This week Roshi continued the discussion on Sandokai.

(Suzuki’s book on the Sandokai linked HERE)

 

This week Roshi concentrated on the following lines:

Grasping at things is surely delusion; 

according with sameness is still not enlightenment. 

All the objects of the senses 

interact and yet do not. 

Interacting brings involvement. 

Otherwise, each keeps its place. 

Sights vary in quality and form, 

sounds differ as pleasing or harsh. 

Refined and common speech come together in the dark, 

clear and murky phrases are distinguished in the light. 

The four elements return to their natures 

just as a child turns to its mother;

 

Roshi noted that the physical body can be considered the worst vehicle for attaining enlightenment.  The body experiences a constant stream of distractions like pain, desire, pleasure, emotions, and so on.  On the other hand, can we not say that the physical body is the best vehicle as each sense and distraction is a pathway to enlightenment?  For example, the historical Buddha had realization when he SAW the morning star.  Then there is the story of Huineng, the sixth ancestor of Zen, achieving realization by just HEARING the Diamond Sutra.  So perhaps it is not the aspects of the body which are the issue – rather it is the way we choose to use them.

 

Roshi wondered if we can explore other people’s perspectives.  What makes their perspective different and how is it the same as ours?  We may find that other people hold vastly different opinions and outlooks on all kinds of topics.  This must mean they are different – “SAN”.  However, we also know that all beings desire to be free from suffering.  So, in a very real sense, we are all the same thing – “DO”.  Recognizing the SAN and DO in others is not really enough.  We must become the “KAI”.  We must learn to hold in our mind simultaneously the fact that we are all the same thing, but I am not you and you are not me.  

 

How do we do this?  Roshi mentioned that most students are constantly switching back and forth between our SAN mode of everyday life and our DO mode while sitting in the Zendo.  The problem is that this is a very dualistic existence.  Why generate universal compassion in the Zendo only to walk out into the world and resume a “dog-eat-dog” attitude?  However, we cannot all be monks.  We have to compete and earn a living.  How can we unify the SAN and the DO in order to mitigate suffering in our lives and the lives of others?  Roshi noted that it is in our nature to hold SAN and DO thoughts.  This is normal; however, the key is not to attach to these thoughts.  Do not get caught up in either SAN or DO!  Breathe and be in the moment.  Every moment there is a chance to live authentically.  If you miss it, do not worry, there is another moment right behind it and another chance.  

 

Roshi wrapped up by noting that our practice is about being the KAI of harmony with difference and sameness.  So as the sutra suggests, do not grasp at things and do not fixate on sameness.  Understand that the senses will flood in and that is normal, but be mindful about how you use your senses.