Good morning!
The Buddha said that religion is cultivation. He said that we are all karma heirs, relatives, and machines. Therefore we need to cultivate.
Religion (religare) means “reunion” of sundry asunder state: from sin (= separated self: karma: ego) to holiness (wholesome whole: dharma: eco).
It is from bhave (becoming: karma) to bhavana (cause to become: cultivation from karma to dharma; selfishness to selflessness, ego to eco).
Dogen mentions four hallmarks of the original nature (dharma) in his Universal Recommendation for the True Zazen: penetration, purity, freedom, and here-now.
Religion must be the unity of cultivation (practice) and verification (witnessing) of penetrating pure freedom (full function with all: holy harmony) here-now.
It is the practice of penetrating pure peace and prognosis (wholly wholesome peace and wisdom) right here-now. Practice makes perfect. Practice is perfection.
12/26/11
