One Bright Pearl

Moment by moment, we are taken away during our practice of zazen. Once taken away, we awaken to our true vitality. This is the entry way into the Buddha Dharma. This is zazens great function in the House of Eihei.
Zazen reveals Buddha Natures pervasive preaching that has been missed by our discriminating consciousness. Though missed, [...]

half a person
neither retreats
nor advances
what! is our vital function

Needing nothing
Rain falls
Pitter-patter, pitter-patter
Grey clouds fill the empty sky

Wind roars through the cracked window. Brisk cold air sharpens the senses. At seventy miles an hour, the highway greets this old monk with horizon upon horizon. One line, then another, trace away into the distance. Glancing behind, through a rearview mirror, the withered trees march backwards. Hands firmly grip the steering wheel, holding steady. [...]

While meeting an Old Buddha, a question was posed thus, “Sri Ramana Maharshi states - That which is not found in deep dreamless sleep is not real. What practice is available to realize this within your school?”
Old Buddha Gentei responded, “”When you are driving your car, how do you manifest your Buddha nature?”
Exactly! Ineffability expresses [...]