Flying Fish

Good morning!

After the long spell of rain and terrible tornados, we can see abundant, beautiful fresh green in the bright sunlight, and hear the singing of birds carried by the green breeze through our windows.

While casualties and calamities caused by tornados, the tsunami, and the nuclear disaster continue to grow, a report tells us that a million people are dead as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, with birds, plants, and other living beings within the eco system decimated and damaged.

A famous poem says, “Even after the state has been broken (in defeat), mountains and rivers still remain.” Even after human civilization and states are fallen, we hope that the natural system with its beauty and abundance will survive.

In Japan now, it is golden week, a week or longer of holidays where people traditionally enjoy traveling, etc. But this year people – more than ten thousand – have rushed to help others in the devastated areas. Some municipal governments have too many volunteers and too many cars to accept.

Those who cannot visit send all kinds of help – materials, services, invitations, entertainment, etc. – to help and encourage those in difficulties. One city sent many huge flying carp kites to swim in the blue sky and green ocean in May – the 5th being boys’ day.

It is said that when carp jump beyond a high waterfall, they transform into dragons. This is called “the gate of the rising dragon” When we sit in zazen, we transform into nâga, dragons or elephants, great vivid beings, jumping into the limitless realm, life, and liberation.

4/30/11