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COMMENTARY on DOGEN ZENJI'S
BUTSU-KOJO-JI (Bukkojoji 佛向上事)
(TRAINING AFTER REALIZATION)
from
"Roar of the Tigress," Vol. II, Lectures by
Abbess P. T. N. H. Jiyu-Kennett, Roshi
__ __ __
WHAT this chapter is about is a matter of great importance: the
training that comes after a realization of the Truth. Many things
have been written in Zen about the training which leads to
realization; very few indeed discuss the training which follows it.
One can easily get the impression that realization, kensho [見性], an
experience of enlightenment [悟], or however you wish to phrase
it, is the end of Zen training. It is not. It is rather a new
beginning, an entrance into a more mature phase of Zen training.
__ __ __
Master Dogo of Tennoji Temple asked,
"What is the great intent
of Buddha-Dharma?"
The Master replied, "It is above and beyond
grasping,
above and beyond comprehending."
Dogo asked, "Having
gone above and beyond,
is there any other way of putting it or
not?"
The Master replied, "The vast expanse of space
does not
hinder the floating by of white clouds." (*)
__ __ __
The Great Ocean in which the Wheel of the Dharma turns does
not obstruct Itself. To use the metaphor of the monk and the fan,
although the presence of wind is constant, still we need to
use a fan... The Wheel and the Ocean exist. If we do not do
the ongoing training of becoming Buddha, thus turning the
Wheel of the Dharma, how will we know the essence of
Buddha and how will the Dharma flower?
__ __ __
(*) Translation of Dogen's text by Hubert Nearman, for Shasta Abbey
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