Murmuring Waters

“Through the flowing murmuring waters he walks leisurely.”

It amazes me that the water doesn't get tired—like my grandfather-in-law who could pull weeds all day long. Or like sitting when I'm not waiting for the bell.

The Leaf Falls

“Empty handed—the wind blows. Yet holding a rake—the leaf falls.”

We think we are ready. Ha! Every moment a surprise!

Incense Powder

“Bring me the incense powder made out of shunyata (boundlessness)."

I'm learning that simple acts can be done with such reverence. Even smiling at a person or shaking their hand. When done this way, the earth seems to stop moving for a moment and we can hear the bell permeating everywhere, even before and after.

Beginningless 4: The beginningless self-nature has been awakened.

“Seikenko of Cho composed a gatha as he was enlightened upon hearing thunder strike.
Sitting in the room in absolute silence.
Mind-source unmoved, filled like still water.
The striking of thunder has opened the gate of the head’s crown.
The beginningless self-nature has been awakened.
Present the implication or content of each line.”

Knock, knock, who's there? Maybe this awakening is just like unexposed film—lots of potential and ready for action.

Beginningless 3: The striking of thunder has opened the gate of the head's crown.

“Seikenko of Cho composed a gatha as he was enlightened upon hearing thunder strike.
Sitting in the room in absolute silence.
Mind-source unmoved, filled like still water.
The striking of thunder has opened the gate of the head’s crown.
The beginningless self-nature has been awakened.
Present the implication or content of each line.”

I like the expression “you hit it on the head.” And not only the crown, but the proturberance on the top of the head representing the status of being a Buddha. And yet, this is only an entrance, a door.