Monday, March 7, 2011

Study Hall - Shobogenzo

"In the same way that Shakyamuni Buddha studied with Kashyapa Buddha, masters and disciples exist to this day...Those who do not study this, do not correctly see the treasury of the true dharma eye, the wondrous heart of nirvana, which has been authentically transmitted by buddhas and ancestors. They groundlessly call it the 'Zen School'. They call ancestors Zen ancestors, and then title the teachers Zen masters. Or, some people call themselves Zen students or the House of Zen. These are branches and leaves rooted in mistaken views...
Even if it is Zen meditation, you should not call yourselves the 'Zen School'. Realize that Zen meditation is not the entire practice in buddha dharma...
Do not think that there is buddha dharma in those who call themselves the 'Zen School'. Who started calling themselves the 'Zen School'? None of the buddhas and ancestors called themselves the 'Zen School'....
What the World-Honored One entrusted to Mahakashyapa was I have the treasury of the true dharma eye, the wondrous heart of nirvana. There is no record of his saying, 'I have the 'Zen School'. This is entrusted to Mahakashyapa'...
Those who look for genuine practice in the way of clouds and water should neither give it any thought nor bother to remember the differences in styles of teaching. It is the same with the Three Mysteries, the Three Essentials, the Four Positions of Subject and Object, the Four Positions of Illumination and Function, and the Nine Ties of Teaching. The same can be said of the Three Phrases, the Five Ranks, and the Ten Equal Wisdoms...
For this reason, upon authentically succeeding in the work of studying buddhas, do not attempt to learn the names of the schools. What buddha and ancestors entrust and authentically transmit is the treasury of the true dharma eye, unsurpassed enlightenment. All the dharma that belongs to buddha ancestors has been entrusted by the buddhas. There is no new extra dharma. This is the bones and marrow of the way". 'The Buddha Way', 'Butsudo'.

2 comments:

caren said...

"do not attempt to learn the names of the schools..."

Thank you for giving me permission to memorize one less zen text!

( ;

Shundo said...

You don't have to memorise anything Caren, it will only get in your way if you do.