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Gandō Seiko
頑道清光
(Stubborn Way of Pure Light)
My street name is 'Al'.
Any words I write here are merely the thoughts of an apprentice priest, just my opinions, that's all. -
I am happy to hear from Jundo that this circle can continue without clashing with Ango practice. The only clash may be during Rohatsu, so possibly only one or two days.
Gassho
Seiko
stlahGandō Seiko
頑道清光
(Stubborn Way of Pure Light)
My street name is 'Al'.
Any words I write here are merely the thoughts of an apprentice priest, just my opinions, that's all.Comment
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I am happy to hear from Jundo that this ⭕️Chanting and Zazen Circlecan can continue without clashing with Ango practice.
Thank you so much Jundo & Kokuu.
I am beyond grateful for all You do and this community.
A deep bow of gratitude,
nobody
Last edited by Anchi; 08-10-2021, 04:06 PM.Life itself is the only teacher.
一 Joko Beck
STLah
安知 AnchiComment
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Hey all,
The likelihood is I will be stuck in client meetings tonight so I will have to see you tomorrow.
Many thanks,
RyokudoComment
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As we have been reading different versions of Fukanzazenji, I did a little research and found out that this text existed in China BEFORE Dogen went there. An English translation of this text exists - translated by Shohaku Okumura. The original Text is titled Zenen Shingi and was written by Master Choro Sosaku.
Bows
Seiko
stlahGandō Seiko
頑道清光
(Stubborn Way of Pure Light)
My street name is 'Al'.
Any words I write here are merely the thoughts of an apprentice priest, just my opinions, that's all.Comment
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Thank you Seiko, it’s very interesting !
Following your post, I found this document with six translations of Fukanzazengi. I imagine you already know it :
Yuki (雪)
Zafu todayComment
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During the last two days when I dropped in, it was nice to see the chanting and zazen circle going strong. All good people, gaining something new each day from practice together. The circle certainly doesn't lack anything when Ryo or me are not there.
Sitting and chanting, chanting and sitting we all chant and sit together - whether one individual is present or elsewhere.
Bows
Seiko
stlahGandō Seiko
頑道清光
(Stubborn Way of Pure Light)
My street name is 'Al'.
Any words I write here are merely the thoughts of an apprentice priest, just my opinions, that's all.Comment
-
Oh no, not really.
First, you mean the Zuochan yi (Tso-ch'an i or Zazengi) by Choro Sosaku (in Japanese, aka Changlu Zongze or Changlu Tsung-tse in Chinese), which is included as one part of his "Zenen Shingi, Rules of purity for the Chan Monastery."
In those days, I think that the concept of "plagiarism" did not exist as it does now. So, when Dogen wanted to write a "how to" instruction on Zazen, he picked up one of the existing ones (the Zuichan yi) and basically rewrote it in most sections. He left some of the sections on the mechanics of sittings, like posture and crossing the legs, almost unchanged, but so radically reworked the rest so much, especially about the significance and attitude toward Zazen, that it is a radically different text and approach.
Dogen actually criticized the Zuochan yi in his own Shobogenzo-Zazen Shin. A book about the rewriting of the Zuochan yi by Dogen is this one, by Zen historian Prof. Bielefeldt:
Here is an example, 4 matching sections so you can see what Dogen did:
Tsung-tse:
Dogen:(1) The Bodhisativa who studies prajna should first arouse the thought of great compassion, make the extensive vows,
and then carefully cultivate samadhi. Vowing to save sentient beings, he should not seek liberation for himself
alone.
...
(2) Then cast aside all involvements and discontinue all affairs. Make body and mind one, with no division between
action and rest. Regulate food and drink, so that you take neither too much nor too little; adjust sleep, so that you
neither deprive nor indulge yourself.
...
(3) Once you have settled your posture and regulated your breathing, you should relax your abdomen. Do not think of
any good or evil whatsoever. Whenever a thought occurs, be aware of it; as soon as you aware of it, it will vanish.
If you remain for a long period forgetful of objects, you will naturally become unified. This is the essential art of
tso-ch'an. Honestly speaking, tso-ch'an is the dharma gate of ease and joy. If there are many people who become ill
[from its practice], it is because they do not take proper care.
...
(4) Even if one devotes himself to the practice his entire life, he may still not be in time; how then could one who
procrastinates possibly overcome karma? Therefore, an ancient has said, ''Without the power of samadhi, you will
meekly cower at death's door." Shutting your eyes, you will end your life in vain; and just as you are, you will drift
[in samsara].
So, you can see what Dogen did with the original.(1) Fundamentally speaking, the basis of the way is perfectly pervasive; how could it be contingent on practice and
verification? The vehicle of the ancestors is naturally unrestricted; why should we expend sustained effort? Surely
the whole being is far beyond defilement; who could believe in a method to polish it? Never is it apart from this
very place; what is the use of a pilgrimage to practice it? And yet, if a hair's breadth of distinction exists, the gap is
like that between heaven and earth; once the slightest like or dislike arises, all is confused and the mind is lost.
...
(2) For studying Zen, one should have quiet quarters. Be moderate in food and drink Cast aside all involvements and
discontinue all affairs. Do not think of good or evil; do not deal with right or wrong. Halt the revolutions of mind,
intellect, and consciousness; stop the calculations of thoughts, ideas, and perceptions. Do not intend to make a
Buddha, much less be attached to sitting still.
...
(3) Once you have regulated your posture, take a breath and exhale fully. Swing to the left and right. Sitting fixedly,
think of not thinking. How do you think of not thinking? Nonthinking. This is the essential art of zazen. Zazen is not
the practice of dhyana: it is just the dharma gate of ease and joy. It is the practice and verification of ultimate
bodhi. The koan realized, baskets and cages cannot get to it.
...
(4) Why abandon the seat in your own home to wander in vain through the dusty regions of another land? If you make
one false step, you miss what is right before you. Since you have already attained the functioning essence of a
human body, do not pass your days in vain; when one takes care of the essential function of the way of the
Buddha, who can carelessly enjoy the spark from a flint? Verily form and substance are like the dew on the grass,
and the fortunes of life like the lightning flash: in an instant they are emptied, in a moment they are lost.
Sorry to run long.
Gassho, J
STLahLast edited by Jundo; 08-13-2021, 12:48 AM.ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLEComment
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Thank you Jundo, it is fascinating to see how Dogen used the earlier text and developed, extended and changed it to offer his teaching. Thank you for your correction and guidance.Oh no, not really.
First, you mean the Zuochan yi (Tso-ch'an i or Zazengi) by Choro Sosaku (in Japanese, aka Changlu Zongze or Changlu Tsung-tse in Chinese), which is included as one part of his "Zenen Shingi, Rules of purity for the Chan Monastery."
In those days, I think that the concept of "plagiarism" did not exist as it does now. So, when Dogen wanted to write a "how to" instruction on Zazen, he picked up one of the existing ones (the Zuichan yi) and basically rewrote it in most sections. He left some of the sections on the mechanics of sittings, like posture and crossing the legs, almost unchanged, but so radically reworked the rest so much, especially about the significance and attitude toward Zazen, that it is a radically different text and approach.
Dogen actually criticized the Zuochan yi in his own Shobogenzo-Zazen Shin. A book about the rewriting of the Zuochan yi by Dogen is this one, by Zen historian Prof. Bielefeldt:
Here is an example, 4 matching sections so you can see what Dogen did:
Tsung-tse:
Dogen:
So, you can see what Dogen did with the original.
Sorry to run long.
Gassho, J
STLah
Bows
Seiko
stlahGandō Seiko
頑道清光
(Stubborn Way of Pure Light)
My street name is 'Al'.
Any words I write here are merely the thoughts of an apprentice priest, just my opinions, that's all.Comment
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Hi all,
As per our chat last night I am reposting the Treeleaf Retreat Handbook which has most of our chants (Maka Hannya, Sandokai, Song of Zazen etc.) including the perennial favourite Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UWo..._d2kBSQKi/view. Actually I'm not certain this works so alternatively you can find it here
Home > Sutras > Treeleaf Retreat Chant Book > TREELEAFCHANTBOOKFORRETREAT11252011.pdf
I will probably therfore do the Treeleaf version of Fukanzazengi tonight (it is probably by Jundo) as taken from this document, and if not take your pick from those offered by Yuki and Seiko's documents.
Look forward to seeing you,
Gassho,
Ryokudo
Thank you Seiko, it’s very interesting !
Following your post, I found this document with six translations of Fukanzazengi. I imagine you already know it :
Yuki (雪)
Zafu todayLast edited by Jundo; 08-13-2021, 01:36 PM.Comment
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Hi Ryokudo,
I fixed the link to our Treeleaf Chant Book to this one ...
It is not my version of Fukanzazengi. That version is largely (I may have adjusted a few words) by the scholars at the Soto Zen Text Project.
Gassho, Jundo
STLahALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLEComment
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Many thanks, JundoHi Ryokudo,
I fixed the link to our Treeleaf Chant Book to this one ...
It is not my version of Fukanzazengi. That version is largely (I may have adjusted a few words) by the scholars at the Soto Zen Text Project.
Gassho, Jundo
STLah
One day I will get the hang of posting links I swear.
Also many thanks for the clarification on its authorship, it's always a boon to know where our texts have originated.
See you soon,
Gassho,
Ryokudo
SAT/LAHComment
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Fukanzazenji.
Just in case anyone would like to read, here is a translation by Tanahashi - recommended by my Italian friend: https://www.upaya.org/uploads/pdfs/Fukanzazengi.pdf
Bows
Seiko
stlahGandō Seiko
頑道清光
(Stubborn Way of Pure Light)
My street name is 'Al'.
Any words I write here are merely the thoughts of an apprentice priest, just my opinions, that's all.Comment
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Even more Fukanzazenji
A PDF download of the version used at San Francisco Zen Center can be found on the page that this link opens : https://www.sfzc.org/offerings/estab...as-texts-songs
Bows
Seiko
stlahGandō Seiko
頑道清光
(Stubborn Way of Pure Light)
My street name is 'Al'.
Any words I write here are merely the thoughts of an apprentice priest, just my opinions, that's all.Comment
Comment