I didn't really sit the afternoon period, but came back upstairs to finish writing up the three ceremonies. At dinner, finding people to fill the positions, which was not difficult, then printing up the chant sheets and marking up the bells as I thought they would be, as the format of the taiya was not completely standard.
Sojun Roshi had come over from Berkeley earlier to help with body; he was the doshi. The Buddha Hall was full, many senior people coming, even those who had been sick in bed. Sojun read a passage from 'The Record of Transmitting the Light' and spoke to Lou, telling him his spirit filled the whole building now, just as Suzuki Roshi's had when he had died. We bowed and made an offering of tea and sweet water; we chanted the Ten Names of Buddha, the Heart Sutra and the Dai Hi Shin Dharani. The script did not get exactly followed, but it was very moving.
Shosan was the kokyo, and this was part of the first dedication:
The round moon of wisdom reflects the myriad waves;
the great boat of compassion carries all across.
Looking at the moon, the ground drops away;
tracing the moon one embodies authentic light.
4 comments:
Hello Lou!
Shout and Dance
All beings walking
Always
Within light
Light that is darkness
The black of black
Luminous
Calling
Aching, being, bliss
Beyond within
Pealing
Gone
Svaha!
John Bailes, Kotatsu Roko
John - yes indeed. Thank you
Shundo: Long ago I too was Ino at the City Center: a true gift. Gratefully, John
Your name and renown live on, John.
Any advice for a beginner?
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