Empty Sky Zen--Paradise Valley

Taking Refuge, Studying the Precepts

2012-03-02T10:33:00.010-08:00

This Sunday we are beginning our formal study of the Buddhist Precepts. We start with the Refuges:

I take refuge in Buddha

I take refuge in Dharma

I take refuge in Sangha

Taking refuge means joining our intentions to that of the Buddhas and Ancestors, vowing to live our lives as the Buddha that we really are. We take refuge in the wisdom and harmony of the Universe and of each other. We study the precepts together because we can learn so much in shared discussion with each other.

So, we take Refuge.

Then we take to heart the three Pure Precepts: Do no Evil, Do only Good, Embrace and Sustain all Beings. These are literally as deep and as vast as the Universe. They are the ground on which we live our lives.

And finally the ten Grave Precepts, vast in their own way, are the more spelled out guidelines on how the live and learn to live the life of the bodhisattva.

Affirm life--do not kill

Be giving--do not steal

Honor the body--do not misuse sexuality

Manifest the truth--do not lie

Proceed clearly--do not cloud the mind

See the perfection--do not speak of others' errors and faults

Realize self and other as one--do not elevate the self and blame others

Give generously--do not be withholding

Actualize harmony--do not be angry

Experience the intimacy of things--do not defile the Three Treasures

These precepts are not commandments. They are meant to assist us in our practice not condemn us in our failures.

John Daido Loori says: When you break a precept, you acknowledge that, take responsibility for it, and come back to the precept again. It's just like when you work with your breath in zazen.

The precepts are like wise and compassionate teachers with whom we can study for our whole lifetime. They encourage us to continually deepen our understanding, question our thinking and our desires, act in the most skillful and compassionate ways we can and then evaluate how we did.

We study together to pool and share our experience and our insights. We are each others' teachers and companions along the way. As we study the Precepts we take Refuge in Buddha and Dharma and most especially Sangha.

Wisdom Quarterly: American Buddhist Journal: The Path to Freedom (explained)

2011-12-04T21:18:00.000-08:00

Wisdom Quarterly: American Buddhist Journal: The Path to Freedom (explained)

2010-03-03T13:56:00.000-08:00

Suziki Roshi says "Zen Practice is the direct expression of our true nature.

Of course, whatever we do is the expression of our true nature, but without this practice it is difficult to realize."
When Suzuki Roshi says Zen practice he means the practice of Zazen which we do without trying to achieve anything or thinking that we are doing something special. He says Zazen "...is the activity which appeases your inmost desire." That's a pretty great claim. Great as is huge and great as in powerful and amazing. For me it is a motivator to sit still, and, as Dogen says, "learn the backward step that turns your light inwardly to illuminate yourself."

That's plenty to think about, don't you think.

We will be talking about the how and why of Zazen during our fall meetings. Whatever comments you would like to add to the post will be gratefully received.

Sutra on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness

"The Buddha said Bhikkhus, there is a most wonderful way to help living beings realize purification, overcome directly grief and sorrow, end pain and anxiety, travel the right path and realize nirvana. This way is the Four Establishments of Mindfulness.

What are the four? Here, monks, in regard to the body a monk abides contemplating the body, diligent, clearly knowing and mindful, free from desires and discontent in regard to the world.

In regard to feelings he abides contemplating feelings, diligent, clearly knowing, and mindful, free from desires and discontent in regard to the world.

In regards to the mind he abides contemplating the mind, diligent, clearly knowing, and mindful, free from desires and discontent in regard to the world.

In regard to dhammas he abides contemplating dhammas, diligent, clearly knowing, and mindful, free from desires and discontent in regard to the world."