The mind itself is buddha

[JohnsonCM]

I think the ancients are trying to get us to realize that every viewpoint is a valid viewpoint and at the same time a wrong view is a wrong view. Its a giant universal net of Indra where its all good practice but every practice isn't necessarily good or good right then. If it wasn't confusing we'd all be Buddha and dogen would be writing about us.

[Jishin]

Hello,

It's all in the Genjo-Koan

And the Genjo-Koan is no other than your life.

Looking at our tiny garden in a suburb of Cologne it is clear that some flower buds have yet to open, since the temperature is still too cold.

One cannot force any kind of realisation either. The egg of ignorance will crack from the inside when the chick hatches.

Trying to understand what Dogen is pointing to with our intellect is like trying to describe three dimensional structures in a 2D space....it might seem helpful, but then again it might make us think we've met the real dragon when we're really still "just" in our heads.

Hans Chudo Mongen

"To carry the self forward and illuminate myriad things is delusion."

Dragon spits fire. Flower buds warm, blossom. Chick hatches from warmth. Dragon meets us.

"That myriad things come forth and illuminate the self is awakening."

Crazy dragon, spiting life with fire. No need to slay him.

Gassho, John

[jgolds72]

Hi all,
Just have to say wow what an interesting topic. Definitely a bit out of my depth here but heres my take on the question. The very mind is Buddha. To me the problem is labels and how we identify with those labels based on our perspective as defined by our accumulated experiences. I try to shut down that literal/analytical way of thinking when I study Buddhist teachings. To me that mind is the moment i understood and accepted the four noble truths. Thinking about mind and body and there relation or reincarnation and rebirth or the meaning of things only serves to distract me from where I'm supposed to be. Sitting zazen. When I try to comprehend an idea i fail, when i let go there is no need to comprehend. To me thats what "The very mind is Buddha" represents.

Gassho,
John

[Kaishin]

John, you communicate very well! And I'm glad that you have shared with us.

[JohnsonCM]

I thought we all are (Buddha) and he (Dogen ) was. Darn, and here I thought I was learning.

You are learning quite well. We are all Buddha and Dogen is writing about us! Unfortunately I still don't understand the old fellow perfectly , so while I am the Buddha himself, I find myself lifting the Buddha 's feet above my head because I am barely worthy to wash his robe.