Beyond Thinking by Dogen

Author:Dogen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shambhala

Written in the middle of the tenth month, the second year of the Ninji Era [1241], at the Kannon-dori Horin Monastery by Monk Dogen.

ZAZEN IN COMMUNITY

REGULATIONS FOR THE AUXILIARY CLOUD HALL*

At the Kannon-dori Kosho Gokoku Monastery

THOSE WHO HAVE WAY-SEEKING MIND and wish to abandon fame and fortune should enter. Those who are halfhearted and lack sincerity should not enter. If the entry is a mistake, after some consideration one may be asked to leave.

When the way-seeking mind is aroused inwardly, there is immediate freedom from fame and gain. In the vastness of a billion worlds, true heirs of dharma are rare. In spite of the long history of our country, you should make the present moment the true source, having compassion for later generations by giving emphasis to the present.

The assembly of practitioners in the hall should blend like milk and water to support the activity of the way. Although now for some period you are guest and host,* later you will be buddha ancestors equally throughout time. Therefore, you should not forget the feeling of gratitude. It is rare to meet one another and to practice what is rare to practice. This is called the body and mind of buddha-dharma. You will certainly become a buddha ancestor.

Having left your home and birthplace, now you depend on clouds and you depend on water. The support to you and your practice given by this assembly of practitioners surpasses that which was given by your father and mother. Your father and mother are temporarily close to you in birth and death, but this assembly of practitioners is your companion in the way of enlightenment for all time.

Do not look for a chance to go out. But if necessary, going out is permitted once a month. People in the past lived in the remote mountains and practiced far away in the forests. Not only were they free of nearly all worldly affairs, but they also abandoned all relationships. You should learn the heart of their covering brilliance and obscuring traces. Now is the time for the fire on your head to be wiped out. Is it not sad if you waste this time, concerning yourself with secular affairs? The impermanent is unreliable. No one knows where and when this dewlike existence will drop from the grass. Not recognizing impermanence is truly regrettable.

Do not read books in the hall, even Zen texts, and do not bring in personal correspondence. In the hall you should endeavor in the way of realizing the great matter. When facing the bright window, you should illuminate the mind with the authentic teaching. Do not waste a moment. Concentrate in your effort.

You should always inform the director of the hall where you are going to be, day or night. Do not play around according to your own impulses; your actions affect the discipline of the entire assembly. Who knows, this may be the last day of your life. It would be truly regrettable to die while indulging in pleasures.

Do not be concerned with the faults of others.

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