Good evening!
The kitchen waste basket was very dark and dirty, but after sitting in bleach water for a few days, it became so clean and pure – universal dharma!
Dogen said that this dharma is abundantly endowed in everyone, but without cultivation, it is not developed; without verification, it is not attained.
The best gift or donation is the dharma donation, universal, unconditioned peace and unsurpassed awakening, which anyone can verify and attain.
Dogen spoke of the unity of cultivation and verification. Those who have attained know that cultivation is essential and inevitably important.
So, it is said, “Those coming through the gate are not the house treasure.” The true treasure is practice – the best present, presently possible and perfect.
12/26/12
