Sharing the dharma

[Tom A.]

Oh boy, this is my first “New Topic” thread, better make it worthwhile.[emoji3]

At the end of my first visit to a Soto Zen center for beginner Zazen lessons, the guiding teacher gave one of the sincerest, kindest, smiles I have ever seen and told me “I hope one day you see your true self, I really do.” That was years before I saw my “true self.”

That encounter, more than any book or talk, is what sparked my desire to learn what Soto Zen is. Now that I have an inkling of what he meant when he said that, I want to share this dharma of “true self” but even if I could capture what is meant by it with words, proselytizing turns people away more often than not. The best policy seems to be to share the dharma through actions and a few kind words unless someone asks directly.

Sorry for the long winded story of more than three sentences but the fact that that teacher communicated so much to me in a kind smile and very few words is a lesson that is very dear to me, it was the deep communication with strangers, friends, rocks, trees, birds, nature, all sentient beings etc... that Soto Zen practitioners tend to have.



Gassho,
Tom

Sat/Lah

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[Koki]

Tom...nicely said...without saying..��

Gassho
Koki
Satoday

[Doshin]

I try to talk less and smile more

Doshin
St

[Jakuden]

I try to talk less and smile more

Doshin
St

In the words of Aaron Burr, sir
[emoji1]

Gassho
Jakuden
SatToday


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[Kyōsen]

Gassho
Kyōsen
Sat|LAH

[Shinshi]

Gassho,

Shinshi

Sat-LaH

[Amelia]

In the words of Aaron Burr, sir
[emoji1]

Gassho
Jakuden
SatToday


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...Aaaaand now I have an earworm. Thanks a lot.

Gassho
Sat today, lah

[Amelia]

...Aaaaand now I have an earworm. Thanks a lot.

Gassho
Sat today, lah

...And my husband saw this and said, "Is this the thread where it happened?"

Ok, I'll stop now.

Gassho
Sat today, lah

[Jundo]

For those of us who are less in tune like me who has not seen it, you are all referencing the Broadway Show "Hamilton?"



I have yet to see my true self either.

Unlike "Hamilton," and although "Hamilton" is our "true self" as much as anything, and although our world and life is rather like a theatre, "true self" is not something to go see or which can be nailed down on film or stage.

Gassho, J

STLah

[Hensho]

I began as my true self and then somehow got away from being that person. Then I awoke and saw how far I had drifted, and came back by another route.

Gassho,
Hensho

Satlah

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[Jakuden]

Oh boy, this is my first “New Topic” thread, better make it worthwhile.[emoji3]

At the end of my first visit to a Soto Zen center for beginner Zazen lessons, the guiding teacher gave one of the sincerest, kindest, smiles I have ever seen and told me “I hope one day you see your true self, I really do.” That was years before I saw my “true self.”

That encounter, more than any book or talk, is what sparked my desire to learn what Soto Zen is. Now that I have an inkling of what he meant when he said that, I want to share this dharma of “true self” but even if I could capture what is meant by it with words, proselytizing turns people away more often than not. The best policy seems to be to share the dharma through actions and a few kind words unless someone asks directly.

Sorry for the long winded story of more than three sentences but the fact that that teacher communicated so much to me in a kind smile and very few words is a lesson that is very dear to me, it was the deep communication with strangers, friends, rocks, trees, birds, nature, all sentient beings etc... that Soto Zen practitioners tend to have.



Gassho,
Tom

Sat/Lah

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Yes! This whole post makes me want to go and shave my head and leave behind all my struggles and stories and just be that True Self. Thank you for sharing your glimpse with us.

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday

[Shokai]

Stobird Posted

that teacher communicated so much to me in a kind smile and very few words

Hi Tom;
I know what you felt. I had a similar experience when I worked in Hiroshima. As I stepped from my office to cross the parking lot to go to my Prep Room, A Buddhist Monk Appeared from around the corner and recognized me with the most poignant bow i had ever received. I returned the bow and suddenly realized we had met before in his Zendo. I had never expected him to remember such a fleeting encounter. It was very moving and I don't think i will ever forget the moment.
Thanks for sharing that experience.
gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Hensho]

When I was in Boston, a Buddhist monk came out of a crowd to put his hands on my head and whisper a blessing. He put a braclet on my wrist and gave me a picture of Guanyin and disappeared. I was stunned.

Then I became a Buddhist.

Gassho

Hensho

Satlah

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[Kaisho]

When I was in Boston, a Buddhist monk came out of a crowd to put his hands on my head and whisper a blessing. He put a braclet on my wrist and gave me a picture of Guanyin and disappeared. I was stunned.

Then I became a Buddhist.

Gassho

Hensho

Satlah

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Wow. I bet that was an experience. Was their a context to the gathering or were you just moving in public?

I am not used to city life, being from the burbs. Crowds are a mythical thing unless their is a new movie out or its a popular joint.

Gassho
Chelsea
St

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[Hensho]

I was just walking through a crowded street.

I should clarify that I didn't immediately become a Buddhist, but the experience was so resonant for me that it began my journey on the way, almost without knowing it.

Gassho,

Hensho

Will sit now

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