Good evening!
This time of the year is a time of reflection and resolution. What are your reflections and resolutions?
A Chinese emperor, seeing many ships plying up and down a great river, asked a Buddhist monk, “How many ships are there?”
The monk said, “Only two.” Ships sail for fame and fortune. Most people ply up and down for fame, fortune, and frivolity of the five senses, or five aggregates.
They struggle for matter, might, and money, but must suffer selfish separation, sickness, and sorrows in fight, flight, and fatigue.
Dogen said, “However much celestial beings or supernormal beings try to measure the merits of Zazen, they can not exhaust them.”
They may measure many merits of Zazen in the mundane realm, but cannot imagine the limitless light, liberation, love, and life in the supramundane realm.
Zazen is the essential function and functional essence of the true triple treasures of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha – supramundane and supreme.
They give unconditioned peace, unsurpassed awakening, and amrita, ambrosia of immortality, holding holy harmony, health, and happiness.
So, it is clear what resolution we should have – unconditioned peace, unsurpassed awakening, and amrita, assuring a good day everyday.
12/31/12
