life sucks and Dogen's death poem

[Shohei]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

Thanks for the reminder!

Gassho
Shohei]

[michaeljc]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

Just out of interest - who here feels they know what the real-life component of the metaphor ‘yellow springs’ is? I believe I may. This is no big deal both, rather interesting. Does anyone know what time of year that he died? This has significance.
m

[Omoi Otoshi]

life sucks and Dogen's death poem

I dunno, but my friend mr Google tells me there's a Shinto association between death and pollution, so yellow springs could probably mean pollution in the real world.

[Jarkko]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

Hey, just dance the night away.


Gassho & blessings

[Heisoku]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

Have faith that the Middle Way will prevail my friends. It did for me, just not the way 'I' expected! And yes life can suck and spit but it can also bless and care....and when it does suck and spit I hear Bob Marley singing...'Everyting gonna be alright, everyting gonna be alright!'

[michaeljc]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

I dunno, but my friend mr Google tells me there's a Shinto association between death and pollution, so yellow springs could probably mean pollution in the real world.

Well now – My interpretation is that it relates to geothermal pools which are common throughout Japan. One type of activity precipitates sulfur around the pool fringes which become bright yellow. They are treasured to this day for winter bathing. But, some are far too hot to bath in. What I suspect is that Dogen is diving into such a pool without knowing its temperature – ie it maybe scald him to death – or – be of perfect temperature.

m

[Dokan]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

Thank you Sensei. I was just thinking how wonderful life is, even amid a few tumultuous things in my life. I look at what others are going through and I have to just shut my mouth and sit.

Metta,

Dokan

[Omoi Otoshi]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

I dunno, but my friend mr Google tells me there's a Shinto association between death and pollution, so yellow springs could probably mean pollution in the real world.

Well now – My interpretation is that it relates to geothermal pools which are common throughout Japan. One type of activity precipitates sulfur around the pool fringes which become bright yellow. They are treasured to this day for winter bathing. But, some are far too hot to bath in. What I suspect is that Dogen is diving into such a pool without knowing its temperature – ie it maybe scald him to death – or – be of perfect temperature.

m

Yellow springs is a symbol for the underworld, death realm, Yomi.
I thought you were wondering if there was another symbolic meaning in our normal life, hence death = pollution! ops:
But I like your explanation!

/Pontus

[Kyonin]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

A wonderful reminder on how reality is and how we need to embrace it to fully live and understand.

Thanks, Taigu.

Metta to all sangha and those who are going through tough times.

[Koshin]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

Yes, yes ... life sucks, but it is because in reality life is perfect as-it-is, and those who suck are us when we are unaware of its perfection, no matter how harsh it turns to be to our little egos or desires... and I am particularly skilled at not notice such perfection :roll:

[Sleeps]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

[Daijo]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

Life sucks and it IS...OK.

That's a useful reminder, thank you.

[Omoi Otoshi]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin - give the audience a grin
Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow.

So always look on the bright side of death
Just before you draw your terminal breath

Life's a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true.
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.

And always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the right side of life...
(Come on guys, cheer up!)
Always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the bright side of life...
(Worse things happen at sea, you know.)
Always look on the bright side of life...
(I mean - what have you got to lose?)
(You know, you come from nothing - you're going back to nothing.
What have you lost? Nothing!)
Always look on the right side of life...

[Koshin]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

A ha ha ha Monty Phyton very Zen

[Shogen]

Re: life sucks and Dogen's death poem

Taigu,
Easy to talk the talk harder still to walk the walk. You are walking well. Gassho, Shogen