The renowned poet
Bo Juyi asked the Bird’s Nest Monk,
“What is the Way?” The Bird’s Nest Monk said,
“Don’t do any evils, do all forms of good.” Bo Juyi said,
“Even a three year old could say this.” The Bird’s
Nest Monk said, “Though a three year old
might be able to say it, an eighty year
old might not be able to
carry it out.”
gary elliott, tassajara zen center
When you practice zen
you become one with zen. There is no you
and no zazen. When you bow, there is no Buddha and
no you. One complete bowing takes place,
that is all. This is nirvana.
As you develop yourself you
will inevitably be misunderstood by others.
Endure these times patiently, and they will pass.
By staying on the path unswervingly you
meet with great success.
fifth changing line
from The I Ching, or Book of Changes
Hexagram 53, Chien / Development (Gradual Progress)
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The world is unstable,
like a house on fire. This is not a place
where you stay long. The murderous haunt
of impermanence comes upon you in a flash,
no matter whether you are rich or poor,
old or young. If you want to be no
different from a zen master or
a buddha, just do not
seek outwardly.
