In the early morning
welcome the sun,
as the day retreats
welcome the sun.
When you are walking
along the garden path
which foot is forward
and which foot
is behind?
A reflection on case 67 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo (True Dharma Eye)
foot
CHARMING
You said it was a lucky charm,
but I know my cereals and it
clearly wasn’t that, nor was it
a faked foot of some leporidae
sylvilagus, even you would never
be that cruel, you are a vegan
after all, even your shoes are
some unholy man-made material.
And I don’t believe in luck,
I’ve never had it, good or bad
although I do admit I look forward
to Friday the Thirteenths for
things always seem to go well
when they occur for some reason.
KYOSEI’S BUDDHADHARMA 正法眼蔵 三十九
If you ask when
is the best time
to seek wisdom I
will tell you
at the stroke of midnight
and I will walk
on a lighter left foot.
If you ask the next day
when is the best time
to seek wisdom
I will tell you
at highest noon
and I will walk
on a lighter right foot.
A reflection on Case 39 of Dogen’s Shoboganzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)
AFTERLIFE
In the farthest reaches
of the afterlife, the old men
gather each day, although
day and night are meaningless
to them, just assigned
for purposes of the writer.
The Buddha recites sutras
hoping the others will
be in the moment with him,
while Hillel smiles, stands
on one foot and dreams
of a lean pastrami on rye
with a slice of half sour.
Christ muses on when
mankind might be ready
for his return visit,
and Hillel says “good luck
with that, it’s been downhill
with them for two millenia.
Shroedinger sits off
to the side staring intently
at the box, wondering
if there is a cat inside.
TOSU’S HARMONIZING TEN BODIES 正法眼蔵 三十語
Standing in the ordinary
stare out across
the great gulf searching
for that which is sacred.
It seems to dance
just beyond the edge of vision.
Close your eyes and lift
your right foot,
place it down.
How does it feel
to stand amid
all that is sacred.
A reflection on Case 39 of the Shobogenzo (Dogen’s True Dharma Eye)
SIMPLICITY
It is simply a matter
Of putting one foot
In front of the other
It all follows from that.
But which foot goes first,
He asked, I’d hate
To get off on the wrong one?
DAIZUI SEES A TURTLE 鐵笛倒吹 十七
If you see a turtle
does it seem odd
it wears bones outside?
Does the turtle
live within these bones
and where do you go
to hide from bright light..
If you place a sandal
on your head
which end will be walking?
A reflection on Case 17 of the Iron Flute Koans
TOZAN’S NO GRASS
As the seasons change
I will stand
with one foot
on the highest peak
and the other
at the bottom
of the deepest sea.
But do not ask
that I stand
in a place where
there is no Buddha,
or my feet and legs
shall fall away
into the void.
A reflection on Case 68 of the Shobogenzo (Dogen’s True Dharma Eye) Koans
DEMONS
In the night
there are no demons
just the sound
of your breathing
soft, as your touch
on my back,
your foot against
my calf.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR WALKING MEDITATION (KINHIN)
You should walk slowly,
measure each step, insure
your foot is in deep contact
with the earth before
giving its partner freedom,
only to fall victim,
in turn, to gravity.
Steady your pace
until it merges
into your breath
and the silence
deafens you.
an old writer and his words 