On Dharma Transmission

[Kokuu]

Dear sangha

This is a talk I recorded to talk about dharma transmission (Shiho) in Zen. Apologies for length as there was a fair amount of history to get into this one. Hopefully future talks will be shorter and more personal.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday-

[Naiko]

Thank you, Kokuu. That was lovely; I enjoyed listening to the history of this tradition. Many bows and deep gratitude to those who nurture and protect that precious flame, then and now.

Naiko
st

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Kokuu]

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen, Naiko and Aprapti!

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday-

[aprapti]

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen, Naiko and Aprapti!

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday-

in Dutch we say: dit smaakt naar meer (this tastes for more )


aprapti


sat

[Huichan]

Will make some time to listen to this soon. Thanks for taking the time to do this


Ross
stlah

[Kokuu]

in Dutch we say: dit smaakt naar meer (this tastes for more )

Geweldig! Hopefully there will be one a month from now on.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday-

[Anchi]

[Kotei]

Thank you, Kokuu.


Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[Tai Shi]

I recognize you as all priests, and as one who has recognized that of you all have the status to run a Zendo and, finally my good friend Kokuu has transmitted to me Ubasoku as calm poetry, and I have learned so much of poetry as to remain calm even with my own wife and daughter, and you know I was granted teacher and poet by the University of Iowa, and Colorado State University, both fine universities, MA, EdS, MFA, that I recognized some time ago your scholarship in Buddhism as you taught me of the Lotus Sutra, and of which I have read of. As Ubasoku as best I learn and give teaching as an individual.
Gassho
Tai Shi対し

[Kiri]

Thank you Kokuu
Gassho, Kiri
Sat/Lah

[WhiteLotus]

Beautifully said Kokuu! From a single utterance comes infinite teachings.


I enjoyed your perspectives on all the history you covered with sincerity. When the Buddha lifted up the flower on Vulture Peak it is said that the crowd which assembled around him looked up and became silent.

In that instant Buddha pointed directly at each of their minds utilizing a flower, and through the silence of their attention, the Dharma was transmitted. Upon observing this only Kassapa saw the simple beauty in this, and naturally a smile broke across his face.

Not all that different from one time when my daughter and I were traveling about a virtual world hosted on VRCHAT. We came across this guy who was going from person to person saying horrible things and trying to provoke a reaction. When he came to me I did not react like others, instead I responded to what he was saying. I told him I knew nothing of his background and why he was saying the things he did. I told him he is entitled to his point of view, and that it likely came from his lived experiences.

He commended me being "noble" in his view, and we continued for some time talking about my perspectives. He then opened up to me, and told me how he is a narcissist who doesn't care at all about anyone else but himself. He then described his childhood as being raised by two narcissist parents who showed him no love. Though he kept commending me on how caring I was. To me that was a sign that what he believed strongly was simply untrue. It takes one to know one.

We continued talking through his experiences and eventually a crowd assembled around us to listen. One kid came forward and started talking with me about his girlfriend. He said she would constantly say things that made him feel bad. He told us about how she kept comparing him to some other guy, saying "I wish you wore you hair like him." Or "Why don't you act more like that guy."

Right as I was about to offer some advice the supposed narcissist spoke up. He continued talking with the kid giving heartfelt and caring advice without seeking anything to gain. Right in that moment my daughter looks over at me with a great big smile across her face. She understood and no words were needed.

Much love Kokuu! Thank you again for taking the time to post the video.


Salem
satlah

[Houzan]

Enjoyed this talk a lot. Thank you, Kokuu

Gassho, Hōzan
satlah

[Kokuu]

In that instant Buddha pointed directly at each of their minds utilizing a flower, and through the silence of their attention, the Dharma was transmitted. Upon observing this only Kassapa saw the simple beauty in this, and naturally a smile broke across his face.

Not all that different from one time when my daughter and I were traveling about a virtual world hosted on VRCHAT. We came across this guy who was going from person to person saying horrible things and trying to provoke a reaction. When he came to me I did not react like others, instead I responded to what he was saying. I told him I knew nothing of his background and why he was saying the things he did. I told him he is entitled to his point of view, and that it likely came from his lived experiences.

He commended me being "noble" in his view, and we continued for some time talking about my perspectives. He then opened up to me, and told me how he is a narcissist who doesn't care at all about anyone else but himself. He then described his childhood as being raised by two narcissist parents who showed him no love. Though he kept commending me on how caring I was. To me that was a sign that what he believed strongly was simply untrue. It takes one to know one.

We continued talking through his experiences and eventually a crowd assembled around us to listen. One kid came forward and started talking with me about his girlfriend. He said she would constantly say things that made him feel bad. He told us about how she kept comparing him to some other guy, saying "I wish you wore you hair like him." Or "Why don't you act more like that guy."

Right as I was about to offer some advice the supposed narcissist spoke up. He continued talking with the kid giving heartfelt and caring advice without seeking anything to gain. Right in that moment my daughter looks over at me with a great big smile across her face. She understood and no words were needed.

That's a lovely story, Salem. Thank you for sharing! It is a good example of how easy to is to judge people based on face value but everyone has a story to tell, and innate kindness, even if it is deeply hidden!

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

[IanSmith]

Many thanks Kokuu, a wonderful exposition of Dharma transmission.
Gassho
Ian
SatLah today