arise, %,t si'-e he doesn9t dri'k, he 'either gets si-k 'or dr,'k0 He?s a ?teetota&er? e(e' /hi&e tho,ghts o* dri'ki'g arise, a'd e'ds ,p a hea&thy +a'0 9e&,sory tho,ghts are &ike this too0 Che' yo, si+p&y &et the+ arise or -ease, /itho,t either taki'g the+ ,p or reDe-ti'g the+, the', %e*ore yo, k'o/ it, they?&& (a'ish i' the Mi'd o* the B'%or'0J 8+ensh$' pp0 !78.!7#0A

-$&&ression is del$sion too

A +o'k asked3 J1 *i'd it i+possi%&e to s,ppress a&& +y de*i&e+e'ts a'd de&,sio's0 Chat -a' 1 do to s,ppress the+EJ The Master rep&ied3 JTryi'g to s,ppress de&,sio' is de.

"$ G 2A)KE1 :E) &,sio' too0 9e&,sio's ha(e 'o origi'a& eFiste'-eM they?re o'&y thi'gs yo, -reate yo,rse&* %y i'd,&gi'g i' dis-ri+i. 'atio'0J 8+ensh$' p0 !7#0A

Ri%ht now
A (isiti'g +o'k asked3 J1' yo,r ser+o' the other e(e. 'i'g, yo, stated that e(eryo'e i''ate&y possesses the 2,d. dha Mi'd0 Chi&e 1?+ grate*,& *or yo,r i'str,-tio', it see+s to +e that i* e(eryo'e /ere e'do/ed /ith the 2,ddha Mi'd, de&,ded tho,ghts -o,&d'?t arise0J The Master rep&ied3 JRight 'o/ as yo,?re sayi'g this, /hat de&,sio's are thereEJ The +o'k prostrated hi+se&* three ti+es a'd /ithdre/0 8+ensh$' p0 !7#0A

-lee&in% and wakin%

A &ay+a' asked3 J1 ad+it that /e see a'd hear /ith the B'%or'0 2,t /he' /e *a&& as&eep, /e?re ,'a/are e(e' o* a'other perso' right %eside ,s, so at that ti+e /e see+ to &ose the (ita& *,'-tio' o* the B'%or'0J The Master said3 JChat ki'd o* &oss is thereE There?s 'o &oss at a&&0 Yo,?(e si+p&y *a&&e' as&eep0J 8+ensh$' p0 !7#0A

-endai
A +o'k *ro+ Se'dai7 -a+e a'd asked3 JHo/ -a' 1 rea&iIe origi'a& +i'dEJ

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , ">

The Master a's/ered3 JApart *ro+ the o'e /ho?s ask. i'g +e at this +o+e't, there is 'o origi'a& +i'd0 This origi'a& +i'd tra's-e'ds tho,ght, -&ear&y disti'g,ishi'g a&& thi'gs0 A'd is'?t the proo* o* this that /he' 1 ask yo, a%o,t a'ythi'g to do /ith Se'dai, yo,?re a%&e to a's/er /itho,t the s&ightest re*&e-tio'EJ 8+ensh$' p0 !7"0A

The &lace of the 1nborn

A (isiti'g +o'k asked3 J1* o'e tr,&y rea&iIes the B'. %or', a*ter the *o,r e&e+e'ts o* the physi-a& %ody5 ha(e dispersed, /i&& he %e %or' agai' or 'otEJ The Master rep&ied3 J1' the p&a-e o* the B'%or', the /ho&e H,estio' o* %ei'g %or' or 'ot %ei'g %or' is irre&e. (a't0J 8+ensh$' p0 !7"0A

4ettin% %o
A &ay+a' said3 JSo+e years ago, 1 asked yo, /hat 1 sho,&d do to stop /ay/ard tho,ghts *ro+ arisi'g, a'd yo, i'str,-ted +e3 ?Let the+ D,st arise or -ease as they /i&&0? 2,t, si'-e the', a&tho,gh 1?(e take' yo,r ad(i-e to heart, 1?(e *o,'d it hard to &et +y tho,ghts D,st arise or -ease &ike this0J The Master to&d hi+3 JThe reaso' yo,?re ha(i'g di**i. -,&ty is that yo, thi'k there?s so+e spe-ia& way to &et yo,r tho,ghts D,st arise or -ease as they /i&&0J 8+ensh$' p0 !7"0A

K$st as yo$ are

The Master addressed the asse+%&y3 JA&& o* yo, sho,&d rea&iIe the (ita&, *,'-tio'i'g, &i(i'g 2,ddha Mi'dK For

"6 G 2A)KE1 :E) se(era& h,'dred years 'o/, Opeop&e i'P %oth Chi'a a'd ;apa' ha(e +is,'derstood the :e' tea-hi'g, tryi'g to at. tai' e'&ighte'+e't %y doi'g IaIe' or tryi'g to *i'd ?the o'e /ho sees a'd hears,? a&& o* /hi-h is a great +istake0 Za+en is D,st a'other 'a+e *or origi'a& +i'd, a'd +ea's to sit i' tra'H,i&ity /ith a tra'H,i& +i'd0 Che' yo, do sitti'g +editatio', yo,?re si+p&y sitti'g, D,st as yo, areM /he' yo, do /a&ki'g +editatio', yo,?re /a&ki'g, D,st as yo, are0 E(e' i* yo,r +o,th /ere %ig e'o,gh to s/a&&o/ hea(e' a'd earth, 2,ddhis+ -o,&d'?t %e eFpressed i' /ords0 Those /ho do speak a%o,t 2,ddhis+, *or the +ost part, are o'&y %&i'di'g peop&e?s eyes0 J1' the +i'd yo, ha(e *ro+ yo,r pare'ts i''ate&y, there is'?t e(e' a tra-e o* de&,sio'0 So /he' yo, *ai& to rea&iIe this a'd i'sist, T+ de&,ded %e-a,se 1?+ a' ,'e'. &ighte'ed %ei'g,? yo,?re ,'D,st&y a--,si'g yo,r o/' par. e'ts as /e&&K The %,ddhas o* the past a'd the peop&e o* today are o'e0 There?s 'o di**ere'-e %et/ee' the+0 Let +e gi(e yo, a' eFa+p&e3 Che' /ater *ro+ the o-ea' is &ad&ed i'to di**ere't sorts o* t,%s a'd the /eather t,r's -o&d, the /ater *reeIes, a'd, a--ordi'g to /hether the t,% is &arge or s+a&&, ro,'d or sH,are, the i-e /i&& ass,+e di**ere't shapesM yet /he' the i-e +e&ts, a&& the /ater is the sa+e as the O/ater o* theP o-ea'0 )ot k'o/i'g the &i(i'g a'd *,'-tio'i'g %,ddha, yo, thi'k yo,?&& become a %,d. dha %y a--,+,&ati'g the *r,its o* re&igio,s pra-ti-e a'd rea&iIi'g ?e'&ighte'+e't,? &ost i' error, goi'g *ro+ dark. 'ess i'to dark'ess0 Patheti-, is'?t itE 1 do'?t tea-h a%o,t 2,ddhis+, %,t /he' 1 ta&k to yo, D,st dea& /ith a&& yo,r /ro'g ideas0J 8+ensh$' p0 !540A

)ot e)en a trace

A (isiti'g +o'k asked3 J1?+ per*or+i'g re&igio,s pra-. ti-e /ith the ai+ o* rea&iIi'g e'&ighte'+e't0 Chat do yo, thi'k a%o,t thisEJ

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , "8

The Master said3 JE'&ighte'+e't o'&y eFists i' -o'. trast to de&,sio'0 A'd si'-e e(eryo'e possesses the s,%. sta'-e o* %,ddhahood, 'ot e(e' a tra-e o* de&,sio' eFists0 So /hat is it yo, 'eed to rea&iIeEJ The +o'k said3 JThat see+s *oo&ish to +e0 1t /as %y rea&iIi'g e'&ighte'+e't that a&& the a'-ie't sages, %egi'. 'i'g /ith 9ar,+a hi+se&*, eFperie'-ed -o+p&ete attai'. +e't o* the 9har+a0J The Master to&d hi+3 J1t?s %y %ei'g ?*oo&ish? that the tathagata sa(es se'tie't %ei'gs0 To 'either -o+e 'or go, %,t to re+ai' D,st as yo, i''ate&y are, /itho,t a&&o/i'g the +i'd to %e-o+e o%s-,red<this is /hat?s +ea't %y tathagata0 A'd s,-h /as the /ay /ith a&& the patriar-hs o* the past0J 8+ensh$' p0 !540A

Kantaro9s L$estion
At o'e ti+e the Master /as stayi'g at the Ka''o' te+p&e at Kiyoda'i i' &yo?s Kita distri-t0$ The head+a' o* the 'ear%y (i&&age o* Bts,,> o'e Ka'taro, -a+e reg,&ar&y to st,dy /ith hi+0 A&tho,gh Ka'taro o--asio'a&&y tried to st,+p the Master /ith di**i-,&t H,estio's, the Master?s sharp a'd pier-i'g respo'se re+ai'ed *ar %eyo'd his rea-h0 O'e day, Ka'taro set o,t to (isit Kiyoda'i i' the -o+. pa'y o* Yoshi'o YoDiIae+o'06 O' their /ay, he said to Yoshi'o3 JChe'e(er 1 go to see hi+, the Master says3 ?Ka'taro, ha(e yo, -o+eE? 1?+ s,re today /i&& %e the sa+e as a&/ays0 So, i* the Master says, ?Ka'taro, ha(e yo, -o+eE? 1?&& say, ?Cho -o,&d that *e&&o/ %eE? J The t/o arri(ed at Kiyoda'i0 The Master -a+e a'd greeted Yoshi'o, %,t said 'othi'g to Ka'taro0 A*ter so+e ti+e, Ka'taro said3 JCe&&, is yo,r Re(ere'-e *ee&i'g a&& rightEJ

"# G 2A)KE1 :E) The Master rep&ied3 JCho -o,&d that *e&&o/ %eEJ Ka'taro, /ho&&y at a &oss, eFpressed his apo&ogies0 8+ensh$' p0 !5!0A

Kosen
The +o'k ;ose'8 said3 J1?+ great&y tro,%&ed %y Othe pro%&e+ o*P death, a'd that?s /hy 1 -o+e reg,&ar&y to see yo,r Re(ere'-e0 1 thi'k that, *or a h,+a' %ei'g, there is 'o +atter o* greater i+porta'-e0J The Master said3 JThis spirit is the %asis *or the st,dy o* 2,ddhis+0 1* yo, ho&d to it a'd do'?t &ose yo,r deter. +i'atio', yo,?&& %e dire-t&y i' a--ord /ith the Cay0J O;ose'P asked3 JChat does it +ea' to rea&iIe %,ddha. hoodEJ The Master rep&ied3 JF,&&y a**ir+ /hat 1?(e to&d yo,, ha(e *aith i' it a'd har%or 'o do,%ts, a'd the' yo,?&& %e rea&iIi'g %,ddhahood0J So+e ti+e &ater, O;ose'P re+arked3 JLate&y, 1 *e&t that +y +i'd /as (ast a'd %o,'d&ess as the sky, /itho,t %ei'g *iFed a'y/here0 This +,st %e itK? 1 tho,ght, %,t, o' re. *&e-tio', 1 rea&iIed that 1 had %etter 'ot tarry there0J The Master said3 JThat is yo,r dis-ri+i'atio'0 Rea&iIe /hat is before dis-ri+i'atio'0J O' yet a'other o--asio', ;ose' said3 J1 *ee& *ort,'ate that +y deter+i'atio' has %ee' parti-,&ar&y stro'g o* &ate0J The Master rep&ied3 JS,-h thi'gs too are %o,'d to happe'0J O'-e the :e' tea-her Tairyo# said Oto ;ose'P3 JYo, see+ to %e ear'est, %,t yo,?re a&/ays Orepeati'gP the sa+e thi'g0J" ;ose' said3 J)ot at a&&0 1t?s si+p&y so+ethi'g 1 'e(er tire o* heari'g0J

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 G ""

;,st the', the Master -a+e o,t a'd took his seat0 JChe'e(er yo, ha(e the -ha'-e to hear this,J he said, Jit?s /orth heari'g, 'o +atter ho/ +a'y ti+esM so do'?t thi'k it?s OD,st a repetitio' o*P the sa+e thi'g0 Che' yo, *ee& so+ethi'g is (a&,a%&e, the' e(ery ti+e yo, hear it it?s (a&,a%&e0J 8+ensh$' pp0 !5!.!570A

The %ambler
1' A%oshi there /as a +a' 'a+ed Ha-hiro%ei0 He said Oto the MasterP3 JAs a +e+%er o* the Tr,e P,re La'd Se-t, 1 re&y /ho&ehearted&y o' the Tathagata A+ida, a'd k'o/. i'g his sa(i'g gra-e to %e -ertai', 1 re-ite the nemb$ts$ o* gratit,de0J The Master rep&ied3 J1*, prayi'g *or A+ida?s sa(i'g gra-e, yo, -o'sta't&y go aro,'d ga+%&i'g a'd doi'g a&& sorts o* e(i& thi'gs, that?s &ike -heati'g A+ida0J At the ti+e, this Ha-hiro%ei /as a 'otorio,s ga+%&er0 Those prese't /ere a&& i+pressed0 8+ensh$' p0 !570A

7iracles
O' a'other o--asio', Ha-hiro%ei -a+e a'd said3 JThe tea-hers o* o&d per*or+ed a&& sorts o* +ira-&es0 Ca' yo,r Re(ere'-e per*or+ +ira-&es tooEJ The Master rep&ied3 JChat sort o* thi'gs /ere these ?+ira-&esE? J Ha-hiro%ei said3 J1' E-higo, the *o,'der o* the Tr,e P,re La'd Se-t!4 had so+eo'e ho&d ,p a pie-e o* paper o' o'e side o* the ri(er, a'd /he' he took ,p his %r,sh o' the opposite %a'k, he per*e-t&y i's-ri%ed the siF -hara-ters

!44 G 2A)KE1 :E) nam$ amida b$ts$' so that to this day e(eryo'e speaks re(ere't&y o* the 9nemb$ts$ that -rossed the ri(er0? J The Master &a,ghed a'd said3 J1* that?s the sort o* thi'g yo, +ea', peop&e /ho pra-ti-e +agi- a'd the &ike -a' do e(e' %etterK Rea&&y, to %ri'g ,p the doi'gs o* s,-h peop&e i' a p&a-e *or the tr,e tea-hi'g o* 2,ddhis+ is O&ikeP tryi'g to -o+pare dogs a'd -ats to +e'0J 8+ensh$' p0 !570A

A )isitin% monk
Se(era& (isiti'g +o'ks -a+e, a'd at their i'ter(ie/ /ith the Master ea-h prese'ted his ,'dersta'di'g0 A+o'g the+ /as o'e *e&&o/ /ho re+ai'ed si&e't0 The Master said3 JCe&&, ho/ a%o,t yo,EJ The +o'k said3 JAs *or +e, /he' -o&d, 1 p,t o' +ore -&othesM /he' h,'gry, 1 take so+ethi'g to eatM /he' thirsty, 1 dri'k so+e hot /aterM other tha' that<'othi'g0J The Master said3 JCe&&, i' that -ase, -a' yo, te&& the degree o* ,'dersta'di'g o* the peop&e /ho are here 'o/EJ The +o'k rep&ied3 JCertai'&y 1 -a'0J The Master said3 JHo/ does it &ook to yo,, the', the ,'dersta'di'g o* the peop&e aro,'d yo, hereEJ The +o'k said3 JYo, sho/ +e my ,'dersta'di'g0J The Master rep&ied3 JE(erythi'g /e?(e %ee' dis-,ssi'g OsNio/sP yo,r ,'dersta'di'g0J The +o'k prostrated hi+se&* three ti+es a'd /e't o**0 8+ensh$' p0 !570A

Bein% non5bein%
A (isiti'g +o'k -a+e *or/ard a'd de-&ared3 J1t?s 'ot i' %ei'g, it?s 'ot i' 'o'.%ei'g, it?s 'ot i' a%so&,te e+pti'ess0J The Master said3 JRight at this +o+e't, /here is itEJ

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , >M>

Co+p&ete&y *&,stered, the +o'k /ithdre/0 8+ensh$' p0 !550A

!hy are we bornN

A &ay+a' asked3 J1* /e?re e'do/ed /ith the 2,ddha Mi'd, /hy is it /e do'?t remain %,ddhas, %,t are %or' a'd eFperie'-e a&& sorts o* s,**eri'gEJ The Master said3 JThat yo, -a+e to %e %or' is yo,r &arents9 +istake0J 8+ensh$' p0 !550A

The one who sees and hears

A &ay+a' asked3 JFor years 'o/ 1?(e e'tr,sted +yse&* to the tea-hi'g o* the o&d +asters, Otryi'g to a's/er the H,estio'P ?Cho is the o'e /ho sees a'd hearsE?!! Chat sort o* pra-ti-e -a' 1 do to *i'd ?the o'e /ho sees a'd hears?E 1?(e sear-hed a'd sear-hed, %,t today 1 sti&& ha(e'?t *o,'d hi+0J The Master said3 JSi'-e +y s-hoo& is the S-hoo& o* 2,ddha Mi'd, there?s 'o d,a&ity %et/ee' ?the o'e /ho sees a'd hears? a'd the o'e /ho sear-hes O*or hi+P0 1* yo, sear-h o,tside, yo,?&& 'e(er *i'd hi+, e(e' i* yo, tra(e& the /ho&e /or&d thro,gh0 The O'e Mi'd, ,'%or'<this is ?the o'e? that, i' e(ery%ody, sees i+ages i' the eyes, hears so,'ds i' the ears a'd, ge'era&&y, /he' it e'-o,'ters the o%De-ts o* the siF se'ses, re(ea&s /hate(er is see' or heard, *e&t or tho,ght, /ith 'othi'g &e*t -o'-ea&ed0J 8+ensh$' p0 !550A

The woman afraid of th$nder

A /o+a' asked3 J1?+ ,'-o++o'&y *righte'ed o* th,'. der, a'd the +o+e't 1 hear it, 1 *ee& a/*,& a'd s,**er

>M; G 2A)KE1 :E) +isera%&y0!7 P&ease tea-h +e ho/ 1 -a' stop %ei'g a*raid &ike this0J The Master said3 JChe' yo, /ere %or', there /as 'o se'se o* %ei'g a*raid o* thi'gs, there /as o'&y the B'%or' 2,ddha Mi'd0 9e&,ded 'otio's o* %ei'g a*raid o* thi'gs are pha'to+s o* tho,ght -reated after yo, /ere %or'0 Th,'der -a,ses rai' to *a&& o' the /or&d *or the %e'e*it o* +a'ki'dM it?s 'ot so+ethi'g that?s hosti&e to peop&e0 Yo,r regardi'g that th,'der as so+ethi'g to %e a*raid o* is the doi'g o* those pha'to+s o* tho,ght, it?s 'ot d,e to a'y. thi'g o,tside0 Che' yo, hear the th,'der, yo, sho,&d ha(e a%so&,te *aith i' yo,r o/' +i'd?s %,ddhahood0J 8+ensh$' p0 !550A

Berea)ement
A /o+a' H,estio'ed the Master3 J1 a+ +isera%&e o(er the death o* +y -hi&d0 1* 1 e(e' see a -hi&d the sa+e age, it re+i'ds +e o* hi+, a'd the' a&& sorts o* thi'gs *i&& +y +i'd a'd +y de&,ded tho,ghts go o' a'd o'0 P&ease tea-h +e0J The Master said3 JChe' yo, re-a&& thi'gs &ike this, it?s so+ethi'g yo, are doin%. 1' the origi'a& +i'd, there?s 'ot e(e' a tra-e o* di**ere't de&,sio's0 Ha(e *aith i' /hat 1?+ sayi'g, a'd yo,?&& %e-o+e a perso' /ho?s origi'a&&y *ree0J 8+ensh$' pp0 !55.!5$0A

Blindin% yo$r eyes

A (isiti'g +o'k asked3 J1s there a'y +erit i' pra-ti-i'g IaIe'EJ The Master said3 J:aIe' is'?t to %e despised, 'or are re-iti'g s,tras, per*or+i'g prostratio's a'd so o'0 Tok,sa' ,sed the sti-k, Ri'Iai ,ttered the kats$=' G,tei raised his

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 G !45

*i'ger a'd 9ar,+a *a-ed the /a&&<%,t, /hi&e di**ere't, a&& these /ere D,st the +asters? eFpedie'ts, +ethods to -o'*ro't parti-,&ar sit,atio's a'd dea& /ith the i'di(id,a& 'eeds Oo* the st,de'ts i'(o&(edP0 Right *ro+ the start, there ha(e 'e(er %ee' *iFed r,&es0 1* yo, take these Ote+porary eFpedie'tsP as i'(aria%&e tea-hi'gs, yo,?&& %e %&i'di'g yo,r o/' eyes0 Si+p&y ha(e *ir+ *aith i' /hat 1 say, re+ai'i'g as yo, i''ate&y are /itho,t +aki'g id&e disti'-tio's, D,st &ike /he' thi'gs are re*&e-ted i' a +irror, a'd the' there?s 'othi'g i' the /or&d yo, /o'?t pe'etrate thro,gh a'd thro,gh0 9o 'ot do,%tKJ 8+ensh$' p0 !5$0A

E)erythin% is smoothly mana%ed

A :e' +o'k *ro+ Ta+%a asked3 J1t?s +y si'-ere desire o' this o--asio' to rea&iIe %,ddhahood a'd %e-o+e a per*e-t perso' i' a&& respe-ts0 P&ease &et +e ha(e yo,r i'str,-tio'0J The Master said3 JYo,?(e -o+e a &o'g dista'-e, %,t /hi&e these aspiratio's o* yo,rs are -o++e'da%&e, they?re a&& de&,sio'0 1' origi'a& +i'd, there are 'o de&,sio's, 'o aspiratio's0 1' the i'tri'si-, +ar(e&o,s&y i&&,+i'ati'g dy. 'a+i- *,'-tio', there are'?t a'y aspiratio's at a&&, a'd yet e(erythi'g is s+ooth&y +a'aged0 E(e' /a'ti'g to attai' %,ddhahood right a/ay is so+ethi'g arti*i-ia&0 Che' yo, rea&iIe that yo,?re prod,-i'g a&& aspiratio's yo,rse&* a'd, /itho,t getti'g i'(o&(ed /ith parti-,&ar thi'gs, re+ai' D,st as yo, i''ate&y are, yo,r o/' i'tri'si- 'at,re /i&& %e re(ea&ed0J 8+ensh$' p0 !5$0A

!here do yo$ %oN

A &ay+a' asked3 J1* yo, %e-o+e a %,ddha, /here do yo, goEJ

>MO G 2A)KE1 :E) The Master rep&ied3 J1* yo, %e-o+e a %,ddha, there?s 'o p&a-e at a&& to go0 Yo, *i&& the (ast ,'i(erse!5 to its (ery &i+its0 1t?s /he' yo, %e-o+e a'y other sort o* %ei'g that there are di**ere't p&a-es to go0J 8+ensh$' p0 !5$0A

The %olden ball

O'-e the Master said3 JB'&ike the other +asters e(ery. /here, i' +y tea-hi'g 1 do'?t set ,p a'y parti-,&ar o%De-t, s,-h as rea&iIi'g e'&ighte'+e't or st,dyi'g koa's0 )or do 1 re&y o' the /ords o* the %,ddhas a'd patriar-hs0 1 D,st poi't thi'gs o,t dire-t&y, so there?s 'othi'g to ho&d o'to, a'd that?s /hy 'o o'e /i&& readi&y a--ept O/hat 1 tea-hP0 To %egi' /ith, those /ho are /ise a'd &ear'ed are o%str,-ted %y their o/' -&e(er'ess a'd -a&-,&atio', so *or the+ it?s i+possi%&e to a--ept0 O' the other ha'd, there are &ots o* ig'ora't /o+e' /ho -a' 'either read 'or /rite, /ho ha(e'?t a'y spe-ia& a%i&ity a'd -a'?t %e p,shed o' to %e. -o+e :e' +asters, %,t possess a tr,&y heart*e&t rea&iIatio' a'd do'?t e'gage i' i'te&&e-t,a&iIi'g0J He added3 JE(e' i* there?s 'o o'e /ho a--epts it -o+. p&ete&y, +y tea-hi'g is &ike a go&de' %a&& that?s %ee' s+ashed to pie-es a'd s-attered a%o,t, so that a'yo'e /ho gets o'e pie-e has o'e pie-e o* i&&,+i'atio', a'yo'e /ho gets t/o pie-es, t/o pie-es o* i&&,+i'atio', a'd so o', %it %y %it, /ith 'o o'e /ho /o'?t %e'e*it a--ordi'g to his o/' por. tio' Oo* attai'+e'tP0 8+ensh$' pp0 !5$.!5>0A

Thinkin%
A &ay+a' asked3 J1?(e heard that yo,r Re(ere'-e is a%&e to see i'to peop&e?s +i'ds0 Right at this +o+e't, /hat a+ 1 thi'ki'gEJ

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , >MC

The Master said3 JYo,?re thi'ki'g pre-ise&y that.2 8+ensh$' &. !5>0A
* * *

!omen
A /o+a' asked3 J1?(e heard that %e-a,se /o+e' %ear a hea(y kar+i- %,rde' it?s i+possi%&e *or the+ to rea&iIe %,ddhahood0 1s this tr,eEJ The Master said3 JFro+ /hat ti+e did yo, %e-o+e a ?/o+a'E? J A /o+a' said3 J2e-a,se /o+e' %ear a hea(y kar+i%,rde', they are *or%idde' *ro+ e'teri'g estee+ed te+p&es &ike Mo,'t Koya!$ a'd Mo,'t Hiei0J!> The Master to&d her3 J1' Ka+ak,ra there?s a te+p&e *or ','s,!6 a'd there men are *or%idde'0J 8+ensh$' p0 !5>0A

The merchant9s dream

Che' the Master /as stayi'g at the Ryo+o'Di, a &ay a-H,ai'ta'-e o* :e'ko!8 *ro+ O+i!# -a+e to the te+p&e a'd re+ai'ed *or so+e ti+e0 At his *irst i'ter(ie/ /ith the Master, he a--epted the esse'tia&s o* his tea-hi'g, a'd therea*ter si+p&y *o&&o/ed a&o'g /ith the others, &iste'i'g to the Master?s ser+o's0 O'-e, /he' the Master /as re-ei(i'g a gro,p o* 'e/ arri(a&s i' the a%%ot?s H,arters, this &ay+a' -a+e *or/ard a'd said3 JMy ho+e is s,-h.a'd.s,-h a (i&&age i' the pro(. i'-e o* O+i0 Origi'a&&y 1 /as a ronin' a'd, taki'g /hat sa(i'gs 1 had i' go&d a'd si&(er, 1 &e't o,t +o'ey a'd grai' to the peop&e o* the area a'd /ith the i'terest o' these

;46 G 2A)KE1 :E) &oa's +ade +y &i(i'g0 Ho/e(er, a &itt&e o(er te' years ago, 1 &e*t +y %,si'ess to +y so', a'd, %,i&di'g a retreat i' +y garde', de(oted +yse&* to per*or+i'g IaIe' a'd re-iti'g s,tras0 1 a&so /e't to st,dy /ith (ario,s :e' +asters, pra-. ti-i'g si'g&e.+i'ded&y0 :e'ko is /e&&.a-H,ai'ted /ith these thi'gs0 JHo/e(er, &ast 'ight, i' a drea+, 1 *o,'d +yse&* %a-k at ho+e, readi'g s,tras at the ho,seho&d shri'e0 ;,st the', a -,sto+er /ho had %orro/ed so+e ri-e -a+e to pay his i'terest, a'd together /ith +y so' set a%o,t -a&-,&ati'g the a+o,'t0 1' the +idst o* readi'g the s,tras, 1 rea&iIed there /as a' error i' their -a&-,&atio's, a'd D,st as 1 /as te&&i'g the+ o* it, 1 s,dde'&y a/oke *ro+ +y drea+0 Thi'ki'g o(er this, O1 rea&iIeP D,st ho/ deep a'd di**i-,&t to destroy are the roots o* kar+i- 'at,re0 Chat sort o* pra-ti-e -a' 1 do to destroy +y %asi- si'*,&'essEJ The &ay+a' /as +o(ed to tears %y the stre'gth o* his *ee&i'gs0 E(eryo'e prese't /as i+pressed0 The Master said3 JCas this a good drea+ or a %ad drea+EJ The &ay+a' rep&ied3 JA %ad drea+0 1t /as *or this that +ore tha' t/e'ty years ago 1 a%a'do'ed a&& +er-e'ary a**airs to d/e&& i' o'e'ess /ith %,ddhadhar+a, i' -ir-,+. sta'-es o* p,rity a'd tra'H,i&ity, *ar *ro+ the t,+,&t o* /or&d&y &i*e0 This is the sort o* thi'g 1 O/o,&d eFpe-t toP see i' +y drea+sM yet 1?+ a*raid the *a-t that /hat -a+e to +e /ere +y o&d -o'-er's o* t/e'ty years ago sho/s these thi'gs ha(e per+eated +y i''er+ost +i'd,!" a'd that distresses +e0J The Master said3 JThis is /hat?s k'o/' as %ei'g had %y a drea+0J The &ay+a' rose a'd prostrated hi+se&*0 JToday *or the *irst ti+e,J he de-&ared, J1 ha(e %ee' *reed *ro+ e'd&ess ka&pas o* %irth a'd deathKJ A'd, ree&i'g /ith Doy, he /e't o**0 8+ensh$' p0 !560A

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , >MF

It9s fine /$st to feel that way

A &ay+a' said3 J1 so+eti+es *ee& start&ed /he' 1?+ s,rprised %y so+e so,'d, s,-h as a -&ap o* th,'der0 1s this %e-a,se 1?+ 'ot i' -o'tro& a&& the ti+eE Ho/ -a' 1 g,ard agai'st this so that, 'o +atter /hat happe's, 1 /o'?t *ee& start&edEJ The Master said3 J1* yo, *ee& start&ed, it?s *i'e D,st to *ee& that /ay0 Che' yo, try to g,ard agai'st it, yo,?re -reati'g d,a&ity0J 8+ensh$' p0 !560A

1sin% the three inches

A +o'k asked3 JTok,sa' has his sti-k, Ri'Iai, his sho,t74<a&& the o&d +asters e+p&oyed the sti-k a'd the sho,t, %,t yo,r Re(ere'-e does'?t ,se the+ at a&&0 Ho/ do yo, eFp&ai' thisEJ The Master said3 JTok,sa' a'd Ri'Iai k'e/ ho/ to ,se the sti-k a'd the sho,tM 1 k'o/ ho/ to ,se the three i'-hes Oo* +y to'g,eP0J 8+ensh$' &. !560A

Koans
A +o'k asked3 JOFor+er +astersP s,-h as E'go a'd 9aie7! ,sed koa's i' tea-hi'g their st,de'ts0 Ho/ is it yo,r Re(ere'-e +akes 'o ,se o* the+EJ The Master said3 JHo/ a%o,t the :e' tea-hers before 9aie a'd E'go, did they ,se koa'sEJ77 8+ensh$' p0 !580A

;OS G 2A)KE1 :E)

The %reat do$bt

A +o'k asked3 JThe +e' o* o&d de-&ared that /ith a great do,%t o'e /i&& eFperie'-e a great e'&ighte'+e't0 Ho/ is it yo,r Re(ere'-e does'?t +ake ,se o* the great do,%t o* the +astersEJ The Master rep&ied3 JAs to /hat?s +ea't %y ?great do,%t?3 &o'g ago /he' )a'gak,75 /e't to see the SiFth Patriar-h, he /as asked %y hi+, ?Chat is it that -o+es th,sE? )a'. gak, /as ,tter&y *&,stered, %,t p,II&i'g o(er this *or eight years, O*i'a&&yP a's/ered3 ?As soo' as yo, speak a%o,t a thi'g, yo, +iss the +ark0? This is the rea& great do,%t a'd great e'&ighte'+e't0 For eFa+p&e, /he' a +o'k &oses his o'&y kesa;< a'd, sear-hi'g a'd sear-hi'g, -a'?t p,t it o,t o* his +i'd *or e(e' a +o+e't<that?s rea& do,%tK Peop&e 'o/adays go stirri'g ,p do,%t D,st %e-a,se they say the o&d +asters did, so /hat they prod,-e is a' i+itatio' do,%t0 2e-a,se this do,%t is'?t ge',i'e, they /o'?t ha(e a'y day o* a/ake'i'g0 1t?s D,st as i* they /ere to sear-h a&& o(er, thi'ki'g they?d &ost so+ethi'g that had 'e(er %ee' &ost at a&&0J 8+ensh$' p0 !580A

1s this b$ddhaN
OChe' the MasterP /as at the Gyok,ry,Di7> i' Mi'o, a &ay+a' -a+e *or/ard, ga(e a sho,t a'd de+a'ded3 J1s this %,ddhaEJ The Master took his *a' a'd pressi'g it agai'st the *e&&o/?s head, OsaidP3 J9o yo, k'o/ /hat this isEJ The &ay+a' rep&ied3 JThis is %,ddha0J O'-e +ore taki'g ,p his *a', the Master poked it i'to the &ay+a'?s -heek, sayi'g3 JYo, o'&y k'o/ the name %,d. dha0J Btter&y take' a%a-k, the *e&&o/ /ithdre/0

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , >MA 8+ensh$' p0 !580A

* * *

4ayman Cho+en
ChoIe',76 *ather o* the +o'k ;ito' o* the Osaka Ka'Ia'Di78 a'd O*or+er&yP head+a' o* the (i&&age o* Tai+a i' Cash,,7# &i(ed i' retire+e't a'd /as k'o/' as a &o'g. ti+e st,de't o* :e'0 For +a'y years he had %ee' a *o&. &o/er o* the O%ak, :e' Master Ry,kei7" a'd /as *a+o,s as a &ay 2,ddhist0 He /o,&d a&so -o+e *reH,e't&y to (isit the Master at the Ka'Ia'Di, %,t they k'e/ ea-h other so /e&& that Othe MasterP had 'e(er e'gaged hi+ i' dia&og,e to a-t,a&&y test his ,'dersta'di'g0 O'-e /he' the Master /as at the ;iIoDi i' Kyoto, ChoIe' -a+e to see hi+, a'd i' the -o,rse o* his (isit, the Master said3 JCe&&, ChoIe', ho/ is yo,r pra-ti-eEJ ChoIe' rep&ied3 J1?(e %ee' -o+p&eti'g +y pra-ti-e i' a rather eFtraordi'ary /ay3 1 reg,&ar&y eat *ish a'd +eat, 1 dri'k /i'e, 1 ga+%&e at %oG 1 go to s&eep, 1 get ,p<+y /or&d is *ree a'd easy a'd /itho,t -o'strai't0J The Master said3 JYo, pro%a%&y /o'?t &iste', %,t &et +e te&& yo, my sty&e Oo* :e'P0J A'd, so sayi'g, he i'str,-ted OChoIe'P0 ChoIe' /ithdre/ i' si&e'-e a'd stayed the 'ight, shari'g the H,arters o* the +o'k So%ok,,54 /ho reported that he see+ed agitated the /ho&e e(e'i'g a'd had 'ot s&ept at a&&0 At that ti+e, it /as the t,r' o* the :e' Master 2ok,oE! to ass,+e the a%%a-y o* the headH,arters te+p&e,57 a'd the Master set o** %e*ore day%reak to pay his respe-ts0 A ser(a't -a+e %a-k /ith /ord that the Master /o,&d ret,r' at s,'do/'0 ;,st as So%ok, a'd ChoIe' -a+e o,t together to the e'try/ay to +eet hi+, the Master passed %y, Ogoi'gP dire-t&y i'to the a%%ot?s H,arters a'd pro-eedi'g to the

!!4 G 2A)KE1 :E) i''er roo+, /here he seated hi+se&*0 ChoIe' i++edi. ate&y /e't %e*ore the Master a'd prostrated hi+se&* three ti+es0 The Master Doi'ed his pa&+s a'd said3 J1 a--ept the %o/ Othat a-k'o/&edgesP the -o'sta't o%ser(a'-e o* re&i. gio,s a%ste'tio'055 This is the /ay it +,st %e *or o'e /ho takes re*,ge i' the %,ddhadhar+a0J O'-e agai' ChoIe' prostrated hi+se&* three ti+es0 The Master said3 J1 re-ei(e the %o/ Othat a-k'o/&edgesP a%ste'tio' *ro+ /i'e0 This too is the /ay it +,st %e, si'-e it is the r,&e esta%&ished %y the 2,ddha0J ChoIe' said3 JMaster Reiga' a&/ays praised yo, as a -&ear.eyed tea-her, %,t 1 -o,&d'?t %e&ie(e it0 The +e' o* o&d /ere &ike this, %,t 1 'e(er drea+ed that a+o'g the tea-hers o* today there -o,&d %e a'yo'e /hose eyes /ere -&ear0 ?9isg,sti'gK? 1 tho,ght skepti-a&&y0 )o/ 1?(e see' ho/ /ro'g 1 /as, ha(i'g +et /ith this ,'drea+ed.o* op. port,'ity0J A'd, sheddi'g tears, he %e-a+e the Master?s dis-ip&e0 So+e ti+e a*ter this, /he' the Master /as o'-e agai' stoppi'g at the Ka'Ia'Di, ;ito' a'd ChoIe' -a+e to see hi+, a'd ;ito' h,+%&y eFpressed his gratit,de, sayi'g3 J2e-a,se o* yo,r Re(ere'-e?s ki'd i'str,-tio', ChoIe' has %e-o+e a +a' o* per*e-t *reedo+ i' a&& his dai&y a-ti(. ities0J5$ The Master said3 JPeop&e a&& (a&,e e'&ighte'+e't, %,t ChoIe' /as &,-ky e'o,gh to destroy e'&ighte'+e't a'd %e-o+e a +a' o* per*e-t *reedo+0J 8+ensh$' pp0 !5".!$40A

The craftsman9s dilemma

A &ay+a' asked3 J1?+ a *o,'der %y trade0 Che' 1 +ake pots a'd kett&es, eight o,t o* te' ha(e ho&es, %,t 1 pat-h

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , >>>

the+ ,p a'd se&& the+, sayi'g they?re per*e-t0 This /eighs o' +y +i'd0 1s it a -ri+eEJ The Master said3 JAre yo, the o'&y o'e /ho does this sort o* thi'gEJ J)ot at a&&,J he rep&ied, Je(eryo'e e&se does eFa-t&y the sa+e0J The Master asked3 J9o yo, se&& yo,r /ares at 'ightEJ The *o,'der a's/ered3 J1 se&& i' %road day&ight0J The Master said3 JThe peop&e /ho %o,ght yo,r thi'gs did so /ith their eyes ope'0 1* yo, /ere to se&& yo,r /ares at 'ight, -&ai+i'g da+aged pie-es to %e per*e-t, that /o,&d %e -ri+i'a&, %,t si'-e it?s happe'i'g i' %road day&ight, these peop&e sho,&d'?t %,y s,-h thi'gs i* they k'o/ they?re da+aged0 Yo, 'eed'?t a--,se yo,rse&* ,''e-essari&y o(er this %,si'ess0J 8+ensh$' p0 !$40A

The an%ry abbot

O'e /i'ter, d,ri'g the trai'i'g period at the Sa'y,Di i' 2iIe',5> &ay+e' a'd +o'ks *ro+ %oth 2iIe' a'd 2it-h,56 asse+%&ed i' &arge ',+%ers o' the days /he' the Master /o,&d appear to &e-t,re0 At )i/ase58 i' 2it-h, /as a &arge te+p&e o* the Lot,s se-t,5# /hose e+i'e't a%%ot /as a s-ho&ar o* great &ear'i'g +,-h re(ered %y the parishio'ers0 At that ti+e, the Master?s tea-hi'g /as s/eepi'g the area, a'd the a%%ot?s parishio'ers a&& /e't to hear hi+0 The a%%ot, seethi'g /ith i'dig'atio', to&d his -o'gregatio'3 JFro+ /hat 1 hear, this 2a'kei is a' ,'ed,-ated *e&&o/0 1* 1 go a'd p,t a di**i-,&t H,estio' to hi+, 1 -a' sty+ie hi+ /ith D,st o'e /ord0J So sayi'g, he /e't o** o'e day to see the Master0 He stood at the %a-k o* the asse+%&y a'd i' the +idd&e o* the

!!7 G 2A)KE1 :E) Master?s ta&k sho,ted i' a %oo+i'g (oi-e3 JE(eryo'e here a--epts yo,r ser+o' a'd %e&ie(es it0 O2,tP so+eo'e &ike +yse&* does'?t a--ept the esse'tia&s o* yo,r tea-hi'g0 1* a perso' does'?t a--ept the+, ho/ are yo, goi'g to sa(e hi+EJ The Master raised his *a' a'd said3 JCo+e *or/ard0J The a%%ot stepped %e*ore hi+0 The Master said3 J)o/ -o+e a &itt&e -&oser0J The a%%ot +o(ed *or/ard agai'0 The Master said3 JHo/ /e&& yo, a--ept /hat 1 sayKJ The a%%ot, -o+p&ete&y *&,stered, &e*t /itho,t a'other /ord0 8+ensh$' p0 !$70A

!hen I first be%an to search

O'-e the Master said3 JChe' 1 *irst %ega' to sear-h *or e'&ighte'+e't, 1 /as'?t a%&e to *i'd a good tea-her a'd, as a res,&t, did a&& sorts o* pai'*,& pra-ti-es, po,ri'g o,t +y hearts %&ood0 So+eti+es 1?d *orsake the -o+pa'y o* +e' a'd go i'to se-&,sio'M at other ti+es 1?d *ashio' a paper +osH,ito 'et a'd, sitti'g i'side it, pra-ti-e +editatio'M or e&se 1?d sh,tter a&& the /i'do/s a'd +editate i' +y dark. e'ed roo+0 Citho,t per+itti'g +yse&* to &ie do/', 1?d sit -ross.&egged ,'ti& +y thighs %e-a+e i'*&a+ed /ith sores, the +arks o* /hi-h re+ai'ed /ith +e e(e' a*ter/ard0 At the sa+e ti+e, i* 1 happe'ed to hear a good tea-her /as to %e *o,'d i' so+e p&a-e or other, 1?d set o** at o'-e to +eet hi+0 1' this /ay 1 spe't se(era& years, a'd 1 thi'k 1 +ay say there /ere *e/ p&a-es i' ;apa' that 1 did'?t &ea(e +y *ootpri'ts0 A'd a&& %e-a,se 1 /as'?t a%&e to +eet a' a--o+. p&ished tea-herK O'-e 1?d hit o' e'&ighte'+e't, 1 rea&iIed *or the *irst ti+e that 1?d %ee' str,gg&i'g ,se&ess&y a&& those

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , >>@

years, a'd /as a%&e to a-hie(e tra'H,i&ity0 1 te&& yo, a&& that, /itho,t a'y str,gg&e, yo, -a' attai' -o+p&ete rea&i. Iatio' 'o/ right /here yo, are, %,t yo, /o'?t %e&ie(e +e %e-a,se yo,?re 'ot tr,&y serio,s a%o,t the 9har+a0J 8+ensh$' p0 !$50A

All the difference of hea)en and earth

O' a'other o--asio', the Master said3 JChe' it -o+es to the tr,th 1 ,'-o(ered /he' 1 /as t/e'ty.siF5" a'd &i(i'g i' retreat at the (i&&age o* )o'aka$4 i' Ako i' Hari+a< the tr,th *or /hi-h 1 /e't to see 9osha a'd o%tai'ed his -o'*ir+atio'<so *ar as the tr,th is -o'-er'ed, %et/ee' that ti+e a'd this, *ro+ %egi''i'g to e'd, there has'?t %ee' a shred o* di**ere'-e0 Ho/e(er, so *ar as pe'etrati'g the great tr,th o* 2,ddhis+ /ith the per*e-t -&arity o* the 9har+a Eye$! a'd rea&iIi'g a%so&,te *reedo+, %et/ee' the ti+e 1 +et 9osha a'd today, there?s a&& the di**ere'-e o* hea(e' a'd earthK A&& o* yo, +,st ha(e *aith that this sort o* thi'g -a' happe', a'd &i(e i' eFpe-tatio' o* the day /he' yo,?&& -o+p&ete&y rea&iIe the 9har+a Eye0J OSo+eo'eP asked3 JCi&& the per*e-t -&arity o* the 9har+a Eye %e rea&iIed -o+p&ete&y /ith ti+eE 9oes o'e D,st attai' it a&& at o'-eEJ The Master rep&ied3 JThere?s 'o H,estio' o* there %ei'g a parti-,&ar Oa+o,'t o*P ti+e0 Che' the Eye o* the Cay is -&ear, /itho,t a si'g&e *&a/, yo,?&& ha(e rea&iIed it -o+. p&ete&y0 A'd yo,r rea&iIi'g it /i&& %e d,e to yo,r ear'est a'd si'g&e.+i'ded -,&ti(atio'0J 8+ensh$' pp0 !$5.!$$0A

!atch where yo$9re %oin%

Che' 1$7 *irst +et the Master, 1 re-ei(ed his tea-hi'g, %,t *ai&i'g to gai' a pe'etrati'g ,'dersta'di'g, 1 said3

>>O , 2A)KE1 :E) JChat yo,r Re(ere'-e tea-hes is *ro+ the rea&+ o* the +aster0 2,t *or a *e&&o/ &ike +e /ho?s 'e(er eFperie'-ed great e'&ighte'+e't, 1?+ a*raid that rea-hi'g the +aster?s rea&+ is goi'g to %e hard0J The Master to&d +e3 J1* yo, /a't the Tr,th, yo, sho,&d do as 1 say0 St,de'ts o* the Cay +,st *irst o* a&& take -are to /at-h /here they?re goi'g0 For eFa+p&e, i* so+eo'e is goi'g to Edo a'd &ear's he sho,&d tra(e& east, a*ter goi'g o'e +i&e, he?s o'e +i&e -&oser, a'd so o' *or *i(e a'd the' te' +i&es, ,'ti& *i'a&&y he?s s,re to arri(e there0 O2,tP i* he +istake'&y sets o** to the /est, e(e' i* it?s D,st a si'g&e step Oat *irstP, the +ore he eFerts hi+se&*, the *,rther *ro+ Edo he?&& %e0J 8+ensh$' p0 !$$0A

The &roof
O'-e 1 asked the Master3 J1s it he&p*,& i' st,dyi'g the Cay to read thro,gh the 2,ddhist s,tras a'd the re-ords o* the o&d +astersEJ The Master said3 J1t a&& depe'ds0 1* yo, re&y o' the pri'-ip&es -o'tai'ed i' the s,tras a'd re-ords, /he' yo, read the+, yo,?&& %e %&i'di'g yo,r o/' eyes0 O' the other ha'd, /he' the ti+e -o+es that yo, -a' dis+iss pri'. -ip&es, i* yo, read Os,-h thi'gsP, yo,?&& *i'd the proo* o* yo,r o/' rea&iIatio'0J 8+ensh$' p0 !$$0A

Tr$e acce&tance
O'-e 1 asked the Master3 J1?(e a&/ays %ee' p&ag,ed %y %ad ha%its0 Ca' 1 stop +y %ad ha%its %y g,ardi'g agai'st the+ at a&& ti+esEJ

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 , ;;>

The Master said3 J1* yo, rea&iIe that origi'a&&y there are 'o %ad ha%its, /hat is there to stopEJ 1 rep&ied3 J1 a--ept that origi'a&&y there are 'o %ad ha%its a'd ha(e'?t a'y do,%ts o' that s-ore0 A&& the sa+e, +y %ad ha%its +a'i*est the+se&(es *ro+ ti+e to ti+e, a'd /he' 1 g,ard agai'st the+, this does'?t happe'0 So, e(e' i* 1 thoro,gh&y a--ept the *a-t that origi'a&&y %ad ha%its do'?t eFist, /he' it -o+es to +y dai&y &i*e pra-ti-e, is'?t it sti&& %est to g,ard agai'st the+EJ The Master said3 JThis is 'ot tr,e a--epta'-e0J )o/, e(er si'-e 1 ha(e take' to heart the Master?s ki'd /ords, 1 ha(e -o'-&,si(e&y rea&iIed the a-t,a& +a'i*esta. tio' o* the tr,th0 8+ensh$' p0 !$>0A

My old illness
O' a'other o--asio', 1 asked3 JSi'-e %irth 1?(e s,**ered *ro+ terri%&e spas+s o* pai' i' +y sto+a-h0 Che' they o--,r, 1 ha(e to stop eati'g e'tire&y *or se(era& days, eFpe. rie'-e dread*,& heada-hes a'd *ee& so +isera%&e 1 -a'?t e(e' p,t +y ha'd o,t to straighte' the pi&&o/0 Ordi'ari&y /he' 1?+ *ee&i'g *i'e 1 *orge da,'t&ess&y ahead, ready to sa-ri*i-e &i*e a'd &i+% *or the sake o* the 9har+a, %,t, at ti+es &ike this, D,st a to,-h o* +y o&d i&&'ess re'ders +e he&p&ess0 Che' the pai' is at its height, 1?+ /eaker tha' e(er0 1t?s as i* +y ,s,a& (igoro,s spirit /ere at the +er-y o* the /i'd0 Che' 1 -o+e ,p agai'st +y o&d i&&'ess, 1 *ee& -o+p&ete&y de(astated0 1?+ terri%&y distressed a%o,t this0J The Master said3 JHo/ is it o'-e yo,r hea&th ret,r'sEJ 1 rep&ied3 JChe' 1?+ /e&& agai', e(erythi'g is %a-k to 'or+a&0J The Master said3 JThe' that?s *i'e0J Therea*ter, at a&& ti+es, 1?(e re+ai'ed D,st as 1 a+,

;;6 G 2A)KE1 :E) %eyo'd dis-ri+i'atio', *ree a'd easy a'd /itho,t -o'. strai't0 8+ensh$' pp0 !$>.!$60A

-e)en o$t often

O'-e 1 H,estio'ed the Master3 JFor so+e ti+e 1 ha(e *o&&o/ed yo,r Re(ere'-e, a'd *or se(era& years ha(e %ee' *ort,'ate e'o,gh to ser(e at yo,r side as atte'da't0 Che' it -o+es to the esse'tia&s o* yo,r tea-hi'g, 1 ha(e 'o do,%ts at a&&0 Ho/e(er, /hat 1 *i'd re+arka%&e i' o%ser(i'g yo,r Re(ere'-e at -&ose ha'd is that JThe deeper 1 pe'etrate, the +ore so&id yo, %e-o+eM the +ore 1 &ook ,p, the higher yo, soar,? so that 1 -ease&ess&y ?sigh i' ad+iratio'0? $5 Yo,r *reedo+ i' respo'di'g to the 'eeds o* st,de'ts is so &i+it. &ess that it see+s as i* o'e -o,&d 'e(er +at-h it ho/e(er +a'y days a'd +o'ths passed0 Ho/ -a' /e OtooP a-hie(e per*e-tio'EJ The Master said3 J:e' st,de'ts as a r,&e +ay grasp se(e' or eight thi'gs i' te', %,t are ,'a%&e to get past Othe re+ai'i'gP t/o or three0J 1 said3 JChat is the /ay to get pastEJ The Master rep&ied3 JThere is 'o /ay to get past0J 1 asked3 JSeei'g as there?s 'o /ay to get past a'd o'e is ,'a%&e to do so, /here -a' the *a,&t %eEJ The Master re+ai'ed si&e't *or a ti+e, a'd the' re. p&ied3 JChe' yo, -o+e right do/' to it, it?s %e-a,se the desire Oto rea&iIeP the great tr,th o* 2,ddhis+ is /eak0J 8+ensh$' &. !$60A

The monk Zeshin

The +o'k :eshi'$$ &i(ed i' re&igio,s retreat o' Mt0 Yoshi'o$> *or +a'y years, de(oti'g hi+se&* so&e&y to +ed.

.o%o 8Instr$ction6 G >>F

itatio' Oti&&P o'e day he s,dde'&y a/oke a'd *orgot e(ery. thi'g he k'e/0 At a 'eigh%ori'g te+p&e &i(ed a (e'era%&e +o'k o* the Soto s-hoo&, a'd O:eshi'P /e't a'd prese'ted his ,'dersta'di'g, seeki'g the +o'k?s -o'*ir+atio' o* his attai'+e't0 The +o'k said3 JAt the prese't ti+e, the :e' Master 2a'kei is a -&ear.eyed tea-her0 Go st,dy /ith hi+0J O:eshi'P the' /e't i++ediate&y to the Kyoto ;iIoDi i' Higashiya+a0 At that ti+e, the Master /as pra-ti-i'g i' retreat, so that there /as 'o o'e to re-ei(e O:eshi'P a'd prese't his reH,est0 )e(erthe&ess, e(ery day he /o,&d -o+e a'd sit i' +editatio' o,tside the te+p&e gate, ret,r'i'g to Kyoto i' the e(e'i'g0 Che' he had -o'ti',ed &ike this *or thirtee' days, the &a'd&ord at the i'' H,estio'ed hi+ a%o,t it0 :eshi' to&d hi+ e(erythi'g, a'd the i''keeper dire-ted hi+ to (isit the :e' Tea-her 9ok,sho$6 i' Saga0 :eshi' the' /e't to +eet 9ok,sho a'd prese'ted his ,'der. sta'di'g0 9ok,sho said3 JPreser(e it /ith -areKJ That (ery day, O:eshi'P &e*t OKyotoP a'd ret,r'ed to Yoshi'o0 Se(era& +o'ths had passed /he' he de-ided to set o** Oagai'P *or the ;iIoDi0 O' his /ay, he &ear'ed that, D,st the', the Master /as i' Edo, so he /e't straighta/ay to the Kori'Di0 The Master re-ei(ed hi+ i++ediate&y, a'd :eshi' prese'ted his ,'dersta'di'g0 The Master de+a'ded3 JThe B&ti+ateKJ :eshi', at a &oss, +ade a &o/ %o/0 Che' this had %ee' repeated three ti+es, :eshi' said3 J1s there a' B&ti+ateEJ The Master rep&ied3 JYo, do'?t k'o/ ho/ to ,se it0J :eshi', o'-e agai' at a &oss, %o/ed deep&y0 A*ter this had %ee' repeated three ti+es, :eshi' asked3 JChat is the /ay to ,se itEJ ;,st at that +o+e't, a' $%$is$OF sa'g i' the garde'0 The Master said3 JChe' the $%$is$ si'gs, yo, hear it0J :eshi', o(er-o+e /ith Doy, prostrated hi+se&* three ti+es0

;1# G 2A)KE1 :E) The Master to&d hi+3 JFro+ here o', 'e(er ope' yo,r +o,th 'eed&ess&y0J At the e'd o* the s,++er trai'i'g period, the Master ret,r'ed to the Ryo+o'Di, a'd :eshi' *o&&o/ed hi+ to the te+p&e0 Se(era& days &ater, at a re-eptio' *or 'e/&y arri(ed +o'ks, :eshi' -a+e *or/ard a'd prese'ted hi+se&* %e*ore the Master, %,t Othe MasterP ig'ored hi+0 For three days Othe MasterP -a+e o,t &ike this a'd *or three days too :eshi' -o'ti',ed to prese't hi+se&*, %,t /itho,t a /ord *ro+ the Master0 OO'e day,P /he' e(eryo'e had go'e, the Master t,r'ed to :eshi' a'd said3 JYo,?re a &,-ky *e&&o/0 1* yo, had'?t +et +e, yo,?d ha(e s,re&y %e-o+e a %oast*,& go%&i'KJ :eshi' the' %egged to %e ad+itted to the te+p&e, a'd, at his reH,est, re-ei(ed the 'a+e Ryoko0 A*ter/ards, at the ,rgi'g o* the asse+%&y, he took the 'a+e 9aie'0 8+ensh$' pp0 !$8.!$#0A

FR O M TH E G Y O G O RYAKK1
-$s&icion
9,ri'g the OGreat Trai'i'g Period at the Ryo+o'DiP, there /as a' i'-ide't i' /hi-h so+e +o'ey /as &ost i' the F,do Ha&&0? O'e day, /he' the Master as-e'ded the &e-t,re seat, a +o'k -a+e *or/ard a'd said3 J1 a+ s,-h. a'd.s,-h a perso' o* 0 0 0 pro(i'-e a'd a st,de't at the 0 0 0 te+p&e0 This /i'ter 1 ha(e %ee' pra-ti-i'g i' the F,do Ha&&0 A +o'k i' the p&a-e 'eFt to +i'e &ost his tra(e&i'g +o'ey, a'd %e-a,se 1 /as i' the seat %eside his, s,spe-ted +e o* taki'g it0 The r,+or has spread thro,gh the e'tire ha&&, a'd 1 %eg yo,r Re(ere'-e to -o'd,-t a' i'H,iry0J The Master asked3 J9id yo, stea& a'ythi'gEJ The +o'k rep&ied3 JAt a ,'iH,e re&igio,s gatheri'g &ike this, s,-h a sha+e&ess a-t /o,&d 'e(er e(e' -ross +y +i'dKJ The Master to&d hi+3 JThe' e(erythi'g is a&& right0J The +o'k said3 JYes, %,t at this +eeti'g, +o'ks are gathered *ro+ a&& o(er ;apa', a'd 1?+ /orried that i* there is 'o i'H,iry, 1?&& %e gi(e' a %ad 'a+e thro,gho,t the -o,'try0 1 %esee-h yo,r Re(ere'-e?s ki'd ,'dersta'di'g0J The Master said3 J1* there?s a' i'H,iry, the g,i&ty o'e /i&& ha(e to -o+e o,t<is that a&& right tooEJ The +o'k the' de-&ared3 J1t?s I /ho ha(e sho/' the (ery /orst ki'd o* sha+e*,&'ess, %ei'g se&*.-e'tered a'd arroga't i' a -ase &ike this a*ter 1?d &iste'ed to yo,r /o'.
119

!74 G 2A)KE1 :E) der*,& tea-hi'g e(ery dayKJ A'd, sheddi'g tears o* grati. t,de, he /ithdre/0 8+ensh$' pp0 5"6.5"80A

.andlin% delinL$ents
Che' the Master /as i' retreat at the ;iIoDi, Seki+o' Osho7 o* the Ryo+o'Di se't Othe +o'kP Te'ky,5 to -a&& o' hi+ a'd i'H,ire a*ter his hea&th0$ Che' he +et the Mas. ter at the te+p&e gate, Te'ky, de&i(ered a +essage *ro+ Seki+o', sayi'g3 JAt the Ryo+o'Di are a ',+%er o* 'o(. i-es /ho are re+iss i' their d,ties a'd r,de i' their %eha(. ior, ,psetti'g the de-or,+ o* the te+p&e0 1t /as tho,ght that i* they /ere to go so+ep&a-e e&se<the )yohoDi, per. haps, or the Kori'Di<they +ight -ha'ge their /ays, a'd 1 /ished to ask yo,r Re(ere'-e?s opi'io'0J Che' Te'ky, had spoke', the Master s,++o'ed Sh,i', Sokak, a'd +yse&*,> a'd, repeati'g *or ,s the gist o* the +essage Seki+o' had se't /ith Te'ky,, said3 JChat?s k'o/' as a :e' te+p&e is esta%&ished pre-ise&y to %ri'g together /i-ked *e&&o/s s,-h as these, /i''i'g the+ o(er thro,gh perso'a& -o'ta-t a'd +aki'g the+ i'to good +e'0 2,t, /itho,t a'y s,-h attit,de, -o+p&ete&y &a-ki'g i' -o+passio', yo, /a't to dispose o* /ro'gdoers e&se/here, to ha(e the+ go a'd -reate dist,r%a'-e so+ep&a-e e&seK 1s a perso' &ike that *it to %e a%%ot o* a :e' te+p&eE Che' o'e /hose heart is /itho,t ge'erosity or -o+passio' %e. -o+es a%%ot o* O+yP te+p&e, it is the %egi''i'g o* the e'd *or +y tea-hi'gKJ A*ter this se(ere ,p%raidi'g, e(eryo'e, /hether it /as the a%%ot, the te+p&e o**i-ers or the Master?s perso'a& at. te'da'ts, /as a*raid to -o+p&ai' to the Master a%o,t the %eha(ior o* the +o'ks0 8+ensh$' p0 5"60A

From the Gyogo Ryakki G !7 ;

The missin% &a&er

Che' the Master /as i' Shi'yashiki6 i' A%oshi, he /as ,'a%&e to *i'd a +e+ora'd,+ he 'eeded0 His atte'd. a'ts sear-hed a%o,t e(ery/here, %,t they too *ai&ed to t,r' it ,p0 Later, they dis-o(ered it at &ast0 At that ti+e, the Master s-o&ded the+, sayi'g3 J1* yo, had a&&, right *ro+ the %egi''i'g, deter+i'ed to *i'd it, e(e' i* yo, tore the ho,se do/', it /o,&d ha(e H,i-k&y t,r'ed ,p0 2,t si'-e yo, /e't a%o,t it ha&*.hearted&y, yo, /ere ,'a%&e to &o-ate it0 Chi&e this +e+o is 'othi'g o* great i+porta'-e, +y ha(i'g yo, sear-h *or it /as to -,&ti(ate i' yo, the sort o* reso&,te attit,de that yo, /i&& -arry /ith yo, thro,gh &i*e0 Cith a ha&*.hearted *ra+e o* +i'd, yo, /o'?t %e-o+e e(e' ha&* a +a'KJ A*ter/ards, /he' the Master /as stayi'g at the Oshi. ke',8 he /as Oprepari'g toP i's-ri%e a 2,ddhist 'a+e# a'd *o,'d the %r,sh to %e +issi'g0 A&tho,gh his atte'da'ts sear-hed a%o,t i' e(ery possi%&e /ay, they *ai&ed to t,r' it ,p, a'd this ti+e, o'-e agai', he s-o&ded the+ as he had %e*ore0 8+ensh$' p0 5"#0A

POEMS

Chinese &oems
Instr$ctin% the Assembly Chasi'g a*ter /ords, p,rs,i'g phrases, /he' /i&& yo, e(er %e do'eE Yo, r,' yo,rse&* ragged a+assi'g k'o/&edge, %e-o+i'g /ide&y i'*or+ed Se&*.'at,re is e+pty a'd i&&,+i'ati'g, so &et thi'gs take -are o* the+se&(es There?s 'othi'g e&se 1 ha(e to pass o' 8+ensh$' p0 $"60A Im&rom&t$ *oem )ot a'gry /he' a%,sed, 'ot happy /he' praised A great %&o-khead o* the ,'i(erseK Goi'g a&o'g as -ir-,+sta'-es -arry +e<'orth, so,th, east, /est Citho,t hidi'g +y ,g&i'ess a'd -&,+si'ess %et/ee' hea(e' a'd earth 8+ensh$' p0 $""0A Instr$ctin% a Conf$cian ofBi+en 1t ra'ges o(er past a'd prese't, per(ades the e'tire ,'i(erse Look a'd it?s 'ot to %e see', O%,tP -a&& a'd it respo'ds A stri'g&ess &,te, a si&e't +e&ody This has 'othi'g to do /ith %ei'g a +o'k or a &ay+a' 8+ensh$' p0 $"80A

>;; ,

*oems G !75

New "ears Chat does it +atter, the 'e/ year, the o&d yearE 1 stret-h o,t +y &egs a'd a&& a&o'e ha(e a H,iet s&eep 9o'?t te&& +e the +o'ks are'?t getti'g their i'str,-tio' Here a'd there the 'ighti'ga&e is si'gi'g3 the highest :e'K! 8+ensh$' p0 $"#0A

Instr$ctions to a Conf$cian Fro+ the o,tset, the Great Cay k'o/s 'o disti'-tio' %et/ee' /or&d&y a'd tra's-e'de'ta& Let 2,ddhis+ a'd Co'*,-ia'is+ ret,r' to the so,r-e, a'd a&& di**ere'-es -ease to eFist Che' yo, pe'etrate dire-t&y, %eyo'd /ords a'd &etters Goi'g *or/ard or %a-k/ard, /hate(er yo, do -reates a re*reshi'g %reeIe7 8+ensh$' p0 $"80A
Instr$ctin% the Assembly Mi'd a--ords /ith a&& -ir-,+sta'-es, yet does'?t arise or -ease The sages o* o&d praised this, -a&&i'g it +a+en 2&i'd peop&e /ear o,t their -,shio's /aiti'g *or e'&ighte'+e't ;,st &ike tryi'g to +ake a +irror %y po&ishi'g a %ri-k 8+ensh$' p0 $">0A Instr$ctions to the 4ayman 3esso@ in Res&onse to his P$estions on the TechniL$e of the 4ance The Great F,'-tio' +a'i*ests itse&* /itho,t *iFed r,&es Meeti'g ea-h sit,atio' o' its o/' ter+s, it?s 'e(er too soo', 'e(er too &ate Thr,sti'g, retra-ti'g, ad(a'-i'g, retreati'g<it a&& takes p&a-e %eyo'd the rea&+ o* tho,ght

!7$ G 2A)KE1 :E) Che' yo,?re i' har+o'y /ith Mi'd, ar+s a'd &egs operate o' their o/' 8+ensh$' p0 $"60A

Ka&anese *oems
The *reachin% of Insentient Thin%s 1' spri'g, the -herry %&osso+s 1' *a&&, the a,t,+' &ea(es The (ario,s *or+s o* 'at,re, D,st as they are A&& o* the+, the /ords o* the La/ 8+ensh$' p0 >!>0A Im&rom&t$ *oem Good is a/*,& 2ad is a/*,& A'd a/*,& is a/*,& too Thi'gs a'd e(e'ts Are o'&y the prod,-t o* -ir-,+sta'-es 8+ensh$' p0 >!60A
My 7editation .$t 8This &oem was &robably com&osed while Bankei was still in his early teens' d$rin% the &eriod after his e(&$lsion from home by his elder brother in e(as&eration at Bankei9s re&eated tr$ancy from the local school. E)ent$ally Bankei9s &li%ht attracted the sym&athy of an old family friend' Nak5 abori -$keyas$' headman of the nei%hborin% )illa%e of-hi5 mom$ra.< -$keyas$ had befriended Bankei9s father when he first arri)ed in the area as a masterless sam$rai' and he now erected a hermita%e for Bankei on the mo$ntain o)er5 lookin% the Nakabori family home' where the yo$n% seeker became a freL$ent %$est Isee 2!ords and 0eeds'2 &&. !$>. $6P0 Besides &ro)idin% Bankei with a hos&itable ref$%e while

Poe+s G >;C

he str$%%led to resol)e the L$estions that had dri)en him from the )illa%e school and into B$ddhism' the h$t e)i5 dently commanded a s&ectac$lar )iew of the Inland -ea and the E/ima Archi&ela%o' which here directly faces the coastline.6 As 1 g&a'-e a%o,t The haIe sett&es3 Here re(ea&ed thro,gh de'se +ists Here thro,gh thi' Spri'g day%reak o(er the EDi+a 1s&a'ds 8+ensh$' p0 >!>0A So'g of #ri%inal 7ind 8.onshin no $ta6 8Bankei is said to ha)e com&osed this series of )erses in !6>5 when he was li)in% in retreat in the mo$ntains of YosNI+o0 0ifferent )ersions and arran%ements of the )erses e(ist' and it is not known which re&resents the &oem9s ori%inal form. #ne te(t states that Bankei com&osed the &oem as instr$ction for the local children. Another %i)es the e(&lanation that to combat a se)ere dro$%ht which afflicted the area' Bankei had the )illa%ers' yo$n% and old alike' sin% the )erses as they danced at the local shrine. The res$lt was a &lentif$l rainfall' and thereafter the &erformance of Bankei9s 2rain son%2 became a local tradition. This acco$nt e(&lains why the &oem is also known as A+agoi.,ta, 2*ray5in%5for5Rain -on%'2 and Odori.,ta, 20ance -on%.2 It is' howe)er' $nclear why it sometimes a&&ears $nder the title Bs,hiki. ,ta, or 27illin% -on%'2 a ty&e of son% s$n% while %rindin% flo$r.6 B'%or' a'd i+perisha%&e 1s the origi'a& +i'd Earth, /ater, *ire a'd /i'd> A te+porary &odgi'g *or the 'ight

>;H , BANKEI :E)

Atta-hed to this Ephe+era& %,r'i'g ho,se6 Yo, yo,rse&(es &ight the *ire, ki'd&e the *&a+es 1' /hi-h yo,?re -o's,+ed Sear-h %a-k To the ti+e Che' yo, /ere %or' Yo, -a'?t re+e+%er a thi'g at a&&K Keep yo,r +i'd as it /as Che' yo, -a+e i'to the /or&d A'd i'sta't&y this (ery se&*8 1s a &i(i'g Jth,s.-o+eJ o'e# 1deas o* Chat?s good, /hat?s %ad A&& d,e to This se&* o* yo,rs 1' /i'ter, a %o'*ire Spe&&s de&ight 2,t /he' s,++erti+e arri(es Chat a ',isa'-e it %e-o+esK A'd the %reeIes Yo, &o(ed i' s,++er E(e' %e*ore a,t,+'?s go'e A&ready ha(e %e-o+e a %other Che' yo,?(e got +o'ey Yo, despise the poor 2,t ha(e yo, *orgotte' ho/ it /as 2a-k /he' yo, /ere poor yo,rse&*E

Poem s 127 The +o'ey yo, a+assed i' &i*e A+assed /ith a de+o'i- heart Yo,?&& /at-h /ith horror a'd a&ar+ SeiIed ,po' %y h,'gry ghosts Thro/i'g yo,r /ho&e &i*e a/ay Sa-ri*i-ed to the thirst *or go&d 2,t /he' yo, sa/ yo,r &i*e /as thro,gh A&& yo,r +o'ey /as 'o ,se C&i'gi'g, -ra(i'g a'd the &ike 1 do'?t ha(e the+ o' +y +i'd That?s /hy 'o/adays 1 -a' say The /ho&e /or&d is tr,&y +i'eK
Yo,r &o'gi'g *or the o'e yo, &o(e 1s *or the prese't ti+e a&o'e 1t o'&y eFists %y reaso' o* The past %e*ore she?d -o+e a&o'g

To re-a&& so+eo'e Mea's yo, -a'?t *orget )ot to re-a&& the+ That yo, 'e(er had *orgot Thi'ki'g %a-k o(er the past Yo, *i'd it /as a' e(e'i'g?s drea+ Rea&iIe that, a'd yo,?&& see E(erythi'g is D,st a &ie Those /ho *ee& e+%ittered %y Li*e i' this *&oati'g /or&d o* grie* A'g,ish the+se&(es, distress their +i'ds 2roodi'g o(er e+pty drea+s Si'-e, a*ter a&&, this *&oati'g /or&d 1s ,'rea&

>;J G 2A)KE1 :E) 1'stead o* ho&di'g o'to thi'gs i' Yo,r +i'd, go a'd si'gK O'&y origi'a& +i'd eFists 1' the past a'd i' the *,t,re too 1'stead o* ho&di'g o'to thi'gs i' Yo,r +i'd, &et the+ goK Che' yo, do'?t atta-h to thi'gs The *&oati'g /or&d /i&& -ease to %e )othi'g is &e*t, 'othi'g at a&& That?s /hat J&i(i'g tathagataJ +ea's Ha(i'g -reated The de+o' +i'd yo,rse&* Che' it tor+e'ts yo, +er-i&ess&y Yo,?re to %&a+e a'd 'o o'e e&se Che' yo, do /ro'g Yo,r +i'd?s the de+o' There?s 'o he&& To %e *o,'d o,tside A%o+i'ati'g he&& Lo'gi'g *or hea(e' Yo, +ake yo,rse&* s,**er 1' a Doy*,& /or&d Yo, thi'k that good Mea's hati'g /hat is %ad Chat?s %ad is The hati'g +i'd itse&* Good, yo, say, Mea's doi'g good 2ad i'deed The +i'd that says soK

*oem s , >;A Good a'd %ad a&ike Ro&& the+ %oth i'to o'e %a&& Crap it ,p i' paper a'd the' Toss it o,t<*orget it a&&K Mysteries a'd +ira-&es< There are 'o s,-h thi'gsK 2,t /he' yo, *ai& to ,'dersta'd The /or&d s *,&& o* /eird happe'i'gs This is the pha'to+ Cho de-ei(es Cho +akes ,s take the *a&se /or&d To %e rea& Fa+e, /ea&th, eati'g a'd dri'ki'g, s&eep a'd se's,a& de&ight.O'-e yo,?(e &ear'ed the Fi(e 9esires They %e-o+e Yo,r g,ide i' &i*e )otio's o* /hat o'e sho,&d do )e(er eFisted *ro+ the start Fighti'g a%o,t /hat?s right, /hat?s /ro'g That?s the doi'g o* the 1 Che' yo,r st,dy O* 2,ddhis+ is thro,gh Yo, *i'd Yo, ha(e'?t a'ythi'g 'e/ E'&ighte'+e't a'd de&,sio' too )e(er eFisted at the start

>@M G 2A)KE1 :E) They?re ideas that yo, pi-ked ,p Thi'gs yo,r pare'ts 'e(er ta,ght" 1* yo, thi'k the +i'd That attai's e'&ighte'+e't 1s J+i'eJ Yo,r tho,ghts /i&& /rest&e, o'e /ith the other These days 1?+ 'ot %otheri'g a%o,t Getti'g e'&ighte'+e't a&& the ti+e A'd the res,&t is that 1 /ake ,p i' the +or'i'g *ee&i'g *i'eK Prayi'g *or sa&(atio' i' the /or&d to -o+e Prayi'g *or yo,r o/' se&*ish e'ds 1s o'&y pi&i'g o' +ore a'd +ore Se&*.-e'tered'ess a'd arroga'-e )o/adays 1?+ tired o* Prayi'g *or sa&(atio' too 1 D,st +o(e a&o'g at +y ease Letti'g the %reath -o+e a'd go 9ie<the' &i(e 9ay a'd 'ight /ithi' the /or&d O'-e yo,?(e do'e this, the' yo, -a' Ho&d the /or&d right i' yo,r ha'dK 1t?s the %,ddhas 1 *ee& sorry *or3 Cith a&& those or'a+e'ts they /ear They +,st %e 9aII&ed %y the g&areK Sti&& too soo' *or yo, to %e A %,ddha i' the te+p&e shri'e

*oems , >@>

Make yo,rse&* a 9e(a Ki'g!4 Sta'di'g at the gate o,tsideK 1* yo, sear-h *or the P,re La'd 2e't ,po' yo,r o/' re/ard Yo,?&& o'&y *i'd yo,rse&* despised 2y the 2,ddha a*ter a&&K Peop&e ha(e 'o e'e+ies )o'e at a&& right *ro+ the start Yo, -reate the+ a&& yo,rse&* Fighti'g o(er right a'd /ro'g C&ear are the /orki'gs o* -a,se a'd e**e-t Yo, %e-o+e de&,ded, %,t do'?t k'o/ 1t?s so+ethi'g that yo,?(e do'e yo,rse&* That?s /hat?s -a&&ed se&*.-e'tered'ess Gro/' ,sed to the -o'ditio'ed /or&d Gro/' ,sed to the /or&d o* tra'sie'-e Che' yo, %e-o+e de&,ded &ike this Yo,?re the o'e /ho?s &osi'g o,tK The +i'd that?s 'ot -o'ditio'ed 1s origi'a&&y ,'%or' Chat is -o'ditio'ed does'?t eFist That is /hy there?s 'o de&,sio' Tho,gh the years +ay -reep ahead Mi'd itse&* -a' 'e(er age This +i'd that?s A&/ays D,st the sa+e Co'der*,&K Mar(e&o,sK Che' yo,?(e sear-hed a'd *o,'d at &ast

!57 G 2A)KE1 :E) The o'e /ho 'e(er /i&& gro/ o&d <J1 a&o'eKJ!! The P,re La'd Chere o'e -o++,'es at pea-e 1s here a'd 'o/, it?s 'ot re+ote Mi&&io's a'd +i&&io's o* &eag,es a/ay Che' so+eo'e tosses yo, a tea %o/& <Cat-h itK Cat-h it 'i+%&y /ith so*t -otto' Cith the -otto' o* yo,r ski&&*,&

!7 +i'dK 8+ensh$'pp0 >!".>770A

LETTERS

8The followin% letter from Bankei9s ori%inal teacher 1m&o 8>CF;5>HC@6' to%ether with Bankei9s re&ly' was re&ortedly written while Bankei was st$dyin% $nder 1m&o9s heir Bok$o at the -any$/i in Bi+en.6 Ha(i'g the opport,'ity to se'd a +essage, 1 a+ /riti'g yo, this 'ote0 1 tr,st yo, are keepi'g /e&&0 1 +yse&* a+ the sa+e as e(er, /hi&e the good peop&e o* Kariya a'd )aka+,ra! are ,'tiri'g i' their :e' st,dy0 As yo, k'o/, this o&d +o'k sta'ds a&o'e o' the s,++it o* a so&itary peak,7 a'd 'e(er H,otes e(e' a /ord o* the %,ddhas or patriar-hs0 Ho/e(er, si'-e yo, a'd Akashi5 ha(e sho/' a' ear'est desire, 1 -a''ot do other tha' eFte'd a he&pi'g ha'd a'd o**er yo, so+e /ords o* tea-hi'g, +,ddyi'g thi'gs ,p /ith ,se&ess ta&k0 )o/ that 1 ha(e t/e'ty or thirty peop&e -o+i'g to the te+p&e to pra-ti-e IaIe', 1 &ea(e the+ o' their o/', a'd that /ay e(eryo'e *ee&s at ease0 1* those /ho ,se Jpatriar. -ha& :e'J$ a'd *or-i%&y dis-ip&i'e their st,de'ts /ere to hear /hat 1?+ doi'g, 1?+ s,re they /o,&d -o'sider +e the e'e+y o* a&& the %,ddhas i' the three /or&dsK> Peop&e +ay say the %right +oo' is *a&&i'g i'to +,rky /ater, %,t i* 1 -a' sa(e o'e st,de't or e(e' ha&* a st,de't, sho,&d'?t 1 -o,'t +yse&* *ort,'ateE 1 hope yo, /i&& %e a%&e to ret,r' soo'0 Cith si'-ere regards, 81m&o6 , >@@

!5$ G 2A)KE1 :E) @2a'kei rep&ies3A Tha'k yo, *or yo,r &etter0 )othi'g +akes +e happier tha' to &ear' that a&& is /e&& /ith yo,0 E(eryo'e here i' the te+p&e, *ro+ the se'ior priests to the reg,&ar pra-ti. tio'ers, is *i'e, so *ort,'ate&y there is 'o 'eed to -o'-er' yo,rse&* o(er ,s0 As 1 &ear' *ro+ yo,r &etter, yo, ha(e &ate&y -o+e do/' to /ork sho,&der to sho,&der /ith the peop&e o* the /or&d i' order to sa(e the+0 This is tr,&y /o'der*,& a'd praise/orthy0 1 p&a' short&y to -o+e a'd pay +y respe-ts to yo,0 Cith si'-ere regards, 8Bankei6 8+ensh$' pp0 5!".5740A
8Addressed to Bankei9s childhood friend -asaki Nob$5 ts$%$f this letter a&&ears to be the &rod$ct of a stay in Kyoto -ir-a !6$70 -chool seems to ha)e remained a sore &oint with the yo$n% Bankei' who here &rofesses little en5 th$siasm for his 2academic st$dies'2 which may well ha)e incl$ded both B$ddhist and non5B$ddhist classics.6

T/e'ty.se-o'd day o* the *i*th +o'th @eH,i(a&e't to &ate ;,'e i' the prese't -a&e'darA Late&y +y ti+e has %ee' -o+p&ete&y take' ,p /ith /ork, %,t a&&o/ +e to address yo, this %rie* +essage0 1 tr,st that a&& is /e&& /ith yo,0 1 +yse&* a+ *i'e0 1 tho,ght this spri'g8 1 +ight tra(e& to Edo or perhaps e(e' retire to the +o,'tai'sM a'd a&tho,gh 1?d a&ready +ade ,p +y +i'd to H,it +y a-ade+i- st,dies, e(eryo'e said it /o,&d %e a +istake *or +e to a%a'do' the+ 'o/ a'd that at a&& -osts 1 sho,&d go o' /ith +y /ork *or a'other year or so<*or the sake o* the 9har+a, they to&d +e0 So, i' o'e /ay or a'other, they he&d +e %a-k, a'd 1 /as o%&iged to stay o' here a'd keep at +y /ork0 1?+ doi'g *i'e a'd +aki'g good progress, so set yo,r +i'd at ease0 Si'-e 1?+ a&ready -o+. +itted to this sit,atio' a'd -a'?t a(oid spe'di'g a'other

4etters , >@C

year or t/o at +y st,dies, 1?d appre-iate yo,r p,tti'g to. gether so+e *,'ds to -arry +e thro,gh this period0 )eFt +o'th 1?&& ha(e to +ake +y ,s,a& Do,r'ey to Ako to (isit B+po, so 1 hope yo,?&& gi(e this +atter yo,r i++ediate atte'tio'0 )othi'g e&se i' parti-,&ar to add *or 'o/0 Yo,r ser(a't, "otak$ 8+ensh$' p0 >780A
8Bankei9s disci&le Yose', to whom this letter is addressed' was a sister5in5law of -asaki Nob$ts$%$. -he wo$ld ha)e been abo$t twenty years old in 76>6, when the letter was &robably com&osed' and remained a s$&&orter of Bankei thro$%ho$t his career.6

A&&o/ +e to address yo, this %rie* +essage0 Co'-er'. i'g yo,r re&igio,s pra-ti-e3 as yo,r tho,ghts ha(e'?t yet stopped, yo, +,st +ake e(ery e**ort to ro,se yo,r *aith, -o+p&ete&y *orgetti'g a&& tho,ghts, of e)ery sort<tho,ghts o* -herishi'g good a'd &oathi'g e(i&, o* &o(i'g or hati'g, o* /or&d&y a**airs, o* -herishi'g %,ddhahood, o* &oathi'g de&,sio' or -herishi'g e'&ighte'+e't0 1* 'othi'g at a&& re+ai's i' yo,r +i'd, the' yo,r re&igio,s pra-ti-e is -o+. p&ete, so i* yo, -a' -o+e to this H,i-k&y, 1?&& %e a%&e to gi(e yo, +y a-k'o/&edg+e't0 2y assid,o,s&y ro,si'g yo,r *aith, yo,?&& H,i-k&y es-ape these de&,sio's0 Che' yo, ha(e es. -aped the+, 1?&& k'o/ it, a'd at that ti+e 1?&& %e a%&e to gi(e +y a-k'o/&edg+e't to that o'e /ho has es-aped0 Respe-t*,&&y, 8Bankei6 8+ensh$' pp0 >78.>7#0A
8The followin% is a letter from Bankei to his disci&le Rintei 8>H@M5>FM;6' addressed by her earlier reli%io$s name Ritei. 4ike "osen' Rintei was a sister5in5law of Bankei9s &atron -asaki Nob$ts$%$. -he became a n$n in >HFA' settlin% in

>@H G 2A)KE1 :E)

a hermita%e within the com&o$nd of her h$sband9s home. Bankei9s letter was com&osed sometime before >HA>' when she ass$med the name Ritei' and Akao has s$%%ested a date in the early to +id.!664s0A

Ha(i'g re-ei(ed yo,r &etter, a&&o/ +e to address yo, this %rie* +essage0 1 hope yo, are a&& /e&&0 1 +yse&* a+ *i'e, so p&ease rest ass,red0 Yo, are, 1 i+agi'e, app&yi'g yo,rse&* di&ige't&y i' yo,r re&igio,s pra-ti-e0 Yo,r -o'sta't stro'g desire to attai' e'&ighte'+e't right a/ay, ho/e(er, /i&& +ake yo, de&,ded, so it?s esse'tia& that yo, gi(e ,p this attit,de a'd D,st re+ai' /itho,t a'y sort o* dis-ri+i. 'atio' or ,'dersta'di'g0 9o'?t hate the arisi'g o* tho,ghts or stop the tho,ghts that do ariseM si+p&y rea&iIe that o,r origi'a& +i'd, right *ro+ the start, is %eyo'd tho,ght, so that, 'o +atter /hat, yo, 'e(er get i'(o&(ed /ith tho,ghts0 1&&,+i'ate origi'a& +i'd, a'd 'o other ,'dersta'di'g is 'e-essary0 Ho/e(er, i* yo, %e-o+e Oatta-hed toP the desire *or i&&,+i'atio', the' it /i&& %e-o+e a so,r-e o* de&,sio'0 O'&y rea&iIe that, *ro+ the %egi''i'g, origi'a& +i'd is %eyo'd tho,ght, a'd do'?t atta-h to yo,r risi'g tho,ghts at a&&, /hether they?re a%o,t good or e(i&, 2,ddhis+ or /or&d&y +atters, yo,r o/' a**airs or other peop&e?s</hat. e(er they are, D,st &et the+ arise or -ease as they /i&&, a'd that /ay yo,?&& 'at,ra&&y a--ord /ith origi'a& +i'd0 Tho,ghts arise te+porari&y i' respo'se to /hat yo, see a'd hearM they ha(e'?t a'y rea& eFiste'-e o* their o/'0 Yo, +,st ha(e *aith that the origi'a& +i'd that is rea&iIed a'd that /hi-h reali+es origi'a& +i'd are 'ot di**ere't0 Sho,&d yo, ha(e a'y *,rther H,estio's, do'?t hesitate to ask0 Respe-t*,&&y, 8Bankei6 8+ensh$' pp0 >54.>5!0A
8This letter' &robably datin% from the mid5lHFMs' is ad5 dressed to 4ady Na%a' da$%hter of Bankei9s sam$rai &atron

4etters , >@F

Kato "as$oki and wife of 4ord Koto9s chief retainer #hashi -hi%eyoshi. Rikyo' who seems to ha)e been an elderly lady5 in5waitin% in the #hashi family' had a&&arently so$%ht to meet with Bankei to recei)e his %$idance on how to confront her a&&roachin% death. Bankei' $nable to see Rikyo' &assed on this messa%e to her )ia 4ady Na%a. The first &art of the letter deals with $nrelated material and has been omitted.6 . . . O' +y /ay %a-k this ti+e, 1 /o'?t ha(e a -ha'-e to see a'yo'e, so p&ease -o'(ey +y heart*e&t regrets to Rikyo0 E(e' *or o'e /ho is yo,'g, &i*e is ,'-ertai' at %est, so *or so+eo'e &ike Rikyo /ho is /e&&.ad(a'-ed i' years it is a&& the +ore ,'dersta'da%&e to *ee& regret0 Si'-e 1 too a+ 'ot o'&y o&d, %,t ai&i'g as /e&&, it is (ery ,'&ike&y that 1 /i&& %e a%&e to see her agai'0 )e(erthe&ess, si'-e she is si'-ere&y -o++itted to the 9har+a a'd is pra-ti-i'g /ho&ehearted&y, 1?+ s,re she /i&& i&&,+i'ate the pri'-ip&e o* origi'a& %,ddhahood a'd %e-o+e the sort o* perso' /ho does 'ot re&y o' the po/er o* others0 So +y &ea(i'g *or the -apita& is i' 'o /ay a -a,se *or s,-h ,'happi'ess o' her part0 This 9har+a is'?t a'ythi'g yo, -a' &ear' *ro+ so+eo'e e&se0 E(e' i* she did see +e, it /o,&d 'ot he&p0 P&ease -o'(ey this +essage to her *ro+ +e0 A&so, it keeps skippi'g +y +i'd, %,t as Rikyo is o&d a'd prepared Oto +eet deathP at a'y ti+e, se-,re Oi' her *aithP, 1 thi'k she sho,&d %e s,re to se/ herse&* a se(e'. pie-e kesa'J so that /he' death -o+es she?&& %e ready /ith it0 They say3 JChe' yo, Oret,r'P to yo,r 'ati(e p&a-e, de-k yo,rse&* o,t i' %ro-ade0J" Ce&&, there?s 'o a+o,'t o* %ro. -ade that -a' -o+pare /ith /eari'g the kesa' so p&ease te&& her /he' she goes %a-k to her 'ati(e p&a-e to ha(e o' a se(e'.pie-e kesa. 1 thi'k it?s /o'der*,& that a /o+a' is a%&e to prepare a kesa *or herse&*0 1* 1 go to the -apita& 'o/, 1 pro%a%&y /o'?t ha(e the -ha'-e to see Rikyo agai', so p&ease gi(e her this +essage *ro+ +e3 At the ti+e o* death, there?s 'o 'eed *or a'y spe-ia& state o* +i'd0 ;,st +eet yo,r e'd /ith the ordi'ary

!5# G 2A)KE1 :E) +i'd o* IaIe'0 E(ery%ody?s +i'd is the 2,ddha Mi'd, /hi-h is origi'a&&y e'&ighte'ed, so it?s 'ot so+ethi'g that is J%or'J or that JdiesJM it 'either -o+es 'or goes, %,t is eter'a&, ,'a&tera%&e %,ddhahood0 Th,s, it?s 'ot a +atter o* yo,r becomin% a %,ddha 'o/ *or the *irst ti+e si'-e yo,?(e been a %,ddha right *ro+ the start0 That?s /hy, i'stead o* *o&&o/i'g other peop&e?s spirit,a& g,ida'-e, it?s %est to &ook to yo,r o/' ordi'ary straight*or/ard +i'd0 P&ease te&& her this *or +e0 A'd si'-e it?s the sa+e *or yo,r Ladyship, a'd a'yo'e e&se as /e&&, do'?t thi'k that this is o'&y *or Rikyo0 Respe-t*,&&y, Bankei 8+ensh$' pp0 >55.>5$0A Instr$ctions for the 4ayman 3esso' %i)en at his reL$est 8Bankei com&osed the followin% instr$ctions on the art of combat for his disci&le and &atron Kato "as$oki' daimyo of #+$ and an e(&ert in the $se of the yari, or Ka&anese lance. Altho$%h not s&ecifically a letter' it has been in5 cl$ded here.6 1' per*or+i'g a +o(e+e't, i* yo, a-t /ith 'o.+i'd, the a-tio' /i&& spri'g *orth o* itse&*0 Che' yo,r ki>M -ha'ges, yo,r physi-a& *or+ -ha'ges a&o'g /ith it0 Che' yo,?re -arried a/ay %y *or-e, that is re&yi'g o' Jse&*0J To ha(e ,&terior tho,ghts is 'ot i' a--orda'-e /ith the 'at,ra&0 Che' yo, a-t ,po' de&i%eratio', yo, are tied to tho,ght0 The oppo'e't -a' the' te&& Othe dire-tio' o*P yo,r ki. 1* yo, Otry toP steady yo,rse&* %y de&i%erate e**ort, yo,r ki %e-o+es di**,se, a'd yo, +ay gro/ -are&ess0 Che' yo, a-t de&i%erate&y, yo,r i't,iti(e respo'se is %&o-kedM a'd i* yo,r i't,iti(e respo'se is %&o-ked, ho/ -a' the +irror +i'd appearE!! Che', /itho,t thi'ki'g a'd /itho,t a-ti'g de&i%erate&y, yo, +a'i*est the B'%or', yo, /o'?t ha(e a'y *iFed *or+0 Che' yo, are /itho,t *iFed *or+, 'o

4etters , >@A

oppo'e't /i&& eFist *or yo, i' the /ho&e &a'd0 )ot ho&di'g o' to a'ythi'g, 'ot re&yi'g o'esided&y o' a'ythi'g, there is 'o Jyo,J a'd 'o Je'e+y0J Chate(er -o+es, yo, D,st respo'd, /ith 'o tra-es &e*t %ehi'd0 Hea(e' a'd earth are (ast, %,t o,tside +i'd there is 'othi'g to seek0 2e-o+e de&,ded, ho/e(er, a'd i'stead this +i'd %e-o+es yo,r oppo'e't0 Apart *ro+ +i'd, there is 'o art o* -o+%at0 8Tomis$sanshi' +ensh$' &. "$40A

JCOR9S A)9 9EE9SJ

@Mis-e&&a'eo,s Materia&sA
Bankei9s childhood
Fro+ the ti+e he started his s-hoo&i'g, the Master /as o--,pied st,dyi'g the Co'*,-ia' -&assi-s at the 9aiga. k,Di0l This /as 'ot to his &iki'g, a'd he /as a&/ays ret,r'. i'g ho+e ear&y0 His e&der %rother Tadayas,7 re%,ked hi+ *or this ti+e a'd agai', %,t the Master /o,&d 'ot &iste'0 O' his /ay ho+e, he had to -ross the 1%o Ri(er0 5 Tadayas, -o++a'ded the *erry+a'3 J1* he -o+es %a-k ear&y, do'?t take hi+ a-ross o' a'y a--o,'tKJ O'e day, the Master /as ret,r'i'g ear&y, a'd the *erry+a' *o&&o/ed Tadayas,?s or. ders0 The Master de-&ared3 JAt the %otto+ o* the ri(er there +,st %e so&id gro,'dKJ He p&,'ged right to the %ot. to+, a'd, gaspi'g *or %reath, +a'aged to gai' the opposite %a'k0 O'e day, he said to hi+se&*3 J1 ha(e 'o /ish to st,dy the Co'*,-ia' -&assi-s, a'd /he' 1 go %a-k to the ho,se +y o&der %rother /i&& o'&y s-o&d +e agai'0 2etter *or +e to die</hy sho,&d 1 -&i'g to &i*eEJ There,po', he s/a&. &o/ed so+e poiso' spiders /hi-h /ere k'o/' to %e a%so. &,te&y &etha& to +e', *i&&i'g his +o,th /ith the+, a'd, se-&,di'g hi+se&* i' a s+a&& sto'e shri'e,$ H,iet&y a/aited death0 Ho/e(er, his &,-k sti&& had 'ot r,' o,t, a'd /he' da/' arri(ed, he e+erged agai'0 O' the *i*th day o* the *i*th +o'th it /as the ti+e. ho'ored -,sto+ *or a&& the &o-a& %oys to di(ide i'to tea+s
140

JCords and 0eeds2 , >O>

that /ere spread o,t a&o'g the opposite %a'ks o* the ri(er, &etti'g *&y a hai& o* pe%%&es to see /hi-h side /o,&d /i'0 1* the Master /ere o' o'e side, his oppo'e'ts o' the opposite %a'k /o,&d s-atter to es-ape his atta-k0 He /o,&d 'e(er retreat ,'ti& (i-tory /as his0 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' p0 $!!0A

The &riest9s F$do

The F,do Ha&& Oo* the Ryo+o'DiP is sit,ated to the right o* the te+p&e gate0 9,ri'g the Ka'ei era,> the a%%ot ;,ki' o* the 'ear%y SaihoDi6 o/'ed a s+a&& stat,e o* F,do that had %ee' -ar(ed %y K,kai08 1ts &e'gth /as s-ar-e&y *o,r i'-hes, a'd it /as possessed o* a' eFH,isite spirit,a& pres. e'-e0 At this ti+e, the Master /as sti&& (ery yo,'g0 JHo/ 1 /ish 1 -o,&d ha(e thatKJ he tho,ght to hi+se&*0 ;,ki', ho/e(er, priIed the i+age high&y a'd /o,&d 'ot part /ith it0 O'e day, the Master re*&e-ted3 J1* 1 pray, s,re&y it /i&& -o+e to +e0 1* +y prayers ha(e 'o e**e-t, the' 2,ddhis+ is'?t /orth %e&ie(i'g i', a'd e(e' i* 1 rea&iIed Othe 9har+aP, /hat ,se /o,&d it %eEJ So, setti'g aside a period o* thirty days, he /orshipped /ith great de(otio', prayi'g si'g&e. +i'ded&y *or di(i'e assista'-e0 2,t the t/e'ty.'i'th day arri(ed /itho,t a'y res,&t0 E(e'i'g -a+e, a'd a *rie'd happe'ed %y to (isit0 9,ri'g the -o,rse o* their -o'(ersa. tio', the Master eFp&ai'ed the reaso' *or his a-ti(ities, a'd to&d his *rie'd straight o,t that he -o,&d 'ot %e&ie(e i' 2,ddhis+0 He had s-ar-e&y *i'ished speaki'g /he' s,d. de'&y ;,ki' -a+e a'd k'o-ked at the door0 The Master /as s,rprised to see hi+ there a'd greeted hi+, sayi'g3 JChy ha(e yo, tro,%&ed yo,rse&* to (isit +e at this &ate ho,rEJ ;,ki' said3 J1 a+ goi'g to e'tr,st to yo, this pre. -io,s i+age0 1 *e&t a stro'g ,rgi'g i' the depths o* +y heart, a'd so Ode-ided to -o+eP i++ediate&y /itho,t /ait. i'g ti&& +or'i'g0J He the' dre/ the stat,e *ro+ his ro%e

!$7 G 2A)KE1 :E) a'd ga(e it to the Master0 1' the Master?s +i'd, there arose a' eFtraordi'ary *ee&i'g o* deter+i'atio', a'd he *i'a&&y reso&(ed to %e-o+e a +o'k0 8Ryomon/i shiryak$' +ensh$' pp0 >#8.>##0A

At the &ost station

9,ri'g the Master?s an%ya'J he passed thro,gh the post statio' at Seki" i' Mi'o0 His *eet eFha,sted, he hired a post horse to rideM %,t D,st the' a (a&,a%&e &oad o* +er. -ha'dise arri(ed, a'd the pa-k horse dri(er, seiIed /ith greed, p,&&ed the Master r,de&y *ro+ the sadd&e a'd, set. ti'g the &oad o* goods o' top, /e't o**0 The Master sat do/' -ross.&egged %e'eath the ea(es o* the statio', &ooki'g so+e/hat despo'de't0 Atte+pti'g to -o'so&e hi+, the dispat-her approa-hed a'd said3 JMo'k, are yo, a'gryEJ The Master rep&ied3 JFor the sake o* the O'e Great Matter!4! /e't agai'st +y pare'ts? /ishes, &e*t +y 'ati(e p&a-e0 A'd 'o/ 1?(e got ,pset o(er o'e tri*&i'g thi'gK Ho/ 1 repe't itKJ He the' rose a'd &e*t0 JFro+ that +o+e't o',J the Master ,sed to say, J1 se(ered the roots o* a'ger0J A*ter/ard, /he' the Master /as tea-hi'g, /he'e(er he passed thro,gh this post statio' a&& the &o-a& peop&e /o,&d *&o-k to pay hi+ ho+age0 At the statio' /as a +a' 'a+ed Seishit-hi,!! /ho ere-ted a h,t *or the Master a'd /e&-o+ed hi+ there /ith o**eri'gs0 1ts tra-es re+ai' to this day0 0 0 0 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' p0 $!"0A

Bankei faces death

Che' the Master /as o' an%ya' he %oarded a *erry at the to/' o* Ya+ada i' O+i0!7 )o other passe'gers /ere a%oard0 The %oat+a' steered the *erry to the ri(er%a'k,

JCords and 0eeds2 G !$5 a'd %ega' to &oad o' sta-ks o* *ire/ood0 His +o(e+e'ts /ere *,rti(e, &ike a thie*?s0 The Master said3 J9id yo, pay *or thatEJ The %oat+a' +,ttered3 JMo'kKJ JAre yo, stea&. i'g itEJ the Master asked0 JSh,t ,pKJ the %oat+a' to&d hi+0 The Master said3 J1* yo,?re goi'g to stea& it, the' ki&& +e a'd stea& it, %,t 1 -a'?t a&&o/ yo, to %e a thie*0J A'd so sayi'g, he stopped the %oat+a', prepared to die i* 'e-es. sary0 1g'ora't tho,gh the *e&&o/ /as, he yie&ded to reaso', a'd, ,'a%&e i' the e'd to -arry o,t his i'te'tio', p,shed o** the %oat0 0 0 0 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' p0 $!80A

Amon% the be%%ars

O' his ret,r' *ro+ Kaga,!5 the Master passed thro,gh Edo0 Stoppi'g at the Ko+agata shri'e,!$ he +i'g&ed /ith the thro'gs o* %eggars, -,&ti(ati'g his +i'd a'd dis-ip&i'. i'g hi+se&* i' re&igio,s pra-ti-e as he ',rt,red his e'&ight. e'+e't0 1t happe'ed at that ti+e that the o**i-er i' -harge o* 4ord Mats,,ra Shige'o%,?s!> sta%&es /as &eadi'g a horse, /he' it %roke a/ay0 The horse -harged thro,gh the streets, a'd -ro/ds o* peop&e s-ra+%&ed to stop it, %,t /itho,t s,--ess0 Seei'g this, the Master re+arked3 JThe reaso' that horse /o'?t %e he&d is si+p&y that the +a' a'd the horse are separate0J O' his ret,r', the o**i-er reported these /ords to Lord Mats,,ra, /ho said3 J1 hear that Yotak,!6 has -o+e to these parts0 Cho e&se %,t he -o,&d ha(e ,ttered these /ordsKJ He pro+pt&y se't so+eo'e /ho k'e/ the Master to i'(estigate, a'd, D,st as he had eFpe-ted, it /as he0 OLord Mats,,raP the' i'(ited the Master to his +a'sio', a'd, ere-ti'g the Koto.a',!8 i'sta&&ed hi+ there0 0 0 0 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' pp0 $!8.$!#0A

!$$ G 2A)KE1 :E)

The missin% coins

At o'e ti+e, the :e' Master 2a'kei /as &i(i'g i' -r,e&&y straite'ed -ir-,+sta'-es at Seki.'o.ya+a, i' Mi'o0!# The (i&&agers therea%o,ts, +o(ed %y his destit,te -o'ditio', -a+e to his aid a'd *o,'d hi+ &odgi'gs0 At that ti+e, the (i&&age head+a' dis-o(ered he /as +issi'g so+e te' ryo!" *ro+ his +o'ey p,rse a'd i++ediate&y s,spe-ted 2a'kei o* the the*t0 OTherea*ter, assista'-e to 2a'keiP %ega' to d/i'd&e a/ay0 O(er a year passed, /he', (isiti'g the ho+e o* his so'.i'. &a/, the head+a' *o,'d that the +issi'g +o'ey had %ee' sto&e' i' desperatio' %y a /o+a'0 He the' s,++o'ed 2a'kei a'd eFp&ai'ed /hat had happe'ed, eFpressi'g repe'ta'-e a'd o**eri'g his apo&ogies0 2a'kei -a&+&y rep&ied3 JVery good, (ery good0 Ho/e(er, this had 'othi'g to do /ith me. Chether it /as yo,r s,spe-ti'g +e or +y %ei'g ,'der s,spi-io'<right *ro+ the start, there /as 'othi'g to it0 The /ho&e thi'g D,st arose *ro+ 'otio's0J 8Zok$ kinsei so%o' +ensh$' p0 $880A

The Conf$cians
Che' the Master /as (isiti'g the Sa'y,Di i' 2iIe', a&& the &o-a& Co'*,-ia's opposed 2,ddhis+0 They a%o+i. 'ated the Master?s re&igio,s 'a+e a'd so,ght to h,+i&iate hi+, -o+i'g to see the Master a'd de%ati'g /ith hi+ *or 'ear&y three +o'ths0 At the -o'-&,sio' o* the de%ateM their ri'g&eader, a -ertai' )akaga/a, e'ded %y -a&&i'g Sakya+,'i a parasite o' the /or&d0 The Master asked3 JHo/ is it a--ordi'g to the Co'*,. -ia'sEJ O)akaga/aP rep&ied3 JOrder the ki'gdo+ a'd i'str,-t the peop&e0J

JCords a'd 9eedsJ G !$> The Master said3 J1 ha(e heard that he /ho /o,&d i&&,+i'ate the 2right Virt,e i' the ki'gdo+ sho,&d *irst p,t his Oo/'P ho,seho&d i' order0 He /ho /o,&d p,t his ho,seho&d i' order sho,&d *irst -,&ti(ate hi+se&*0 He /ho /o,&d -,&ti(ate hi+se&*, sho,&d *irst straighte' his +i'd0 He /ho /o,&d straighte' his +i'd sho,&d *irst +ake his i'te'tio' si'-ere074 )o/, i' yo,r -ase, /hat sort o* i'te'. tio' is it yo,?re seeki'g to +ake si'-ere, a'd /ith /hat +i'd are yo, doi'g thisEJ The *e&&o/ /as d,+%*o,'ded0 The Master &a,ghed a'd said3 J1* yo, ha(e'?t yet ,'derstood the /riti'gs o* Othe sage o*P Ro7! i' the east, ho/ -a' yo, possi%&y grasp the +ea'i'g o* O2odhidhar+a sP -o+i'g *ro+ the westN2;; O)akaga/aP, tota&&y *&,stered, /ithdre/0 There,po', ea-h o* the Co'*,-ia's, %ri'gi'g /ith hi+ his dis-ip&es, -a+e to st,dy 2,ddhis+ /ith the Master, e(e' atte'di'g the Masters IaIe' pra-ti-e0 O'e o* the+ prese'ted the Master /ith a poe+3 JThe kite soars thro,gh the sky The *ish sports i' the sea<J The Patriar-hs? :e'K75 The Master said3 JHo/ a%o,t yo,r o/' :e'EJ The Co'*,-ia' -o,&d 'ot rep&y0 8Tomis$sanshi' %orok$' &. !5"0A

The rich man9s wife

For -ertai' reaso's, the Master %roke o** re&atio's /ith his e&der %rother Tadayas,0 Tadayas, /as o' -&ose ter+s /ith +y great.gra'd*ather S,keyas,,7$ a'd the t/o /ere D,st &ike re&ati(es0 S,keyas, -o'str,-ted a her+itage o' the +o,'tai' a%o(e o,r *a+i&y ho+e, a'd, i'(iti'g the

!$6 G 2A)KE1 :E) Master, had hi+ sett&e there0 Here, the Master had a p&a-e /here he -o,&d -arry o' his +editatio' pra-ti-e0 The Mas. ter hi+se&* /rote o,t the 'a+e o* the her+itage a'd p&a-ed it o,tside the e'tra'-e0 Th,s, he /as a *reH,e't (isitor at o,r *a+i&y ho+e, /hi-h /as D,st &ike his o/' ho,se0 A*ter he %e-a+e a priest, +y *a+i&y /o,&d o*te' arra'ge (ege. taria' *easts a'd i'(ite hi+0 The /i*e o* a -ertai' ri-h +a' *ro+ 1ka%a i' Shiso7>< /hose 'a+e -a''ot %e re(ea&ed here</as possessed %y (i-io,s greed a'd /o,&d take a'y ad(a'tage o* others i' her -ra(i'g *or /ea&th0 Her appeara'-e /as &ike that o* a yaksha076 Her *a+i&y re+o'strated /ith her o(er this, %,t *ai&ed to s/ay her0 A&& o* the+ ,rged her repeated&y to atte'd the Master?s ser+o's, a'd *i'a&&y she ga(e i' a'd set o** *or A%oshi0 That day the Master had a--epted a' i'(itatio' to a (egetaria' *east at o,r *a+i&y ho+e, a'd /he' the *east had e'ded, he de&i(ered a p,%&i- ser+o'0 This /o+a' -a+e a'd Doi'ed the +eeti'g, &iste'i'g re(ere't&y0 The ser+o' had 'ot yet *i'ished /he' her eFpressio' gre/ so*t a'd ge't&e, a'd it see+ed as i* she /ere a di**ere't perso'0 2e*ore the -&ose o* the ser+o', she had tra's*or+ed herse&* a'd %e-o+e a %,ddha0 She tear*,&&y eFpressed her -o'tri. tio', a'd the si's o* her past +e&ted a/ay &ike *rost a'd de/0 She i++ediate&y had her 'a+e e'tered i' the te+p&e register, %e-o+i'g a ',' a'd &i(i'g as o'e the rest o* her days0 1' the de(o,t re+ai'der o* her &i*e, she has %,i&t herse&* a si+p&e retreat, +aki'g o**eri'gs to the +o'ks a'd ','s a'd re+ai'i'g a-ti(e to this day0 My gra'dpare'ts, +y ',rse+aid a'd others perso'a&&y /it'essed these thi'gs a'd 'e(er tired o* repeati'g the+ to +e0 JThe Master?s roo+ /as 'arro/,J they de-&ared, J%,t it /as 'o di**ere't *ro+ the Osite o* theP ser+o' at the V,&t,re PeakKJ78 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' p0 $!>0A

JCords and 0eeds2 G !$8

The wolf
To/ard e(e'i'g, the Master /as ret,r'i'g to A%oshi *ro+ Shiso0 A /o&* stood i' the road/ay, a'd, spreadi'g its Da/s, -o'*ro'ted the Master0 Looki'g i'to the /o&*s +o,th, he sa/ that a &arge %o'e had %e-o+e &odged i' its throat, a'd, i'serti'g his ha'd, re+o(ed it0 O(erDoyed, the /o&* s,%+issi(e&y drooped its ears, /agged its tai& a'd s-,rried o**0 Therea*ter, /he' the Master tra(e&ed o' this road, the /o&* /o,&d a&/ays -o+e a'd es-ort hi+ to /her. e(er he /as goi'g0 0 0 0 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' p0 $!60A

The steward9s in)itation

Che' the Master /as i' OI,, he re-ei(ed a' i'(itatio' *ro+ a -ertai' F,Dioka,7# a +i'or o**i-ia& i' the Stores 9epart+e't0 The date had %ee' set, %,t o' the day i' H,estio', a'other i'(itatio' arri(ed, this ti+e *ro+ the dai+yo o* the pro(i'-e0 The Master eF-,sed hi+se&* o' a--o,'t o* his pre(io,s e'gage+e't0 Peop&e /ere a*raid o* the dai+yo?s Orea-tio'P0 2,t the Master said3 JHo/ -a' 1 di(ide +y +i'd %et/ee' high a'd &o/E 1s'?t this a&& the +ore so /he' a +i'or o**i-ia& has i'(ited +eE For days 'o/ he?s %ee' a'Fio,s&y -o'-er'i'g hi+se&* a%o,t this, perso'a&&y seei'g to the -ooki'g a'd -&ea'i'g a'd other preparatio's0 His i'te'tio's re(ea& a deep ki'd'ess0 The dai+yo -a' +a'age Os,-h thi'gsP at a +o+e't?s 'oti-e, so /hy does it ha(e to %e D,st todayEJ Che' the dai+yo &ear'ed o* these /ords, he /as great&y i+pressed0 The /ords /ere the Master?s, the ad+iratio', the dai+yo?s0 The dai+yo /as his Lordship Kato Yas,oki, a great +a' a'd a past +aster o* the +i&itary arts, %e*ore /ho+ e(e' Y,i Shosets,7" stood i' a/e0 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' pp0 $5#.$5"0A

!$# G 2A)KE1 :E)

.ea)en and hell

O'-e the Master /as asked %y a +o'k3 JYo,r Re(er. e'-e a&/ays tea-hes that the /or&ds o* paradise, hea(e' a'd he&&, h,'gry ghosts a'd *ighti'g de+o's are a&& i' the +i'd a'd do'?t eFist o,tside, et-0 2,t i' the S,tra, Othe 2,ddhaP says that i* yo, tra(e& /est/ard a-ross a %i&&io' %,ddha &a'ds, there?s a regio' -a&&ed Paradise, /hi-h is the +a'i*estatio' o* the 2,ddha A+ida054 9oes that +ea' the 2,ddha is &yi'gEJ The Master said3 JCho de-ided o' that dire-tio'EJ 8Zei%o' +ensh$' p0 7"#0A

From yo$r own mo$th

A -ertai' *e&&o/ asked a%o,t the /ords o* the o&d +as. ters0 The Master said3 JB'dersta'di'g o'e phrase, p,II&i'g o(er a'other, Oa'd so o' *orP te' +i&&io' /ords<there?s 'e(er a' e'd to it0 1* yo, tr,&y rea&iIe /hat 1?+ tea-hi'g, the' *ro+ yo,r o/' +o,th /o'der*,& /ords a'd +ar(e&. o,s phrases /i&& -o+e *orth0 Other/ise, /hat ,se are s,-h thi'gs i' Ost,dyi'gP the CayEJ 8Tomis$sanshi' %orok$' p0 !5#0A

3enshin9s tho$sand b$ddhas

The Master (isited Katada5! a'd paid his respe-ts at the Jtho,sa'd %,ddhaJ a&tar057 The %,ddhas /ere -ar(ed %y the High Priest Ge'shi' o* the Eshi'i'055 OThe peop&e o*P this area gai'ed their &i(e&ihood %y *ishi'g0 Ge'shi' %ega' %y ere-ti'g a ha&& a'd p&a-i'g /ithi' it a' i+age o* 2,d.

JCords and 0eeds2 G !$" dha0 He i'str,-ted the peop&e, sayi'g3 J1* a&& o* yo, repeat Othe 'a+e o*P A+ida5$ /ith yo,r +o,ths, the' /he' yo, ha,& i' the 'ets /ith yo,r hands yo,?&& %e s,re to get p&e'ty o* *ish0J )o/, e(e' a*ter a&& this ti+e, thi'gs ha(e re. +ai'ed ,'-ha'ged, a'd this has %e-o+e a &o-a& -,sto+0 Che' the Master ret,r'ed to Ya+ashi'a,5> he said3 JGe'. shi' had the tre+e'do,s -o+passio' o* a' 1--ha'tika %odhisatt(a056 He is tr,&y /orthy o* ad+iratio'0J E(eryo'e eF-&ai+ed3 JThe Master is i'deed a ki'dred spirit o* Ge'. shi' %or' i'to a'other ageKJ 1 ha(e heard that at Ka/a-hi58 there are se(e' -re+a. tio' gro,'ds esta%&ished %y Gyogi 2osats,05# A&& *o,r sides as /e&& as the ro-ks O-o(eri'gP the gro,'d are -ar(ed /ith %,ddhas a'd dhara'i05" Gyogi?s &ast /ords /ere3 JA'yo'e /ho re-ei(es -re+atio' i' these re-esses, e(e' those /ho ha(e -o++itted the *i(e -ardi'a& -ri+es a'd the te' e(i& a-ts,$4 /i&& %e s,re o* rea-hi'g hea(e' a'd %e-o+i'g a %,ddha0J This sort o* e'&ighte'ed a-ti(ity a'd +ag'i*i-e't -o+passio' is D,st &ike that o* Ge'shi'0 )o/ /e -o+e to the pho'y tea-hers o* :e' /ho are i' *ashio' these days0 Che' they ho&d *orth o' the re-ords o* the patriar-hs, they a%,se the %,ddhas a'd patriar-hs, dis. dai' the o&d /orthies0 The' they try to p&ay ,po' the *ee&i'gs o* ig'ora't &ay+e', -arryi'g o' a%o,t the eight hot a'd -o&d he&&s,$! /eepi'g right a&o'g /ith their a,di. e'-e a'd striki'g terror i' their hearts0 Or e&se they -hatter a%o,t goi'g to hea(e' a'd %e-o+i'g %,ddhas a'd sed,-e their &iste'ers O/ith ta&k o*P the eF-e&&e't re/ards o* a--,. +,&ati'g +erit, D,st &ike a' a-tor -aDo&i'g a *oo&ish -hi&d0 2,t /he' yo, take a good &ook at /hat?s rea&&y o' their +i'ds, it?s a&& gr,%%i'g do'atio's a'd +aki'g a 'a+e *or the+se&(es0 1* a'yo'e H,estio's this, they say3 JThis is a ski&&*,& eFpedie't O*or tea-hi'g 2,ddhis+P0J The tr,th is, they the+se&(es %e-o+e g,ides o' the road to he&&, p,&&i'g do/' the ig'ora't +asses0 Ho/ piti*,& they areK 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' p0 $$#0A

;>4 G 2A)KE1 :E)

#fferin%s
The Master /as goi'g to se'd a shri'e o**eri'g$7 a'd, orderi'g *i*ty /aF -a'd&es, had the+ p&a-ed i' a %oF0 The %oF /as &arge, O%,tP /he' the Master ope'ed it a'd &ooked i'side, Ohe sa/ thatP the %otto+ had %ee' thi-k&y spread /ith stra/0 He ordered this to %e re+o(ed a'd the' p,t i' a' additio'a& *i*ty -a'd&es, *i&&i'g ,p Othe %oFP0 He said3 JO**eri'gs are the tr,e eFpressio' o* si'-erity0 To i'd,&ge oste'tatio,s&y i' e+pty sho/, to de&ight i' *a&se disp&ay, is ,tter&y -o'trary to the i'te't o* this o&d +o'k0 Fro+ here o', yo, are 'e(er to do thisKJ )o/adays at *,'era& ser(i-es they pi&e high the o**er. i'gs, i' the +ea'ti+e *i&&i'g ,p the %otto+ %y tyi'g to. gether O%,'d&es o*P stra/0 The' they -ro/' it a&& /ith gor. geo,s *&o/ers a'd ask the dire-tor o* the ser(i-e to -o+e a'd &ook0 E(e' i* a'other ser(i-e is s-hed,&ed, they D,st go ahead a'd ho&d it /itho,t -ha'gi'g a'ythi'g0 They +ay go o' &ike this *or te' or e(e' ,p to a h,'dred Oser. (i-esP, ,'ti& Othe o**eri'gsP -ha'ge -o&or a'd start to disi'. tegrate0 O'&y the' do they p,t i' *resh o'esK Co'*,-i,s re(i&ed those /ho +ade gra(e *ig,res0$5 2,t this %,si'ess 'o/ is sti&& /orse0 A+o'g the Master?s *o&&o/ers, this is so+ethi'g that?s 'e(er do'e0 As a r,&e, /hether it /as the Oa''i(ersary o*P the %,ddhas or the patriar-hs or that o* a' ordi'ary de-eased, /he'e(er he atte'ded the rit,a& +ea& a--o+pa'yi'g a ser(i-e,$$ Othe MasterP /o,&d %e s,re the -ere+o'ia& (esse&s /ere *i&&ed a'd the o**eri'gs *resh0 O' s,-h o--asio's he +ade 'o disti'-tio' %et/ee' the *ood *or the &i(i'g a'd that o**ered Othe de-easedP0 0 0 0 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' pp0 $5>.$560A

Co$ntin%
The atte'da't +o'k ;i' asked3 J1' the past /he' yo,r Re(ere'-e /as si'g&e.+i'ded&y pra-ti-i'g IaIe', ho/ +a'y

2!ords and 0eeds2 G >C>

sti-ks o* i'-e'se /o,&d yo, %,r' *or the day a'd 'ightEJ The Master said3 JChe' 1 /as sitti'g the /ho&e day thro,gh, 1 did'?t -o,'t the ',+%er o* sti-ks o* i'-e'se0 1 D,st -o'sidered o'e sti-k o* i'-e'se as o'e day, a'd o'e sti-k o* i'-e'se as o'e 'ight0J ;i', i' spite o* hi+se&*, /as &e*t d,+%*o,'ded0 8Tomis$sanshi' %orok$' p0 !5"0A

-oens s&ecial teachin%

A+o'g the Masters dis-ip&es /as the +o'k Soe'0$> His -hara-ter /as p&ai' a'd tr,e, i'depe'de't, *ir+, dig. 'i*ied, a'd i' his %eha(ior 'o o'e -o,&d dis-er' a si'g&e *&a/0 O' the %att&egro,'d o* 9har+a he /as a (a&ia't a'd a--o+p&ished hero0 Yet the Master a&/ays ad+o'ished hi+ *or his aggressi(e o,tspoke''ess0 Soe' te'ded to thr,st hi+se&* to the *ore, a'd the Master /o,&d re%,ke hi+ a'd p,sh hi+ %a-k0 This o'&y +ade Soe' a&& the +ore deter. +i'ed to *or-e his /ay to the *ro't0 Fi'a&&y, he /as eF. pe&&ed0 Ti+e a'd agai' he /o,&d ret,r', eFpressi'g his -o'tritio' a'd reDoi'i'g the asse+%&y0 This o--,rred o' se(era& o--asio's0 )o o'e ,'derstood the reaso' *or Othe Masters a-tio'sP, %,t peop&e spe-,&ated that he +ight %e tryi'g to te+per the harsh'ess Oo* Soe' s -hara-terP, -o'. ti',a&&y sh,**&i'g hi+ this /ay a'd that as a -o+passio'ate +ea's o* i'str,-tio'0 9,ri'g the Great Trai'i'g Period he&d at the Ryo+o'Di i' the third year o* Ge'rok,, Soe' %e-a+e i&& a'd /as o' the poi't o* death0 The Master O(isited hi+P i' the en/$do<H a'd spoke to hi+ i'ti+ate&y, sayi'g3 JANV+,$8 ea-h day yo, &i(e is a day to /ork *or others0J Soe' 'odded a'd passed a/ay0 The others had 'e(er rea&iIed ho/ great /as the -o+. passio' o* the Master?s /ords0 8Zei%o' +ensh$' p0 54>0A

!>7 G 2A)KE1 :E)

*ositi)e and ne%ati)e

A +o'k o* the Shi'go' s-hoo& H,estio'ed the Master3 J1' +y s-hoo&?s +editatio' o' the &etter a, $# there are t/o +ethods o* +editatio' o' the B'%or'3 the 'egati(e a'd the positi(e0 1s'?t this positi(e +ethod /hat yo,r Re(er. e'-e is tea-hi'gEJ The Master said3 JCo+e o(er here0J The +o'k approa-hed hi+0 The Master sho,ted3 JChi-h +ethod is thisN2 The +o'k /as ,tter&y d,+%*o,'ded0 The e'tire as. se+%&y /as prese't a'd heard this, *i&&ed /ith a+aIe+e't0 8Zei%o' +ensh$' p0 7#>0A

4ayman 3esso9s r$nny nose

Che'e(er the Lay+a' Gesso got a'gry, his 'ose /o,&d start to r,'0 He o'-e asked the Master a%o,t this0 The +aster to&d hi+3 J1s s'ot a'y di**ere't *ro+ tearsEJ Therea*ter, the Lay+a' did 'ot re(ea& i' his de+ea'or /hether he /as p&eased or a'gered0$" 8Tomis$sanshi' %orok$' p0 !5#0A

The thief
A+o'g the +,&tit,de /ho arri(ed to atte'd the trai'. i'g period /as a -ertai' +o'k *ro+ Mi'o /ho /as k'o/' to %e a thie*0 Chere(er he /e't he disr,pted the asse+%&y0 There /ere se(e' or eight +o'ks *ro+ the sa+e area /ho /ere /e&& a-H,ai'ted /ith this a'd appea&ed to the &o-a& go(er'+e't o**i-ia&, sayi'g3 JThis +o'k is a' e(i&doer, k'o/' to peop&e e(ery/here0 Ha(e so+eo'e get hi+ to /ithdra/ at o'-e a'd 'ip this e(i& i' the %,dKJ

2!ords and 0eeds2 , !>5

The o**i-ia& reported this to Seki+o', /ho -o'(eyed the o**i-ia&?s /ords to the Master0 The Master *&,shed /ith a'ger a'd de-&ared3 JAt this ti+e 1?+ -o'd,-ti'g a trai'i'g period at Opeop&esP re. H,est<a'd /hy do yo, s,ppose 1?+ doi'g thisE 1t?s to a&ter the e(i& /ays o* e(i& +e', to e'-o,rage the (irt,es o* (irt,o,s +e', so that ea-h perso' +ay thoro,gh&y rea&iIe his /isdo+ %ody0 To praise the ,pright a'd reDe-t the /ay. /ard 'o/ /o,&d %e tota&&y opposed to +y rea& p,rpose0J Seki+o' /as spee-h&ess, *i&&ed /ith sha+e a'd re. +orse0 Cord o* the a**air /as %r,ited thro,gh the asse+%&y, a'd a&& shed tears, +o(ed %y the OMaster?sP deep -o+pas. sio'0 At that ti+e, the +o'k i' H,estio' raised his (oi-e a'd sorro/*,&&y pro-&ai+ed3 JToday 1 ha(e re-ei(ed the -o+passio' o* a great tea-herK Fro+ here o' *ore(er a*ter 1 /i&& -,t o** e(i& tho,ghts a'd de(ote +yse&* to -,&ti(ati'g e'&ighte'ed a-ti(ity0J Therea*ter, /here(er he /e't, i' /hate(er asse+%&y he *o,'d hi+se&*, he /as a&/ays k'o/' *or his di&ige'-e0 Cith the +asters o* 9har+a 'o/adays, /he' a st,de't is'?t to their &iki'g, they pai'staki'g&y sear-h *or so+e ti'y *a,&t a'd the', e(e' i* he?s their o/' %rother, t,r' hi+ o,t /itho,t a'y /ar'i'g D,st as i* he?d %ee' their /orst e'e+yK O' the other ha'd, i* it?s so+eo'e /ho /i&& %e ,se*,& i' pro+oti'g their o/' *a+e a'd *ort,'e, e(e' i* he?s *ro+ a di**ere't &i'e, they?&& e+%ra-e hi+ a'd %ri'g hi+ right i', -o'grat,&ati'g the+se&(es o' their -&e(er. 'ess0 Citho,t the +i'd o* -o+passio', o'e /i&& %e arro. ga't as a de+o' or a yaksha0 OThis sort o* thi'gP is to %e *ir+&y reDe-ted a'd a%horredK Tho,gh 1>4 ha(e %ee' a%%ot at RyoIa'>! *or +ore tha' t/e'ty years, 1 ha(e 'e(er take' it ,po' +yse&* to tyra''iIe the st,de'ts, *or the Master?s ad+o'itio' sti&& ri'gs i' +y ears0 0 0 0

8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' pp0 $55.$5$0A

!>$ G 2A)KE1 :E)

Bankei and the stin%y monk

A+o'g the Master?s dis-ip&es /as the +o'k Ts,yo0>7 He /as a (ery +eti-,&o,s *e&&o/, %,t /as eF-essi(e&y at. ta-hed to tri(ia& a-ti(ities, pi-ki'g ,p the re+ai's o* ri-e i' the h,&&i'g roo+ a'd gatheri'g a'y gree's he *o,'d *&oati'g i' the strea+0 The Master *or%ade hi+ to do this0 Ts,yo te'ded to s-o,r the store roo+s a'd -orridors *or thi'gs, a'd there /as 'o/here he did'?t go0 O1' the e'd,P the Master eFpe&&ed hi+0 Ts,yo asked Tairyo>5 to i'ter-ede *or hi+ a'd eFpressed his -o'tritio', %,t tho,gh years passed, the Master /o,&d 'ot pardo' hi+0 Fi'a&&y, %eg. gi'g *orgi(e'ess, Ts,yo /as read+itted to the asse+%&y0 He -a+e a'd prostrated hi+se&* %e*ore the Master0 The Master s+i&ed a'd said3 J1 ha(e'?t see' yo, i' H,ite a /hi&e0 My, yo,?(e %ee' getti'g o&dKJ E(eryo'e /as great&y i+pressed /ith the eF-e&&e'-e o* the Masters -o+passio'0 O' re*&e-tio', o'e -a' see that, %e-a,se o* Ts,yo?s *ai&i'gs, the Master /as i'str,-ti'g hi+, a'd that, thro,gho,t, his -o+passio'ate attit,de had 'e(er -ha'ged0 8Zei%o' +ensh$' p0 5!#0A

The sam$rais fan

Che' the Master /as at the Kori'Di, a sa+,rai -a+e to see hi+0 Ho&di'g ,p his *a', the sa+,rai said3 JChe' it appears i' the rea&+ o* %ei'g, this o%De-t is -a&&ed a *a'M yet origi'a&&y it?s 'o'.eFiste't0 9o yo, k'o/ /hat sort o* thi'g it is at the +o+e't it des-e'ds *ro+ Hea(e'EJ>$ The Master said3 J1 k'o/0J The sa+,rai asked3 JChat do yo, k'o/EJ The Master to&d hi+3 J1 k'o/ that 1 do'?t k'o/0J The sa+,rai sighed ad+iri'g&y, a'd de-&ared3 JThe Great Sage hi+se&* said that ?K'o/&edge is to say yo, do 'ot k'o/ a thi'g /he' yo, do 'ot k'o/ it0? J>>

2!ords and 0eeds2 , >CC

The Master shook his head a'd said3 JThat?s 'ot it at a&&0J 8Zei%o' +ensh$' p0 5!!0A

Bankei9s 2no r$les2

1' the /i'ter o* the third year o* Ge'rok,, the Master he&d a trai'i'g period at the Ryo+o'Di0 O(er te' tho,sa'd peop&e atte'ded0 E(eryo'e said3 JAt this +eeti'g they?&& s,re&y ha(e to set ,p r,&es a'd reg,&atio's, eFhort peop&e i' a %oo+i'g (oi-e a'd +ake the /ho&e asse+%&y H,ake /ith *earKJ 2,t e(eryo'e /as -a&+ a'd H,iet, a'd 'o r,&es or reg. ,&atio's /ere i+posed0 Periodi-a&&y, the Master /o,&d as-e'd the &e-t,re seat a'd address the asse+%&y, sayi'g3 JThe origi'a&&y eFisti'g B'%or'<a&& o* yo,, %e s,re yo, do'?t -o'-ea& it *ro+ yo,rse&(esK This B'%or' is &ike a great %a&& o* *ire3 to,-h it a'd yo,?&& %e %,r'ed0 1 -a' speak a%o,t it *or yo, 'o/, %,t +y /ords -a'?t eFha,st itM 1 -a' ,se it, %,t 1?&& 'e(er ,se it ,p0 For +e to eFhort peop&e, %erati'g the+ harsh&y to *righte' the+ i'to a-ti(ity, is D,st a ,se&ess de-eptio'0 1t sho,&d 'e(er %e do'eKJ Che' the +o'ks o* the asse+%&y heard this, a&& their do,%ts +e&ted i'sta't&y a/ay0 8Zei%o' +ensh$' &. 7"60A

Chokei9s se)en c$shions

Che' the Master /as at the F,+o'Di i' Hirado i' HiIe', the :e' Master a'd A%%ot o* the KodaiDi i' )agasaki>6 -a+e to see hi+0 1' the -o,rse o* their dis-,s. sio', the A%%ot re+arked3 J1' setti'g *orth yo,r i'str,-. tio', yo, tea-h -&ear&y a'd dire-t&y, -,tti'g o** a&& de&,ded

>CH G 2A)KE1 :E) (ie/s a'd 'ot -o'-er'i'g yo,rse&* /ith re&igio,s pra-ti-e0 Ho/e(er, /hat a%o,t the story o* Chokei a'd the se(e' -,shio's Ohe /ore o,t doi'g +editatio'PEJ>8 The Master said3 JYo,r Re(ere'-e has got the story /ro'g0 This Chokei spe't t/e&(e years goi'g a%o,t st,dy. i'g s,--essi(e&y /ith the :e' Masters Rei,', Seppo a'd Ge'sha, /eari'g o,t the se(e' -,shio's, %,t i' spite o* a&& that, he sti&& had'?t eFperie'-ed a'y %reakthro,gh0 The', o'e day, he ro&&ed ,p the %a+%oo %&i'd a'd s,dde'&y rea&iIed e'&ighte'+e't0 At that +o+e't, he -o+posed a (erse3 Chat a di**ere'-eK Chat a di**ere'-eK Ro&&i'g ,p the %&i'd, 1 see the /or&d0 1* a'yo'e asks +e /hat tea-hi'g it is 1?(e grasped 1?&& take +y /hisk a'd %ash hi+ i' the +o,thK Yo,r Re(ere'-e, st,dy ,p o' this so+e +oreKJ The A%%ot, *i&&ed /ith ad+iratio', %o/ed his head i' asse't0 8Zei%o' +ensh$' p0 7#"0A

The fencin% master

The Master /as at the Kori'Di0 Che' he as-e'ded the &e-t,re seat, a +aster o* the +artia& arts approa-hed hi+ a'd said3 J1 ha(e %ee' pra-ti-i'g *or H,ite so+e ti+e0 O'-e 1?d grasped the k'a-k o* it, +y ha'd respo'ded per. *e-t&y to +y +i'd, a'd e(er si'-e, /he' 1 -o'*ro't a' oppo'e't, %e*ore e(e' taki'g ,p +y /eapo', 1?(e pier-ed thro,gh his (ery ?%o'es a'd +arro/0? 1t?s &ike yo,r Re(er. e'-e?s ha(i'g the 9har+a Eye0J The Master to&d hi+3 JYo,?(e -ertai'&y do'e yo,r ,t. +ost i' the +artia& arts0 )o/, atta-k mel2 The sa+,rai /as s,dde'&y at a &oss0

2!ords and 0eeds2 , >CF

The Master said3 J1?(e de&i(ered +y %&o/0J The sa+,rai %o/ed his head a'd eF-&ai+ed i' ad+iratio'3 JHo/ i'-redi%&eK Yo,r Re(ere'-e?s atta-k is s/i*t as &ight'i'g, H,i-k as a spark str,-k *ro+ *&i't0 Yo, ha(e s,rpassed +e0 1 h,+%&y %eg to re-ei(e *ro+ yo, the esse'tia&s o* :e'0J More a'd +ore, his respe-t *or the Master -o'ti',ed to gro/0 Ge'era&&y, /he' the Master /as i' Edo, +a'y sa+,rai *ro+ the di**ere't s-hoo&s o* *e'-i'g /o,&d -o+e to +eet hi+0 A&& re-ei(ed the Master?s si'g&e %&o/, a'd there /as 'o'e /ho *ai&ed to respe-t a'd re(ere hi+0 8Zei%o' +ensh$' pp0 7"5.7"$0A

Nanry$ s &lace
Che' the Master /as at the Gyok,ry,Di i' Mi'o, the Soto /orthy )a'ry,># took his *a' a'd, poi'ti'g to his p&a-e, de+a'ded3 JYo,r Re(ere'-e, ho/ -o+e yo,?re passi'g this p&a-e ,pEJ The Master said3 JCe&&, D,st /hat sort o* p&a-e is thisEJ )a'ry, rep&ied3 JB'%or' a'd i+perisha%&e0J The Master to&d hi+3 JYo,?re +istake'&y -a,ght ,p i' /ords a'd 'a+es0J Raisi'g his (oi-e, )a'ry, said3 JGetti'g o&der a'd o&der,>" r,''i'g to the east, r,''i'g to the /est</hy are yo, goi'g aro,'d %e/it-hi'g &ay +e' a'd /o+e'KJ The Master rep&ied3 JChe' yo, ,se a' e(i& eye, e(i&?s /hat yo,?&& see0J )a'ry, /e't o**, %,t a*ter a /hi&e he -a+e *or/ard a'd prostrated hi+se&* %e*ore the Master, eFpressi'g his pro*o,'d gratit,de0 8Zei%o' +ensh$' p0 5480A

The rays of li%ht

0 0 0 OAt the Great Trai'i'g Period he&d at the Ryo. +o'Di,P there /as a -ertai' +o'k /ho stepped *or/ard

;># G 2A)KE1 :E) a'd said3 J1 a+ -ha'ti'g the Light Ma'tra064 1 pra-ti-e di&ige't&y, 'ight a'd day, a'd +y %ody e+its rays o* &ight 0 0 0 et-0 The Master s-o&ded hi+, sayi'g3 JThose rays o* &ight o* yo,rs are 'othi'g %,t the *&a+es o* the e(i& passio's -o's,+i'g yo,r %odyKJ The +o'k +eek&y /ithdre/0 8Zei%o' +ensh$' p0 5!40A
i _

As yo$ are is it=

Che' the Master /as at the )yohoDi, he i'str,-ted the asse+%&y, sayi'g3 JA&& o* yo, are &,-ky i'deed to ha(e +et /ith a tea-herK Citho,t ha(i'g to /ear o,t yo,r stra/ sa'da&s, to /aste yo,r stre'gth Op,rs,i'gP *&o/ers i' the sky or Oto e'gage i'P di**i-,&t a'd pai'*,& pra-ti-es, yo, O-a'P dire-t&y e'ter the tr,e tea-hi'g0 Chat good *ort,'eK 9o'?t /aste yo,r ti+eKJ A +o'k /ho /as prese't said3 JA&& the sa+e, there?s D,st o'e thi'g0 S,ppose, *or eFa+p&e, so+eo'e /a'ts to go o,t o* the -ity a'd a-ross the ri(er3 /itho,t ,si'g a %oat, +,-h &ess e(e' taki'g a step, he?&& 'e(er get a'y/here0J The Master said3 JAs yo, are, right here at this +o. +e't, is it0 There?s 'o getti'g a'y/here or 'ot getti'g a'y/here0 This is /hat?s +ea't %y the tea-hi'g o* s,dde' e'&ighte'+e't0 Hesitate a'd it?s &ostM /a(er a'd it dra/s *,rther a'd *,rther a/ay0J 8Zei%o' +ensh$' p0 5!!0A

-ettei9s medicine
9,ri'g the trai'i'g period Ohe&d at the Ryo+o'Di i' the third year o* Ge'rok,P, there /ere +a'y si-k +o'ks0 Se(era& +o'ks /ere assig'ed to ',rse the+ ,'der the

2!ords and 0eeds2 , >CA

s,per(isio' o* Settei06! So+eo'e re+arked3 JThese *e&&o/s are D,st &aIy, prete'di'g to %e si-k a'd getti'g a H,iet rest0 They o,ght to %e p,'ished a'd thro/' o,t o* the te+p&eKJ Settei said3 J1t?s %e-a,se they are /eary o* the +editatio' pra-ti-e that they ha(e -o+e to this0 This is i'deed a gra(e i&&'ess, a'd 1 a+ treati'g it /ith the +edi-i'e o* patie'-e a'd -o+passio'0 OThat /ay,P the day /i&& s,re&y -o+e /he' they regai' their /e&&.%ei'g0J (Itsujijo, zenshu, pp. $78.$7#0A

-ho&&in% for the best

Che' the Master /as at the ;iIoDi i' Ya+ashi'a, he se't a +o'k i'to the -ity to %,y so+e *i'e.H,a&ity paper0 The +o'k had the dispositio' o* Co'*,-i,s? dis-ip&e TI,. k,'g,67 a'd he pri(ate&y e(a&,ated the pros a'd -o's Oo* the (ario,s papersP %e*ore +aki'g his p,r-hase a'd ret,r'. i'g0 The Master to&d hi+3 J)o good,J a'd se't hi+ %a-k to +ake his se&e-tio' agai'0 The +o'k sti&& /o,&d 'ot a%a'do' his attit,de, a'd, pai'staki'g&y /eighi'g the +erits Oo* ea-h (arietyP, he o'-e +ore +ade his p,r-hase a'd ret,r'ed0 JSti&& 'o good,J the Master to&d hi+0 2y the third ti+e this had happe'ed, the +o'k rea&iIed his error a'd, prostrati'g hi+se&*, eFpressed his repe'ta'-e0 The Master said3 JThe *irst ite+ yo, %ro,ght /as *i'e0J 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' pp0 $7".$540A

The Conf$cian9s L$estion

A Co'*,-ia' asked3 J1* a&& the +e' i' the /or&d t,r'ed to 2,ddhis+, e'teri'g the priesthood a'd a%a'do'i'g their /i(es a'd -hi&dre', 1?+ a*raid the h,+a' ra-e /o,&d -ease to eFist0 Chat do yo, thi'kEJ

!64 G 2A)KE1 :E) The Master said3 JLet?s /ait ,'ti& that h,+a' ra-e has a-t,a&&y died o,t, a'd the' 1?&& te&& yo,0J The *e&&o/ +eek&y /ithdre/0 8Tomis$sanshi' %orok$' p0 !5#0A

!aste &a&er clean &a&er

The +o'k RoIa'6E /as sti'gy %y 'at,re0 Che', as a yo,th, he /iped the te+p&e oi& &a+ps, he ,sed s-rap paper0 Seei'g this, the Master said3 JChy do'?t yo, ,se -&ea' paperEJ Cas the Master perhaps taki'g hi+ to task *or his sti'gi'essE Th,s, i' the te+p&es RoIa' *o,'ded, e(e' 'o/ they ,se -&ea' paper to /ipe the oi& &a+ps0 0 0 0 Che' the Master /rote &arge -hara-ters, he spread a -&ea' sheet o* paper ,'der'eath &est the i'k sho,&d seep thro,gh0 1*, a*ter Othe paperP had %ee' ,sed o'-e, so+eo'e O/a'ted toP ,se it o'-e +ore, the Master wo$ldn9t allow it, sayi'g, J9o'?t ,se it agai', or there +ay %e so+eo'e e&se /ho /i&& go a'd do the sa+e0J As a r,&e, ha'dker-hie* paper that had %ee' ,sed o'-e /as 'ot ,sed o(er0 OThe MasterP i'str,-ted that it sho,&d %e disposed o*0 E(e' *or toi&et paper, 'e/ OpaperP /as a&/ays ,sed0 0 0 0 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' p0 $$80A

Bankei9s nat$ral method

O(er thirtee' h,'dred peop&e parti-ipated i' the OMas. ter?sP trai'i'g periods, 'ot i'-&,di'g those +o'ks a'd &ay. +e' *ro+ o,tside the te+p&e /ho -a+e dai&y to Doi' the asse+%&y0 The parti-ipa'ts di(ided the+se&(es a+o'g the ha&&s, /here they pra-ti-ed either IaIe' or -ha'ti'g0 Citho,t setti'g ,p a'y r,&es, ea-h perso' D,st 'at,ra&&y

JCords a'd 9eedsJ G >H> p,rs,ed his o/' a-ti(ity, pra-ti-i'g di&ige't&y a'd H,iet&y so that it see+ed as i* there /ere 'o o'e i' the roo+0 These days, the :e' +o'asteries e(ery/here -ro/d together three or *i(e h,'dred +o'ks, reg,&ati'g their s-hed,&e do/' to the +i',te, restri-ti'g their area o* +o(e+e't, (irt,a&&y %i'di'g the+ ha'd a'd *oot so that it?s D,st &ike goi'g i'to a Dai&0 1* a'yo'e -o++its e(e' the s&ightest i'*ra-tio', they %eat hi+ a'd thro/ hi+ o,t, 'e(er sho/i'g the s+a&&est *orgi(e'ess0 Their pryi'g a'd %,&&yi'g are /orse tha' a go(er'+e't o**i-ia&?sK The res,&t is that, /he' the trai'i'g periods *i'ish, so+e peop&e %e-o+e i&&, /hi&e others *i'd the+se&(es -o+p&ete&y de%i&itated0 Th,s, the seed&i'g is %&asted %e*ore it -a' spro,t, -a,si'g rese't+e't a+o'g tea-hers a'd pare'ts0 This, the', is the sort o* a-ti(ity -arried o,t 'o/adays %y those /ho sty&e the+se&(es eFperts i' the tea-hi'g o* :e'0 A&asK Fe-k&ess +o'ks, %e'di'g /hi-he(er /ay the /i'ds o* *ashio' %&o/, ,'a%&e to rise a%o(e the -o++o' herd<ho/ piti*,& they areK The +e' o* o&d set ,p the %arrier o* death, ope'ed the pit /here Ost,de'tsP are %,ried a&i(e06$ A&& these thi'gs, /itho,t eF-eptio', /ere do'e /ith a parti-,&ar p,rpose i' +i'd, %,t 'o/ peop&e i+itate the+ %&i'd&y i' the *a&se hope o* prod,-i'g the sa+e re. s,&t06> 1* a -&,+sy /ork+a' seiIes the adIe o* the O+a' o*P Ch?,, a &ot o* peop&e are goi'g to &ose the tips o* their 'osesK66 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' p0 $5>0A

Bankei9s ni%ht sermon

Che' the Master /as i' his +idd&e years a'd stayi'g at the Chik,ri'ke',68 he de&i(ered a ser+o' o'e e(e'i'g6# to t/o or three :e' +o'ks0 Che' his ta&k /as *i'ished, e(erythi'g %e-a+e H,iet a'd sti&&0 S,dde'&y, /ith a shriek,

>H; G 2A)KE1 :E) a /i&d %oar spra'g *ro+ %ehi'd a +,&%erry tree0 The Mas. ter &a,ghed a&o,d0 The +o'ks /ere thoro,gh&y start&ed0 8Zei%o' +ensh$' p0 5480A

The old tree

The Master ere-ted the Kaiga'Di6" o' the site o* a' a%a'do'ed te+p&e0 Chi&e -&eari'g the area, a' o&d pi'e tree /as *o,'d to %e %&o-ki'g -o'str,-tio'0 E(eryo'e /a'ted to -,t it do/' a'd re+o(e it0 The Master said3 JThe te+p&e -a' %e set ,p agai' Oe&se/here, %,tP this o&d tree did 'ot easi&y gro/ so ta&& a'd /ide0 Let it &i(e a'd do'?t -,t it do/'KJ A&asK The tr,e +ea'i'g o* the Master?s &o(e *or /hat is o&d is 'ot to %e ,'derstood %y -&e(er +o'ks0 The /orthies o* &o'g ago p&a'ted pi'e trees to %ea,ti*y the te+p&e gro,'ds084 As the sayi'g goes3 JThe -har+i'g sights at a :e' te+p&e3 o&d +o'ks a'd aged trees0J Let des-e'da'ts i' &ater ge'eratio's take a &esso' *ro+ Othe Master?sP deeds a'd seek to e+,&ate the+K 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' p0 $760A

Bankei and the blind man

1' Hari+a, i' the to/' o* Hi+eDi, /as a %&i'd +a' /ho %y heari'g peop&es (oi-es -o,&d dis-er' their i''er. +ost tho,ghts0 0 0 0 O'-e, heari'g a +a' passi'g a&o'g a 'ear%y street, si'gi'g as he /a&ked, he re+arked3 JFor so+eo'e /itho,t his head, he si'gs /e&&0J The +a'?s /i*e a'd ser(a'ts a&& &a,ghed0 JThe +o,th is in the head,J they to&d hi+,Jso that pro(es yo,?re /ro'gKJ J;,st /ait a /hi&e,J the %&i'd +a' said0 Si'gi'g agai', the +a' ret,r'ed0 S,dde'&y there /as the so,'d o* a head %ei'g -,t o**0 The atta-ker de-&ared3

JCords and 0eeds2 G >H@

2I /as goi'g to -,t hi+ do/' %e*ore, %,t 1 sa/ he /as o' a +issio' *or his &ord, a'd so 1 /aited0J This %&i'd +a' a&/ays said3 J1' peop&e?s /ords o* -o'. grat,&atio's, there is i'(aria%&y a tra-e o* sad'ess0 1' their eFpressio's o* -o'do&e'-e, there is a&/ays a 'ote o* de&ight0 1t?s the sa+e /ith e(eryo'e0 Yet /he' 1 hear Mas. ter 2a'kei?s (oi-e, its to'e 'e(er -ha'ges3 /ith gai' or &oss, %&a+e or praise, high or &o/, yo,'g or o&d, it?s a&/ays the sa+e, pea-e*,& a'd -a&+0 He has s,re&y *reed hi+se&* *ro+ ordi'ary (,&gar +i'dK 0 0 0 0J 8Its$/i/o' +ensh$' p0 $5!0A

.achiroemon
9,ri'g the Masters +idd&e years, there &i(ed i' his 'ati(e (i&&age, a+id the d,sts o* the /or&d, a *ar+er %y the 'a+e o* Ha-hiroe+o'08! He /as o' -&ose ter+s /ith the Master a'd /as a reg,&ar (isitor at the te+p&e0 Ci&d&y e--e'tri- i' his %eha(ior, he /as &ooked do/' ,po' %y the &o-a& peop&e0 Yet the o,t&a'dish /ay he -o'd,-ted hi+se&* /ith the Master ,tter&y a+aIed the+ a&&0 O'e day, the Master set o,t *ro+ to/', a'd o' his /ay, the t/o +et0 Ha-hiroe+o' said3 JYo,r Re(ere'-e, /here are yo, o** toEJ The Master rep&ied3 J1?+ o' +y /ay to yo,r (i&&age0J Ha-hiroe+o' asked3 JAre'?t yo, taki'g +edi-i'e *or sto+a-h pai'sEJ The Master said3 JYes, 1 a+0J Ha-hiroe+o' stret-hed o,t his pa&+ a'd said3 J1 %eg yo, *or +o'ey to %,y +edi-i'e0J The Master spit i'to his ha'd, a'd they %oth &a,ghed hearti&y a'd /e't o**0 Their ,s,a& eF-ha'ges /ere o* this sort0 Peop&e /ere ,'a%&e to te&& D,st ho/ +,-h Ha-hiroe+o' k'e/0 Che' the *ar+er /as a%o,t to pass a/ay, he pi&&o/ed his head i' the Master?s &ap0 J1 a+ dyi'g o' the %att&e*ie&d o* 9har+a,J he said, Jso 1 s,ppose yo, ha(e'?t a'y sort o* /ord *or +e0J The Master to&d hi+3 J;,st p,&& do/' the

>HO , 2A)KE1 :E) de*e'derKJ Ha-hiroe+o' asked3 JYo,r Re(ere'-e, do yo, appro(e +y attai'+e'tEJ The Master rep&ied3 J1 *i'd 'oth. i'g /ro'g0J Ceepi'g, his /i*e said3 JMy h,s%a'd, yo, are a %,d. dhaK Co'?t yo, h,rry a'd redee+ +y o/' poor ig'o. ra'-eEJ The *ar+er to&d her3 JThro,gh a&& +y a-ti(ities 1?(e +a'i*ested it *,&&y, i' spee-h a'd si&e'-e, +o(e+e't a'd sti&&'ess<there?s 'o/here 1?(e *ai&ed to poi't o,t to yo, this esse'-e o* Mi'd0 Chat -a' 1 do i* yo, do'?t ,'der. sta'dEJ 8Zei%o' +ensh$' p0 7"50A