Feeding the wolf I want to win: July 2009

Friday, July 31, 2009

The Listening Project

"The Listening Project", number 122 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

This will seem a bit odd. A disconnect from the title of this miniature.

Inter-cultural strife is usually the result of deeply held convictions about injustices done decades or centuries ago.

In this miniature, Robert Aitken presents this in the context of a project meant to heal war strife in the former Yugoslavia.

My life is a microcosm of this phenomena. Much of the interpersonal strife in my life can be directly attributed to ideas that float up in me. Ideas of superiority or of certainty well up in me and prevent me from seeing what is real and helpful.

I can see this in the context of moment by moment life as I live it, here and now with my partner, reading Sunset Magazine. I see her certainty about the situation, how the story is melded to match an idea of superiority.

In the old days, I may have joined in. In recent days, I may have chided her. Today I break through to see myself here and now. I see the ways that I do the same. Hugs and holding hands seems to be the clearest course of action. Love and companionship are the antidote to certainty and superiority.

My partner is my greatest teacher.

Any error or confusion created by my commentary on
Miniatures of a Zen Master
is solely a reflection of my own delusion and ignorance.
Any merit generated by this activity is solely the result of
Aitken Roshi's clear teaching and is dedicated to
all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Remembered in Museums

"Remembered in Museums", number 121 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

Evolution does not only work in the species realm. Societies and cultures evolve sometimes in ways we like and sometimes they violently morph and die. This death is sometimes self-inflicted, otherwise when so called advanced societies subvert so called primitive societies, much cultural knowledge has to be rediscovered.

Just as with species extinction, our involvement in societal degradation is unavoidable. Watch for romantic or dismissal portrayals of lost societies. Both are common traps.

Museums hold all the evidence of once thriving societies. Cultures now dominant will one day be reduced to a curator's dream.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Kenneth Rexroth

"Kenneth Rexroth", number 120 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

In this miniature, Aitken Roshi cries out praise for one of his contemporary poets, Kenneth Rexroth. Till I did a little research, I didn't have a clue who this Kenneth Rexroth was. Turns out he was influential in the beat poetry scene and a prolific translator of Japanese and Chinese women's poetry.

He was friends with Gary Snyder, Philip Whalen, Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. Ledgend has it that Jack Kerouac hit on Kenneth's daughter causing a rift between Kenneth and Jack. He spent time in the Marblemount region of the North Cascades, the same area so influential in the poetry of Synder, Whalen and Kerouac. An organizer of the infamous Six Gallery poetry reading of October 13, 1955.

In trying to educate myself about Kenneth Rexroth, I found the Wikipedia article on him to be quite helpful.

I found a small sampling of Kenneth Rexroth's poems on line at Bureau of Public Secrets.

From ON FLOWER WREATH HILL

This world of ours, before we
Can know its fleeting sorrows,
We enter it through tears.
Do the reverberations
Of the evening bell of
The mountain temple ever
Totally die away?
Memory echoes and reechoes
Always reinforcing itself.
No wave motion ever dies.
The white waves of the wake of
The boat that rows away into
The dawn, spread and lap on the
Sands of the shores of all the world.

As the full moon rises . . .

As the full moon rises
The swan sings
In sleep
On the lake of the mind.

K.R.

"... But surely he'll be rediscovered." Thank you, Roshi. Kenneth Rexroth has been rediscovered.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Obedient Objects

"Obedient Objects", number 119 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

From WoodenZen

The idea of the "innate perversity of inanimate objects" is so common our culture that it has its own acronym. IPIO This is the idea that objects are unknowable and have "a mind of their own".

Objects are true to their nature. This is not a mystery. They can be nothing other than what they are and can not act in ways that they don't. People, scientists, theologian, 'we the people' may not understand objects nature but that is a reflection on our ignorance not proof that inanimate object have the innate perversity.

Perversity is defined as:

turning away from what is right or good : corrupt
improper, incorrect
contrary to the evidence
obstinate in opposing what is right, reasonable, or accepted
arising from or indicative of stubbornness or obstinacy

These are all our human value judgments that sadly get projected onto the natural world. Often with unfortunate consequences.

The earth will eventually heal itself of our polluting ways. A million years from now the earth will just be a planet coursing through space. It will have whatever makeup it has. It is pretty arrogant to think otherwise.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Our Elders

"Our Elders", number 118 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

Popular culture is a poor substitute for communal culture. There are now not any elders in my life and I'm poorer for it. Seems to me that the generation before mine also had/has a dearth of mentoring elders. Who will break this chain of catastrophe?

Sunday, July 26, 2009

What Works for You?

"What Works for You?", number 117 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

"Career, Family, Zen Practice, each one affects the others. The proper proportions of the mix for one student will not be the same as they are for another. This is not a dilemma. Choose your mix and make it work."
Robert Aitken Roshi

My mix is different from yours. Let's not compare. As I look, I feel comfortable with the constellation that is my life. Yet it is undergoing some tweaking.

My career, Medical Digital Imaging Specialist, is challenging and rewarding. It does take up a huge portion of my life and does supply a corresponding amount of support to my external life. This is in contrast to the support Zen practice supplies to my internal life.

Are these two supposed aspects of life as separate as that previous sentence makes them out to be? Let's hope not.

One aspect of my life not accounted for by this miniature's mixture, is my flow side or what is otherwise known as wood working. This is in the mix and feels more important as time goes on.

When the great Chinese Zen master Ta-mei was dying, his students asked him for a final helpful word. "When it comes, don't try to avoid it; when it goes, don't run after it," he said. Just then, a squirrel chattered on the roof. "There is only this, there is nothing else," said Ta-mei, and then he died.
Francis Dojun Cook, How to Raise an Ox, Wisdom Publications

Saturday, July 25, 2009

All Beings Are Sick

"All Beings Are Sick", number 116 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

In the Vimalakirti Sutra, Vimalakirti said to Manjusri, "I am sick because all living beings are sick."

Vimalakirti understands that he is not separate. How do we understand it? This notion of a separate self is oh so persistent. The sense of a me flows and ebbs with the tides of daily life.

My craft-work is a mirror of my sense of a separate identity. I'm a woodworker by avocation. I'm learning to carve and as I practice I lose track of time, I feel the knife as an extension of my hand or eye, the sounds of the wood chips peeling off of the knife mesmerize. Where is this persistent separate self then?

Jaye Seiho Morris, over at the Digital Zendo, has posted a three part (so far) article called "Zen Without Jargon". Right of the bat, Jaye goes to the heart of it. What is Zen?

"Frequently I hear Zen translated as "meditation." In my gut whenever people used that expression, It didn't seem right, but I didn't know why. But one day while living at a Monastery, I heard Eido Roshi speaking and he said, "Zen better said or put means Unification. Unify your Heart. Unify Everything.""

Anzan Hoshin, over at White Wind Zen Community, in his newsletter, has gifted us with a piece of his commentary on Eihei Dogen Yuibutsu Yobutsu [Only Buddha and Buddha], which appears in his masterwork Shōbōgenzō [True Dharma Eye Treasury]. In it he addresses this unification in a very graphical way.

"Seeing with the eyes of a Buddha is the unsurpassed wisdom of intimacy and is itself the path of Zen. To practice the path without recognizing the face-and-eye of the Buddhas as our own face is like not knowing whether the nose itches or doesn't."

This is what Vimalakirti points to. "Unify your heart."

This is a myth story that has alway moved me. We have opportunity at every moment, with every action, with every thought, to feed and nurture life. We can choose either a positive, expansive, unifying meal or a negative, constrictive, separating meal. The choice is ours. The results are mirrored back to us in our daily lives.

One evening, an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.   

He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, greed, and arrogance. The other is Good - It is peace, love, hope, humility, compassion, and faith.”

  The grandson thought about this for a while and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”  

To which the old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Friday, July 24, 2009

Overhead Wiring

"Overhead Wiring" number 115 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

As progress occurs, we go from overhead wiring to underground wiring, from survival to aesthetics, from disease-care to health-care.

"That is assuming that people will be around to make this possible."

Do you feel the commitment to finish reading books you start? I used to. Now I freely stop reading books that don't hold my attention. A while ago I started giving away books with no expectation of return. I even give away books that I greatly enjoyed. I still hang on to reference books.

Today I came across the argument that books that are poorly written should be thrown out rather than given away on the premise that so many people feel committed to finishing a book and giving them a poor book wastes their time. Agreed!

Rest in natural great peace
This exhausted mind
Beaten helpless by karma and neurotic thought,
Like the relentless fury of the pounding waves
In the infinite ocean of samsara.

poem by Nyoshul Khenpo

"When effort is spent making something, there are tangible results from the expense of energy."
Doug Stowe "Wisdom of the Hands"

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Choosing Your Battle

"Choosing Your Battle" number 114 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

From WoodenZen

I'm unable to get anything out of today's miniature. Of course, that in itself is something. I can 'choose my own battles' and this miniature isn't one of them.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The Noble Cause

"The Noble Cause" number 113 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

The Civil War was a long time ago and still is part of today's dialog in parts of the United States. Here in Moscow Idaho, we have our ties to the Civil War. I won't go into the details other than to say in my home town there is a fundamentalist Christian group, who's minister co-authored a book that espouses unconventional and unpopular views of slavery and the Civil War.

One hundred fifty years from now, what will be seen as my generations "Noble Cause" and who will be its deniers?

There is a online 100 day practice period opportunity being offered by Dosho Port. I don't know if this is the first of its kind but this is surly early in the virtual online practice September 12 through December 19.

Background
100-days of zazen and dharma study will help stabilize and deepen your practice – if you turn the dharma wheel, the wheel will turn back. It is inspired by the 90 or 100-day practice periods during the rainy season that monks and nuns have done since the Buddha’s days. Katagiri Roshi might have been the first to start non-residential practice periods. The idea is the same:
make a commitment
work your edge
and follow through (forgiving yourself when you don't and beginning again).

During this practice period Dosho will be leading study on Dogen's Genjokoan. There will be 11 Webex seminars along with Skype dokusan and a focused and guided study of the text of Dogen's Genjokoan.

All sounds so inviting.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Step'um

"Step'um" number 112 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

From WoodenZen

One action always leads to another action. Sometimes the relationship is clear and sometimes not.

In this miniature, Robert Aitken explores how our actions are learned and perpetuated throughout the generations. Decisive yet small interactions occur while we are often distracted by seemingly 'important' stuff.

We do things because our mothers told us to do them. Our mothers tell us to do things because their mothers told them to do them. On and on back in time without any examination.

Today we wonder why we act the way we do. As if it was a big mystery.

Till now I've spoke only as the collective "we". Now I must atone for all my bad actions.

Gatha of Atonement
All evil karma ever committed by me since of old,
On account of my beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,
Born of my body, mouth and thought—
I now make confess fully and openly.

Monday, July 20, 2009

The World of Make-Believe

"The World of Make-Believe" number 111 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

How to cope with the question of the world of make believe? Robert Aitken points out that "we don't know we are making believe" and these made up believes "encroach on our world and actually endanger it."

This is one of the hopeful signs of Zen practice, this waking up from making believe. Each one of us makes a difference. Someday there will be a tipping point and our world will be a little less endangered.

This 'make believe' occurs on both the gross and subtle levels. Whole cultural genres are grossly make believe. Some are so easy to see how they "encroach on our world and actually endanger it." Violent computer games. pornography, horror movies, patriotism, war mongering, Santa Claus, etc.

Subtler forms of make believe are so much more, well subtle. If we pay attention to our thinking we cannot help but notice all the make believe.

I feel like I've held back here. It is easy for me to say that "such and such" out in the world is make believe. The examples like those above seem outside of me. First we identify those notions that are make believe that are in us. This is some hard work.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Son of a Famous Man Syndrome

"Son of a Famous Man Syndrome" number 110 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

From WoodenZen

This miniature ends with "Watch out! You might succeed!"

You don't have to be the 'son of a famous man" to use this as a life koan. Commonly implied on this is the idea that there is something negative about success. At least that is how Robert Aitken used the expression. And yet, it could easily be twisted to the notion admonishing the careful attention that leads to success.

The suddenness of a shout to "Watch out!", brings us up to the moment. Dropped are the stories of this and that. Continuously dropping the story of my existence. Subtler and subtler, till even the notion of any thing separate to drop or any time in which anything seperate can exist, drops away.

Till then, "Watch out! You might succeed!"

Saturday, July 18, 2009

The Illegal Annexation

"The Illegal Annexation" number 109 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

The title of this miniature refers to the United States annexation of the Hawaiian Islands in 1898. Yet another indigenous culture subverted and co-opted.

The US government with the help of the US Marines, Navy and a few individuals on the islands conspired to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy. They tried twice before 1898. Then the Spanish-American War was used as an excuse to unilaterally annex the Hawaiian Islands in order to utilize the Hawaiian Islands as a military base to fight the Spanish in Guam and the Philippines. There still is a independent state of the Hawaiian Kingdom and native Hawaiians still feel that they are living under occupation.

The distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion. ~ Albert Einstein

My world is so small and privileged. I didn't see the pain of the Hawaiian Kingdom. All of this is sad. Both that it happened and my ignorance of it. How much of existence is like this? I don't have to look so far away to see my ignorance.

Open letter to the neighbourhood coyotes.

The morning is a cool and quite time here. July has brought some welcome rains. The fields are ripening and harvesting will start soon. We moved here to this canyon many years ago. There were less people here then. We soon discovered that this canyon was the migratory pathway for many animals. It is the least populated pathway from the summer high country of Moscow Mountain and the warm winter fields along the Clearwater River.

We hear you and your clan most evenings as you broadcast your locations and signal each other. Your life is so hard and we humans have complicated it. We move into your territory and bring with us our domesticated dogs. When you defend your domain we shot you and curse your name. Then we turn around and wonder why there are so many porcupines eating our planted trees.

Walking our usual trails, we see your scat and wonder about you. Are you safe, are you happy, are you getting enough to eat? It looks like it!

Please watch out. Some of our neighbours are not to keen on your being in the neighbourhood and they have guns. Please watch out. Wolves have been reintroduced to our area and sighting have been reported as close as fifty miles east of here. This canyon being an elk migratory path, it is only a matter of time till the wolves move in. Please watch out. Harvest is about to start. Big combines and lots of truck traffic. Look both ways before crossing the roads.

You have adapted will to our presence. So far you have not been able to catch our cats or the rabbits that live down by the shop. We are thankful for your presence. My heart is open.
Peace.

Your neighbour,
Will

I came across this great poem this morning. Really warm and encouraging. It is by Adam Genkaku Fisher and is posted on his great blog, which can be found at http://genkaku-again.blogspot.com/

Don't interrupt.

Blue sky.
Don't interrupt.
Warm or chilling thoughts.
Don't interrupt.
Talking to a friend.
Don't interrupt.
Blissful or confusing times.
Don't interrupt.
Looking both ways before crossing the street.
Don't interrupt.
Thinking profound thoughts, believing or finding meaning.
Don't interrupt.
Walking the dog or preparing the taxes.
Don't interrupt.
Making an effort not to interrupt.
Don't interrupt.
Interrupting.
Don't interrupt.

To this I'll add somewhere in the middle -

Coyotes singing in the still evening
Don't interrupt

Friday, July 17, 2009

The Naming of Children

"The Naming of Children" number 108 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

I have no children. What comes up for me is a cacophony of miscellanea.

My parents named me William, after my dad
Some people are cursed with inappropriate names by confused parents
and have to pay a price their whole lives. Given the possibilities, I'm
happy with William.
William was the 8th most popular name given in 2008. If you are curious about the prevalence of your first name, go here and enter it in the query box.
Marilyn is the first name of the person with the worlds highest IQ. A different Marilyn lives near me and her IQ is not all that high.
He went by Bill and I went by Billy till I revolted. I'm now known as Will.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

The Midway Rail

"The Midway Rail" number 107 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

According to the Midway Atoll NWR Bird List and Seabird Population Estimates, The Laysan Rail (Poranual palmeri) was first introduced to the Midway Atoll, then became extinct.

Robert Aitken, talks of his experience of the bird and refers to this bird as the "Midway Rail". He talks of how a amateur ornithologist captured, killed and mounted one of these small birds.

If I were there, I too would have found this objectionable. A bit of cruelty on a bit of consciousness no different from my own bit. It is still sad, even now.

Aitken's "Midway Rail"

The story of this little bird is even sadder than Aitken lets on. It fought for survival when rabbit were introduced to its native environment. With no predators the rabbits ate all the vegetation turning the islands into barren dusty deserts. Native to the Hawaiian Island of Laysan (Kauō), the 'Laysan Rail' was transplanted all around the Pacific but never found a home. This was a very fragile species and like canneries in mine shafts, these birds have warned us and are even now asking us to be mindful.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Prevalence of Gays

"Prevalence of Gays" number 106 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

Supposedly homosexuality is widespread in Japan as it is everywhere. Okay, I don't see it but if you say so.

The topic of gays in Buddhism bores me as it is just not relevant to my experience. There are gays in my sangha, just like there are left handed people and even a couple of odd red-heads. Now if there was a prevalence of Republicans in Buddhism, that would be something to see.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Love

"Love" number 105 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

Not so sure I agree with Aitken Roshi on this one. He states clearly that words have power. Words and bring people together as well as drive them apart. I've seen this myself.

He's confused by the notion that the particular word, "love", should be reserved for only sanctioned conversations.

At first I was going to go along with him, but realized that for me personally, I don't see the word "love" much, particularly in Zen. I don't use it enough. In a way, not using the word is a form of stinginess. Holding back from expressing love in whatever form is a type of greed or maybe a manifestation of a fear.

From WoodenZen

May all beings feel loved.

Monday, July 13, 2009

The Drunk

"The Drunk" number 104 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

This miniature is both about the perils of drunkenness and learning to be decent.

Once you accept that your life is none of your business, then you can
go about the business of living unfettered by the usual worries. If this holds true, then it is true for everyone.

When confronted by a drunk, they are drunk and you are confronted. There is no need for them the "busnify" their situation. There is no need for them the "busnify" your situation. It just is. Also no need for us to muck around in the business of our collective situation. Being unfettered in this way, it becomes easy and automatic to act decent. There no prescription for exactly how to act, life and the moment will dictate. Our job is to just get out of the way and above all don't "busnify" life.

Once you accept the life needs no "busnification", the thing called you can relax and just enjoy life.

What is meant by "life is none of your business"? When we make something into a business endeavor, we set up goals, we measure outcomes, we strive to succeed, we fear losing, we keep balance sheets, we find ways to have protection, and a slew of other activities that fix us, fixate our energy away from the continuous invention the is life. The "busnification" of our life clogs the natural flow of existence that we seek.

What is meant by "act decent"? Decent here is the antidote of unconscious. A synonym would be "right action". Not in opposition to "wrong" action, instead aligned with the unfettered mind, freely steeped in "life is none of your business". There is not way of knowing what a decent act will actually look like in advance. It could be kind, soft and quiet or stern, loud and sudden.

Each moment invents endlessly. Just get out of the way!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Love Never Faileth

"Love Never Faileth" number 103 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

From WoodenZen

Ancient Bones 2008

As a boy, Robert Aitken was moved by St. Paul's "Love Never Faileth". He questioned and wondered about this and by his own admission "to this day, I can't put into other words."

I am a child of a different generation. When I considered how I would say "Love Never Faileth", immediately, out of the ether appeared "Love Is the Answer."

Love is the answer that never fails.

MIND GAMES
John Lennon

We're playing those mind games together,
Pushing barriers, planting seeds,
Playing the mind guerilla,
Chanting the Mantra peace on earth,

We all been playing mind games forever,
Some kinda druid dudes lifting the veil.
Doing the mind guerilla,
Some call it the search for the grail,
Love is the answer and you know that for sure,
Love is flower you got to let it, you got to let it grow,

So keep on playing those mind games together,
Faith in the future outta the now,
You just can't beat on those mind guerillas,
Absolute elsewhere in the stones of your mind,
Yeah we're playing those mind games forever,
Projecting our images in space and in time,
Yes is the answer and you know that for sure,
Yes is the surrender you got to let it, you got to let it go,

So keep on playing those mind games together,
Doing the ritual dance in the sun,
Millions of mind guerrillas,
Putting their soul power to the karmic wheel,
Keep on playing those mind games forever,
Raising the spirit of peace and love, not war,
(I want you to make love, not war, I know you've heard it before)

Our sangha, the Palouse Zen Community, is reading Joko Beck's book 'Everyday Zen'. I came across a snippet that I'd like to share here. It discribes how practice evolves.

Intelligent zazen means making a subtle shift constantly, step by step; first from grosser levels to the more sublte, and to the more subtle, and to the more subtle; beginning to see right through what we call our personality... We begin to really look at the mind, the body, the thoughts, the sense perceptions, everything that we thought was ourself.

Yes, I can see that there is a difference between "intelligent zazen" and just sitting on the absent mindedly, daydreaming on the cushion.

"What Buddhism really has to teach [Westerners] is
how to relate more closely with [their] own experience, in its
freshness, its fullness, and its immediacy. To do this, one does not
have to become a Buddhist, but one does have to practice meditation."

Chögyam Trungpa, The Sanity We Are Born With

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Guidelines

"Guidelines" number 102 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

From WoodenZen

Guidelines

It doesn't matter if they are for writing, for woodworking or for zazen, guidelines help us navigate our activities. They are not rules in the sense that it is a mistake or bad to ignore them. They are more like signposts, intended to encourage and give points of reflection.

Zendo procedures are guidelines for our practice together. They are designed to keep everything running smoothly. As guidelines, these procedures allow the mind to relax. All the little decisions that the mind usually dramatizes are predetermined. All we have to do is give up to the procedures and to the schedule.

Here are guidelines for the practice of walking meditation, kinhin.

At the end of a sitting period, the jikijitsu or time keeper, will strike the bell twice. The first bell ends the sitting mediation and the second signals you to gassho in the sitting position and then quietly stand, facing in. Hands in gassho. When jikijitsu strikes clappers, gassho and place hands in kinhin position, at the level of the navel, right hand holding left hand, left hand holding right thumb. Turn to your left and promptly step out to follow the person in front of you. While maintaining your practice, walk slowly keeping the distance between you and the person in front of you the same as you proceed around the room. As people step out of line to use the restroom, let the gap remain as is. When they return, allow them to rejoin the kinhin line by entering at their place. When the clappers sound, maintain the same pace until you are in front of your cushion and stand facing in toward the sangha. Bow facing the sangha, then turn and bow to your cushion. Sit facing the wall to resume zazen.

Guidelines can also be a way for us to connect with our mentors. Robert Aitken points out in this miniature that we get specific guidelines from specific people. The guidelines are connected to actual guides. These guides are interconnected in a web that Buddhists can "The Jewel Net of Indra". Robert Aitken also points out that it is up to each of us to acknowledge our guides, recognize the guidelines given and then "it's up to me to follow through."

In the end, guidelines only work if we follow through. Guidelines are lines connecting us to our guides.

I was told by a couple of people that this book would become a bit tedious. That these miniatures were, well, a bit miniature. Without enough substance.

I disagree. Robert Aitken, packs both obvious and hidden chunks of the wisdom in each miniature. Sometimes I see this wisdom, sometimes not. This is a reflection of my energy and effort and not Aitken's. Because these writings are called miniatures, doesn't mean I'm off the hook and can be miniature in my reflection.

Besides, I'm having fun!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Gratitude

"Gratitude" number 101 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

When we talk about gratitude, it's easy to get confused.

That's because there are two kinds of gratitude. The usual kind is the kind we learned about in Kindergarten. We solemnly express thankfulness for receiving something. That something could be a thing, or a constellation of non-material stuff.

The other type of gratitude comes not out of some personal action, but is the feeling/tone that grows out of resting the thinking brain. This resting of the thinking brain is referred to as "nonthinking". It is a very tricky thing. As soon as we think we're "thinking not-thinking", we're thinking. We have to be on constant guard, but it is worth it. Here we get to touch the gratitude that permeates the universe. Gratitude that confirms unity.

"We always measure things by our personal yardsticks. For example, if you experience a great feeling from your "not-thinking," you may say, "Wow, this is great!" But this is already measurement. Finally, neither "not-thinking" nor "thinking" hits the mark. So instead of measuring something by your yardstick, just try to be right in the middle of the world. This is called "nonthinking." It is nothing but practice; sit down there, peacefully, harmoniously. But watch out. Every day, from moment to moment, watch out, because egoistic consciousness is always coming up."
Katagiri Roshi

Yes indeed, watch out! Express the first type of gratitude and make yourself available to the second.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

The Middle Initial

"The Middle Initial" number 99 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

Continuing yesterday's theme of simplicity and simple tasks, today's miniature comments on focusing on details.

I have a few details needing attending to.

This endeavor, to comment on every on of Robert Aitken's "Miniatures of a Zen Master", continues. Tomorrow I'll be half done. I'm feeling the desire to switch strategies and yet I feel committed to my current path. Dilemma. The only way to know is to do, so I'll continue on.

I have been announcing every one of my posts on Twitter but am now seeing that this may be a form of spam and wearing on the crowd. This is especially true as I rarely now am contributing anything but these blogging announcements. This strategy is being rethought for the first time.

We experienced a lightening strike very near our house. It hit a tree next to where the underground phone line crosses the underground power feed for the shop. Shops power breaker was tripped but no damage seen yet. The electrical surge in the phone line caused the DSL modem, the wireless router, the PC, and the laser printer all to die. Only the printer may be repairable. Lots of bits and bits lost. Opportunity to support the local computer shops.

So much for personal navel gazing. Onward to miniature 100 tomorrow. "Danger Man"

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

The Myth of Sisyphus

"The Myth of Sisyphus" number 98 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was a condemned to pushing a heavy rock up a hill only to have it roll back down before he could reach the top. Endlessly he was forced to begin again and again.

Unlike many, the author Albert Camus, in his 1942 essay The Myth of Sisyphus, saw through this absurdity and postulated that "one must imagine Sisyphus happy" as "The struggle itself
towards the heights is enough to fill a man's heart."

Here is a link to the crux in chapter four of Camus's The Myth of Sisyphus.

Indeed, the idea of a "Sisyphean task" being a punishment is something concocted by the ego. The ego see no reward in repetitive simple tasks. When the whole being exerts itself on no grand accomplishment or the as we say in Zen the accomplishment of nothing, then happiness ensues.

Metaphysically, if something exists, nothing else can exist in its place. In order for happiness to come into existence, first nothing must exist. There must be a space for the arising of happiness. Seeing this space of nothing is to be the master of our days. Set about our absurdly human and utterly simple tasks, over and over, always beginning, never ending.

Any error or confusion created by my commentary on
Miniatures of a Zen Master
is solely a reflection of my own delusion and ignorance.
Any merit generated by this activity is solely the result of
Aitken Roshi's clear teaching and is dedicated to
all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Thomas Thaherne

"Thomas Thaherne" number 97 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

"You never know the world aright till the Sea floweth in your Veins, till you are Clothed with the Heavens, and Crowned with the Stars; And perceive yourself to be the Sole Heir of the Whole World; And more then so, because Men are in it who are every on Sole Heirs, as well as you. Till you are intimately Acquainted with that Shady nothing out of which this World is made; Till your spirit filleth the whole World and the Stars are your Jewels; Till you love Men so as to Desire their Happiness with a thirst equal to the zeal of your own."

Centuries of Meditation
Thomas Thaherne (1636-1674)

Sunday, July 5, 2009

The Jewels

"The Jewels" number 96 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

In today's miniature, Robert Aitken refers to the jewels of practice. It is surprising where these jewels appear and when they do their appearance transforms the ordinary into the ordinary.

Sometimes the jewels take the form of liturgy, sometimes they'll manifest in teisho or in dokusan. Sometimes we see them, sometimes hear them, sometimes read them.

In the pre-dawn stillness, the neighborhood birds call one another. We sit together, our Samādhi mudrā holding the universe in our laps.

I am a wood worker. Turning wood is a skill I've developed and now apply in my practice. I continue to look for ways to integrate woodworking into my Zen practice in the same way pottery, archery, flower arranging, poetry or calligraphy is traditionally married to Zen. Here are the fruits of a small part of my practice with Zen and woodworking.

Looking for a rakusu ring?
Follow link to more information .

Here is a link to Gary Snyder reading a couple of poems. For Poet Gary Snyder, Every Day is Earth Day He reads an excerpt from Han-Shan's "Cold Mountain." and his poem "Off the Trail."

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Circumambulation

"Circumambulation" number 95 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

Circumambulation means to go around and around. In Zen we go around and around with mind. It is helpful to have a routine so that everyone on the zendo goes in the same direction and at roughly the same speed. For some, setting these ground rules in advance is a way to take away creativity and freedom. On the contrary, give up to the rules, showing up and watching what happens is the ultimate in creativity and freedom. We don't have to be bothered with mind wanting to go in a different direction or listen to it's complaining about the speed of kinhin. We have the freedom of the unbothered.

There are lots of little rules of the zendo. Each sitting group forms their own rules following rough guidelines handed down by the unbroken lineage of Zen Masters since the Buddha. (Crap alert!) Frankly, I don't care where the rules came from or what they are. Let's just be familiar with them and practice together in harmony. They are not magic and have no special meaning. That is their special meaning. The magic of non-magic.

These little rules or customs have the same affect on us as the schedule of a sesshin does. They give us the freedom to relax into our practice and to let our usual busy mind settle a bit. We can give up just a bit of our grasping mind, our wanting things to be our way, our need to control. We can allow ourselves just a little more slack and then a little more slack, endlessly. First we see how to do this in the safe supportive environment of the zendo, then we carry this with is to work, in relationships and into the broader world.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Awareness of Time

"Awareness of Time" number 94 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

How often do we lose awareness of time? More and more but still undependable. Time is such a tenacious thing. Wait, time a thing? What the hell is time anyway? Is it real or just something made up in mind? That is a dumb question! Everything is mind! But this thing called time is so sticky, it has such a hold on us, keeping us stuck in our delusion.

Practice is made up of time and non-time and the coming to grips with both. Aitken tells us that marking time while practicing will prevent the chance to let body and mind drop away. This matter of forgetting the clock is important.

Recently, I've had taken up the duties of timekeeper during Palouse Zen Community's Thursday night sittings. Now it is especially tough as I want to keep the practice period flowing smoothly. This is a new practice opportunity for me, to let the timer support me.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Enlightenment

"Enlightenment" number 93 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

Aitken tells of a time when a Japanese monk ask in an informal meeting, "How many people here are enlightened? Raise your hands." Apparently they all sat there stunned as I would have had I been there.

Why would this be stunning? Juxtaposed with yesterday's miniature, I in quite a quandary. Hakuin says "This very body is the Buddha." How can I say that I'm not enlightened? Yet, I surely feel at times unconnected with life, confused, hurt, frustrated, even angry at times. Could it be that these somehow are an expression of enlightenment.

What is it that we mean when we say "I'm enlightened."? We don't hear mature practitioners making that statement. Something tells me that it is a trap. Some conundrum.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

This Very Body

"This Very Body" number 92 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

'Song of Zazen' by Hakuin Ekaku (1685-1768)

All beings by nature are Buddha
As ice by nature is water.
Apart from water there is no ice;
Apart from beings, no Buddha.

How sad that people ignore the near
And search for truth afar:
Like someone in the midst of water
Crying out in thirst;
Like a child of a wealthy home
Wandering among the poor.

Lost on dark paths of ignorance,
We wander through the six worlds;
From dark path to dark path-
When shall we be freed from birth and death?

For this the zazen of the Mahayana
Deserves the highest praise:
Generosity, patience, self-discipline,
The many paramitas
All rise within zazen

Even those with proud attainments
Wipe out their old deluded ways.
Where are all the dark paths then?
The pure land itself is near.

Much more, if you dedicate yourself to practice
And confirm your own true nature,
True nature that is no nature.
You are far beyond mere dogma.

Here effect and cause are the same,
The way is neither two nor three,
With form that is no form
Going and coming -never astray
With thought that is no thought
Singing and dancing are the voice of the law.

Boundless and free is the sky of samadhi
Bright the full moon of wisdom,
Truly, is anything missing now
Nirvana is right here before our eyes;
This very place is the lotus land,
This very body, the Buddha.

Wonderful - and yet what to make of the ending? "This very body, the Buddha." Hakuin can't be referring to me? 'How can I say the this very poop-head is enlightened?'

Aitken says that 'there is nothing more radical and presumptuous' in Zen than "This very place is the lotus land, this very body the Buddha." Agreed!

This poem is chanted everyday during sesshin and each time something new appears in the vastness of mind. The koan, how can my messed up existence, this messed up world, be Nirvana?