Hi Taigu,
I feel for the suffering of Saya and all the poor people in wars around the world. And for that very reason, I will not throw more ceremonies, religion and superstition at the problem. In fact, religion and superstitions of all kinds (religious, social, political) are part of the cause of Syria's predicament. I believe that there are endless mysteries in life, but I will not substitute magic and fairy tales. That will not help Saya, only perhaps make us feel better.
The Mantra at the endless-ending of the Heart Sutra, I translated into English (Gone, Gone, Gone Beyond) and perhaps would be better to chant that way (maybe I will start). "Kannon" for me is a paradigm and symbol who lives primarily in our own hearts and hands, and is "real" in the world when we act with compassion. Same for "hungry ghosts", made real by the endless greed in our hearts. I do not believe in the piggy bank of "Merit", so replace the "Dedication of Merit" of our rituals with a simple "Dedication" expressing an aspiration for how the world could someday be. The Kesa is a symbol we have agreed upon by convention to stand for these Teachings. When I "sit with" someone's problems ... a sickness, a death, a lost job, a victim of war ... I do not do so with any belief whatsoever that the sitting will work a cure or help the economy or make peace. Rather, I sit in "Emptiness" where there is no one in need of healing from the first, nothing to stop, nothing to gain. Then, rising from the cushion, maybe we can do something to actually make a difference (that is Zazen too).
I think we need less hocus pocus and mumbo jumbo and funny hats around here, not more. Sorry, although I can appreciate the "Gate of Sweet Nectar" of Knrisna Das as a lovely little peaceful tune, I associate it in my mind with the larger magical and esoteric ceremony of which it is part. I will have no part of it.
For all his little quirks, my Lineage is quite squarely with Nishijima and his ilk. I am no simple materialist (neither was he) and, truly, "there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy". I am one with nature and its forces, honor the mystery too, and I am no fan of guns or gold. But I would like to send the shamans and garden sprites and flying carpets and devas packing. That is my way of helping Saya and the world.
Yes, it is good we have perhaps a couple of flavors of Practice around here.
I am hereby going to ask my students, Hans, Fugen, Dosho, to chant "It's A Small World" each day, with all their hearts (serious request). Maybe "We Shall Overcome" too. It will help Saya.
Gassho, J
I feel for the suffering of Saya and all the poor people in wars around the world. And for that very reason, I will not throw more ceremonies, religion and superstition at the problem. In fact, religion and superstitions of all kinds (religious, social, political) are part of the cause of Syria's predicament. I believe that there are endless mysteries in life, but I will not substitute magic and fairy tales. That will not help Saya, only perhaps make us feel better.
The Mantra at the endless-ending of the Heart Sutra, I translated into English (Gone, Gone, Gone Beyond) and perhaps would be better to chant that way (maybe I will start). "Kannon" for me is a paradigm and symbol who lives primarily in our own hearts and hands, and is "real" in the world when we act with compassion. Same for "hungry ghosts", made real by the endless greed in our hearts. I do not believe in the piggy bank of "Merit", so replace the "Dedication of Merit" of our rituals with a simple "Dedication" expressing an aspiration for how the world could someday be. The Kesa is a symbol we have agreed upon by convention to stand for these Teachings. When I "sit with" someone's problems ... a sickness, a death, a lost job, a victim of war ... I do not do so with any belief whatsoever that the sitting will work a cure or help the economy or make peace. Rather, I sit in "Emptiness" where there is no one in need of healing from the first, nothing to stop, nothing to gain. Then, rising from the cushion, maybe we can do something to actually make a difference (that is Zazen too).
I think we need less hocus pocus and mumbo jumbo and funny hats around here, not more. Sorry, although I can appreciate the "Gate of Sweet Nectar" of Knrisna Das as a lovely little peaceful tune, I associate it in my mind with the larger magical and esoteric ceremony of which it is part. I will have no part of it.
For all his little quirks, my Lineage is quite squarely with Nishijima and his ilk. I am no simple materialist (neither was he) and, truly, "there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy". I am one with nature and its forces, honor the mystery too, and I am no fan of guns or gold. But I would like to send the shamans and garden sprites and flying carpets and devas packing. That is my way of helping Saya and the world.
Yes, it is good we have perhaps a couple of flavors of Practice around here.
I am hereby going to ask my students, Hans, Fugen, Dosho, to chant "It's A Small World" each day, with all their hearts (serious request). Maybe "We Shall Overcome" too. It will help Saya.
Gassho, J
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