On this date, August 19, 2009, David and I bought the building that became Boundless Way Temple the very next day. Our first sesshin was held here that October. After a few years, the Temple and Boundless Way organizations had grown strong enough that we were able to sell the building to the sangha, and we have been fortunate to be able to continue to live here as the guiding teachers. Looking back at all the changes over the years, I am amazed by our survival.
Here is some inspiration from one of our Zen ancestors, Torei Zenji, who encourages us to persist in our devotion to the Great Way, no matter what may happen.
TOREI ZENJI: BODHISATTVA'S VOW
I am only a simple disciple, but I offer these respectful words:
When I look deeply
into the real form of the universe,
everything reveals the mysterious truth of the Tathagata.
This truth never fails:
in every moment and every place
things can't help but shine with this light.
Realizing this, our ancestors gave reverent care
to animals, birds, and all beings.
Realizing this, we ourselves know that our daily food,
clothing and shelter are the warm body and beating heart of the Buddha.
How can we be ungrateful to anyone or anything?
Even though someone may be a fool,
we can be compassionate.
If someone turns against us,
speaking ill of us and treating us bitterly,
it's best to bow down:
this is the Buddha appearing to us,
finding ways to free us from our own attachments—
the very ones that have made us suffer
again and again and again.
Now on each flash of thought
a lotus flower blooms,
and on each flower: a Buddha.
The light of the Tathagata
appears before us, soaking into our feet.
May we share this mind with all beings
so that we and the world together
may grow in wisdom.
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