On Wearing a Rakusu

[Shindo]

I stumbled across the attached article which other may find interesting

http://three-treasures-sangha.org/docs/Summer08.pdf

I don't think I will wear it in public, as mentioned in the article (although wearing it at the supermarket this morning would have been fun :shock: ).

Kind regards

Jools

[Undo]

Re: On Wearing a Rakusu

The article didn't mention if it we can wear it in bed?
I do suspect the bath and shower is out though.

[chicanobudista]

Re: On Wearing a Rakusu

I don't think I will wear it in public, as mentioned in the article (although wearing it at the supermarket this morning would have been fun :shock: ).

Good article.
To me it's like the Christian cross that folks wear. Not good. Not bad. I personally wouldn't wear a rakusu in public just for the heck of it. :P

[Jundo]

Re: On Wearing a Rakusu

Hi,

Also, here is a very nice quote I came across by Daido Loori in "The Heart of Being" ...

Unfortunately, many people see the rakusu received during the precepts ceremony as a kind of status symbol. I once had a student interested in receiving the precepts tell me that it made her feel more important than the other students. It is imperative to understand that taking the Buddhist precepts and wearing a rakusu makes us the servants of other people, not superior to them.Our vow is to be a servant to all sentient beings. We are at their disposal to help them do what they need to do. To me, wearing a rakusu means living the life of a Buddha, manifesting our lives as Buddhas. Buddhas do not put themselves above anything. In Buddha there is no separation.To be Buddha is to not separate yourself from others anytime, anyplace.

[Tb]

Re: On Wearing a Rakusu

Hi.

But it is a good question, when should you wear it (although we're always wearing it)?

Mtfbwy
Tb

[Taigu]

Re: On Wearing a Rakusu

Thank you Jundo for reminding us that taking the precepts and receiving the kesa is not a matter of pride, nothing that makes people special. We receive the robe because we are weak and deluded.
When to wear it? Why do we always want rules?
Anyway, first and foremost, we should wear it when we sit. We can wear it everywhere as long as we are not provoking or interfering with people s belief. Avoid it in the toilet not because it is a dirty place but just because your rakusu or kesa could be stained. And when you eat, wash the dishes or do something that could stain it, then you may wear it on your back putting the pine neddle on your throat.
When I go to work, and I am a school teacher, I am always wearing lay clothing. The only reminder of my tradition are three Buddhist bracelets made of beads close to my watch so everytime I check the time I get the reminder in my face. Otherwise, I wear a samue, kind of convenient blueish blackish Japanese garment used by monks, gardeners and some artists to work, also by old grandpas. I have been wearing this for twenty five years. And yes, I wear a rakusu often with my stupid shaved head and my life in rags. And when I do Takuhatsu, I am in the full gear from head to foot, from the large straw hat to the straw waraji...But it is Japan here... And yes, don t leave it in the car or an unattended place if you don t want it to vanish , so many friends have lost rakusu and kesa like that. You may keep it in your bag or leave it on a special place in between two sittings.
Do as you like, folks. But please, understand that the true kesa extend much further than you think, the mandala of this dream is the very flesh, bones and marrow of Buddha. The kesa is to be seen and met in everything.
Gassho

the kesa freak :roll:

[Tb]

Re: On Wearing a Rakusu

Hi.

So no "old rules and regulations"?
I would have thought that there were some rules regarding conduct.
I think that in the old "jundo goes to the toilet video" he spoke something about it, didn't he?
Just wondering...

The sake freak

Mtfbwy
Tb

[Taigu]

Re: On Wearing a Rakusu

Dear Fugen,

it sounds like:

if one says no, he says yes
and one says yes, he says nowould you allow me
to say neither nor?

Much love

the big stupid bear sake freak too :wink: , sometimes

[Jundo]

Re: On Wearing a Rakusu

Hi.

So no "old rules and regulations"?
I would have thought that there were some rules regarding conduct.
I think that in the old "jundo goes to the toilet video" he spoke something about it, didn't he?
Just wondering...

The sake freak

Mtfbwy
Tb

As Taigi said ...

Avoid it in the toilet not because it is a dirty place but just because your rakusu or kesa could be stained.