The true self
is no-self,
and this self
is not self,
but illusion
and delusion,
where delusion
is enlightenment,
and nothing
is as it seems
for nothing is
and only seems
and so it is
with self,
so let go
of this self
and no-self
will appear,
though it was
always there.
If you ask your question
you will find an answer
but ask another and the stick
will respond each time.
If you seek another teacher
will you change the question
or the answer, and does it matter.
Take up the stick, who
will you strike, your teacher
or yourself, and is there
any real difference?
A reflection on Case 27 of the Shobogenzo – Dogen’s True Dharma Eye
The moment arrives suddenly
and appears at your feet, threatening
to trip you into the hole of time
that marks the edge of this moment
as it once did the one before this.
If you stand perfectly still
You may move forward with
the easy grace of enlightenment.
If you truly want to walk
in the footsteps of the Buddha
stand perfectly still and unmoving.
If you truly want to comprehend
the whole of the Dharma
put down all of your books and scrolls,
roll up your sleeves
and plant the barren fields,
clearing away rocks and stones.
If you want to taste enlightenment
dip your hands into
a free running stream
and drink of its waters.
If you feel you must move
along the Way, simply sit
and allow the Way to move beneath you.
A reflection on Case 12 of The Book of Equanimity (SHôYôROKU)
If you meet the Bodhisattva,
you don’t ask someone
to carve the image from your mind.
To the carver, she weighs but an ounce
and can be carried
on his fingertip
but try to lift her
and you will not be able
to move her from her place.
All Buddhas
are one Buddha
but his Buddha
will never be
your Buddha.
A reflection on case 58 of the Iron Flute (Tetteki Tosui)
Ryukan and Tokusan,
one an old fool
one a young fool.
Burn your notes,
set fire to them both,
enlightenment can be found
in the ashes,
where words and thought
are carried off
on the winds.
A reflection on Case 28 of the Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate)
She sits undisturbed
Shakyamuni by her side.
You can wave at her, she
will pay you no mind.
You cannot grasp her mind
and maintain a hold
on your own, you will grow
deaf from the chatter
but a child can curl
at her feet and she
will stroke his forehead
in perfect Samadhi.
A reflection on Case 42 of the Mumonkan (Gateless Gate)
