the point where buddha is actualized

isaac levitan

 

We just sit in the midst

of this contradiction where, although

we aim, we can never perceive hitting the mark.

We just sit in the midst of this contradiction that is

absolutely ridiculous when we think about it with our small mind.

In our zazen, it is precisely at the point where our small, foolish self

remains unsatisfied, or completely bewildered, that immeasurable

natural life beyond the thoughts of that self functions.

It is precisely at the point where we become

completely lost that life operates and

the power of Buddha is

actualized.

 

Kosho Uchiyama

 

this is the pure buddha-land

within purity

 

There is no dharma

that can be explained, no mind that

can be spoken of: inherent reality-nature is empty.

Going back to the fundamental basis is the Path. The real

identity of the Path is empty and boundless, vast and pure.

With its stillness and solitude, it obliterates the cosmos.

It pervades ancient and modern, but its nature

is pure. It is perfect from top to bottom

and everywhere pure. This is the

pure buddha-land.

 

The Path

of enlightenment

cannot be charted or measured:

highest of the high, vast beyond limit,

deepest of the deep, profound beyond

fathoming, big enough to contain

heaven and earth, small enough

to enter an infinitesimal

point—thus it is called

the Path.

 

Records of the Teachers and Students of the Lanka

full text here