tassajara zen center
I often see
those who are trying
to study Buddhism just use
their worldly intelligence to sift
among the verbal teachings of the buddhas
and ancestral teachers, trying to pick out especially
wondrous sayings to use as conversation pieces to display
their ability and understanding. This is not the correct view
of the matter. You must abandon your world view and sit
quietly with mind silent. Forget entangling causes
and investigate with your whole being. When
you are thoroughly clear, then whatever
you bring forth from your own
inexhaustible treasure of
priceless jewels is sure
to be genuine and
real.
So first
you must awaken
to the Fundamental and
clearly see the essence where
mind equals buddha. Detach from
all false entanglements and become free
and clean. After that respectfully practice all
forms of good, and arouse great compassion to bring
benefits to all sentient beings. In all that you do, be even and
balanced and attuned to the inherent equality of all things —
be selfless and have no attachments. When wondrous
wisdom manifests itself and you penetrate through
to the basic essence, all your deeds will
be wonder-working. Thus it is said,
“Just manage to accept the
truth — you won’t be
deceived.”
Make
enlightenment your
standard, and don’t feel bad
if it is slow in coming.
Take care!
Yuanwu
