Use of Ojuzu?

[Jundo]

Hi Again,

I'd like to point you to one particular sitting on the Blog, which was on a not unrelated topic. It is about trash cans.


http://treeleafzen.blogspot.com/2007/05 ... gi-iv.html


Gassho, J

[Jundo]

Re: Use of Ojuzu?

Hi Mensch,

You are welcome around here.

My grandfather used to say to me all the time, "Be a Mensch!" ("Be a Man!"). Seems hard not to be.

Since Buddhism is a very natural almost inevitable matter to me, all gadgets and outward statements entirely miss the point. I have been thinking though of some aid off the cushion, during the day, some unobtrusive reminder of what my way is in case mindfulness is weak.

I guess that we would say you do not need any particular beads or such for that. Any breeze, lightbulb, email message, baby crying, ambulance siren, rock, paper, scissors, coffee cup, trash can or mosquito might do the same for you.

That's where the Ojuzu (aka wrist mala) comes into play. My initial research on the web only revealed that its shape and use seem to vary greatly depending on tradition. Some more detailed resources focus on its use in a monastic environment. Explanations on buddhist forums seemed somewhat vague and incosistent.

It may be great help or just – literal – attachment. But apparently even the most down to earth dharma blog celebrities are wearing one, so I really want to learn – please:

What (if any) is the purpose
and maybe the correct handling
of the O-Juzu
preferably for lay people
in the Soto-Zen tradition?

Oh, don't get me started! But, since I'm started ... Let me give you a short (as possible for me), personal answer. Again, Buddhists will differ (so just take it as one perspective ... although the correct one :-) ) ...

As Buddhism moved from country to country, and culture to culture, bits of Hindu and Tantric elements were mixed into the teachings. The Juzu is one such item. Traditionally, it is an aid in chanting (another whole topic I will chat about in a talk on the blog this week or so) serving as a counter, although a whole mess of mystical 'meanings' and powers came to be associated with the Mala beads themselves and the usual number of beads: 108 (or a divisor thereof). For just some of the many meanings of '108'. have a gander at this. It is wonderful:

http://www.salagram.net/108meaning.html

It is an item that traveled up and down the Silk Road, and is not different from a Catholic rosary (in my understanding). One reason the beads are much loved is that there are more nerve endings on tips of the fingers than in any part of the body (if I recall), and thus the twirling of the beads is, well, sensual and most soothing. Combined with the hypnotic rhythms of the chant, and you have an experience that one could lose oneself in ... literally.

If you are in Japan today, you would see Juzu worn by many Soto priests, and used in ceremonies. Basically, over the centuries, many Tantric elements crept into the Zen schools too ... especially after the time of Dogen (Although, if I may say, the beads probably remain less the focus of attention in Japanese Soto than in any of the other Japanese schools such as Jodo, Nichiren, Tendai and Shingon ... not sure about Rinzai practice. Soto priests may wear them but, as far as I know, they are not used very much during chanting as a counter or anything). In China (and Vietnam), with the melding of Jodo and Chan into a single tradition, you will find beads and chanting much more prominent. (I am not sure about Korea, but my impression is that they are big chanters and bead twirlers). Some Soto priests may develop a special feeling for the Juzu, but that is there own personal feeling and philosophy. Most lay followers in all traditions and all countries would have beads and wear them for funerals and such, but most would just do so as a custom without any particular idea why or what they stand for.

All that being said, Dogen was never much for beads or chanting. He really thought that 'Zazen is all, all is Zazen'. It is a complete act, nothing to add or take away. He once compared chanting to "the croaking of frogs". Dogen was not likely to find any special significance in the number "108," and he might say something in the Shobogenzo to emphasize such point such as "108 is just Zazen, if you wish to chant 108, just sit Zazen". That being said, it is not that Dogen thought the beads and "108" not sacred ... it is that he thought EVERYTHING in the universe both mundane AND sacred at the same time ...rock, paper, scissors, coffee cup, trash can or mosquitos, etc.

So, why do I wear beads sometimes? Good question!

Well, why do I wear a Grateful Dead t-shirt sometimes?

In all seriousness, it may be more a symbol for being a Buddhist in my mind than anything else, much as a Star of David for Judaism or a Cross on a chain for Christians. I do not consider them much more than that in my mind.

I could just as easily wear a coffee cup or pair of scissors from a chain on my wrist. Have to be careful with those scissors though.


Gassho, Jundo

[Mensch]

Hi all – and thanks for this nice place. Since this is my first post: I'm German, in my early forties, started taking Zen serious about half a year ago, try to sit every day, just took up additional sitting with a fairly devoted lay sangha twice a week. Wonderful!

Since Buddhism is a very natural almost inevitable matter to me, all gadgets and outward statements entirely miss the point. I have been thinking though of some aid off the cushion, during the day, some unobtrusive reminder of what my way is in case mindfulness is weak.



That's where the Ojuzu (aka wrist mala) comes into play. My initial research on the web only revealed that its shape and use seem to vary greatly depending on tradition. Some more detailed resources focus on its use in a monastic environment. Explanations on buddhist forums seemed somewhat vague and incosistent.

It may be great help or just – literal – attachment. But apparently even the most down to earth dharma blog celebrities are wearing one, so I really want to learn – please:

What (if any) is the purpose
and maybe the correct handling
of the O-Juzu
preferably for lay people
in the Soto-Zen tradition?

Big thanks!

Mensch