10,000 Shakyo for Japan

[Saijun]

Re: 10,000 Shakyo for Japan

Hi All,

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts here has one perfectly preserved and hanging on the wall for display. Though it was great to see the beauty of one up close, I still felt a strange sadness in that they took something which symbolizes impermanence at it's core and made it permanent. In the end I walked away simultaneously grateful yet slightly disturbed.

Gassho,
John

Hello John,

That does sound a little curious, as our local Geshe wouldn't dream of preserving one; the closing ceremony/blessing is very important to him. However, perhaps the reverend monks who constructed it decided that it would be skillful to leave it intact, so that passersby might investigate and thus be lead to the Dharma.

Just a notion, and not even a particularly good one.

Metta,

Saijun

p.s.--You heard the story about the toddler dancing across one while it was being constructed? The monks smiled, swept the sand off, and started again. There's a lesson in there...
(http://buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=63,4179,0,0,1,0)

[Hoyu]

Re: 10,000 Shakyo for Japan

Saijun wrote,
perhaps the reverend monks who constructed it decided that it would be skillful to leave it intact, so that passersby might investigate and thus be lead to the Dharma.

I would have to agree with your notion! Makes me wonder how many people the Dharma has influenced through this work of art? It is after all a window into it. If one stands at the window and enjoys the view, than it is worthwhile to have made it available to the many who will happen upon it. As I did.

Gassho,
John