Hello All,
This week we’re looking at the life of Ryonin Genso, and wow, what a life! We see in the beginning what a difference it can make when someone lives in an atmosphere of support for their zen practice.
Eventually Ryonin did leave home and enter a convent. Here Schireson assures us that, “We do not know how her relationship with her children continued; we know that it did continue.” On the one hand this is just a factual statement. On the other hand, I wonder why she felt the need to clarify in this instance.
Do we think differently of a mother who leaves her children for practice, than we do of a father who does the same? Of course the Buddha left his wife and son but his story ends with the whole family happily practicing together. What if it didn't?
Ryonin wanted a more rigorous practice than she found in the convent. Her intention to study with a recognized zen master led her to a male monastery. Here we come to the classic situation where the seeker must prove they are sincere and serious. Sitting outside the temple gate for a week is one thing. Cutting off an arm or burning one’s face is quite another.
Do you agree with Schireson when she characterizes Ryonin’s self-disfigurement as giving up attachment?
Why is the responsibility on Ryonin to destroy her beauty? Why isn’t the responsibility on the monks to deal with their worldly desires through practice?
Do you think it’s true that “Monks need to cast off their attachment to competence and physical power, while nuns cast off their attachment to their lovely physical appearance”?
Lots to think about. There’s no doubt that Ryonin had a very strong practice! And she became a wonderful Abbot. What did you think about this weeks reading? Please share, and if you haven't commented before, jump into the discussion!
Gassho
Byōkan
sat + lah
This week we’re looking at the life of Ryonin Genso, and wow, what a life! We see in the beginning what a difference it can make when someone lives in an atmosphere of support for their zen practice.
Eventually Ryonin did leave home and enter a convent. Here Schireson assures us that, “We do not know how her relationship with her children continued; we know that it did continue.” On the one hand this is just a factual statement. On the other hand, I wonder why she felt the need to clarify in this instance.
Do we think differently of a mother who leaves her children for practice, than we do of a father who does the same? Of course the Buddha left his wife and son but his story ends with the whole family happily practicing together. What if it didn't?
Ryonin wanted a more rigorous practice than she found in the convent. Her intention to study with a recognized zen master led her to a male monastery. Here we come to the classic situation where the seeker must prove they are sincere and serious. Sitting outside the temple gate for a week is one thing. Cutting off an arm or burning one’s face is quite another.
Do you agree with Schireson when she characterizes Ryonin’s self-disfigurement as giving up attachment?
Why is the responsibility on Ryonin to destroy her beauty? Why isn’t the responsibility on the monks to deal with their worldly desires through practice?
Do you think it’s true that “Monks need to cast off their attachment to competence and physical power, while nuns cast off their attachment to their lovely physical appearance”?
Lots to think about. There’s no doubt that Ryonin had a very strong practice! And she became a wonderful Abbot. What did you think about this weeks reading? Please share, and if you haven't commented before, jump into the discussion!
Gassho
Byōkan
sat + lah
Surprisingly, I still get compliments and appreciative glances, and I think it's because I look happy! I don't think about it much. 
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