Another version of the "skies and clouds analogy"

[Tomás ESP]

I wonder where this analogy comes from originally, I have heard Rupert Spira also use it quite a few times. Thank you for sharing it.

Gassho, Tomás
Sat&LaH

[Jundo]

I wonder where this analogy comes from originally ...

I dare say that it comes from looking up, seeing the sky and the clouds floating by.

Our Soto ancestor Sekito in the 8th century is quoted as using it (in Dogen's Shinji Shobogenzo).

A monk asked Sekito, "What is the essential meaning of Buddha-Dharma?"

Sekito said, "No gaining, no knowing."

The monk said, " Can you say anything further?"

Sekito said, "The expansive sky does not obstruct the floating white clouds."

The symbolism of clouds and sky is an ancient motif in China. Here is more information than you ever possibly need about that: https://japanesemythology.wordpress....nd-its-origin/

By the way, in our Zendo in Tsukuba, I have a scroll hanging by my Dharma Grandfather, Niwa Zenji, former Abbot of Eiheiji. Here is it, at the 13:45 mark on the tour ... It says "Sit Watch Clouds Float By" ...

https://youtu.be/ebC3UiFuXcA

Gassho, J

stlah