is Zen Zen without the Okesa?

[Shujin]

I am grateful to our teachers for holding the okesa at the core of this sangha. I am equally, if not more, grateful that it is a practice which is available to all of us. Through a couple of recent experiences, I have spoken with people who view the kesa (and even the rakusu) as a display of rank or attainment.

In my humble view, the robe is neither earned nor freely given. As Taigu wrote, it is "a natural expression of just sitting."

Gassho,
Shujin

[Daitetsu]

I like how Taigu puts it.
Zen is Zen, with or without the robe. I would never get the idea to question the robe - everyone must decide for themselves what they want and need.
Although I cannot imagine to sew a rakusu at the moment, I really understand its value and meaning it has for others and I deeply respect it.

Thanks for your teachings!

Gassho,

Timo

[Taigu]

Through a couple of recent experiences, I have spoken with people who view the kesa (and even the rakusu) as a display of rank or attainment.

This is very unfortunate ad these people haven t met the real teaching of the Okesa, trapped in a vision inspired by the official Soto clergy, giving colors a ranking value from black, young priest to golden yellow, high ranking bishop. In the true school of the robe, the robe is just the robe of sitting, and can be on anybody s body, from destitutes and criminals to saints. A robe beyond discrimination. I always had a hard time to get this message across. The dye on the fabric is diminishing the value of the fabric, the patches are rags sewn together. Nothing fancyful.

Gassho


Taigu

[Jinyo]

Thank you for this teaching Taigu.

Gassho

Willow

[Risho]

Gassho,

Risho

[Mp]

... A robe beyond discrimination.

I love this, thank you Taigu.

Gassho
Michael

[Heisoku]

Thank you Taigu. I would like to sew a robe.
Gassho.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9790 using Tapatalk

[Jakudo]

Thanks Taigu and Jundo for teaching another way to practice Zen. I also miss the stitch after stitch and reciting the refuges as we go along. Perhaps an Okesa is in my future.

[Taigu]

Heisoku,

Please do do. I will ask shohei to open the sewing thread for you.

Gassho

Taigu

[Heisoku]

Thank you Taigu. Gassho.

[Shohei]

Heisoku,

Please do do. I will ask shohei to open the sewing thread for you.

Gassho

Taigu

Consider it done!

Gassho
Shohei

[Taigu]

Thank you, Shohei.


gassho


taigu

[Kyonin]

I was very reluctant to sew my rakusu at the beginning. I had never ever sewn anything in my life so it was very difficult for me.

My first three tries were horrible.

Then I started to put the pieces together... and I got a horrible rakusu that I love.

And things change inside.

Now I am putting together a Kesa. With nothing in mind. I just do it.

Thank you, Taigu.

Gassho,

Kyonin

[Mp]

I was very reluctant to sew my rakusu at the beginning. I had never ever sewn anything in my life so it was very difficult for me.

My first three tries were horrible.

Then I started to put the pieces together... and I got a horrible rakusu that I love.

And things change inside.

Now I am putting together a Kesa. With nothing in mind. I just do it.

Thank you, Taigu.

Gassho,

Kyonin

Thank you Kyōnin ... I too love this practice and look forward to the time when I can sew a Kesa.

Gassho
Michael

[Jakudo]

Taigu, is there a pre-requisite or a certain time one should wait until sewing a Kesa?
Gassho, Shawn.