Today, Myogen spoke about the importance of attitude while giving an receiving donations, and about genuine mind and respectful mind as essential part of the tenzo’s mind.
Today, Eko spoke about the meaning of letters and practice, according to Dogen’s Tenzokyokun. First she reads the original, then Myogen reads the English text, after that Eko explains in Japanese.
Today, Takahashi spoke about the famous episode when Dogen met a Chinese cook on the ship, after arriving in China. First he reads the original, then Myogen reads the English text, after that Takahashi explains in Japanese.
From our mountain fields, millet harvested for our meal,
From our garden, plain yellow leeks;
Whether you eat from what there is to eat is up to you,
And if you choose not to eat thereof, feel free to go where you will.
I pray that, on reflection, each of you, my companions on the Path, will practice diligently. Take good care of yourselves!
Sekisō built a Hall for Withered Trees where he and his community did their sitting and lying down, only requiring of his monks that their hearts and minds completely quiet down.