For writing about the Dharma. A Boddhisatva is exhorted by Nagarjuna not to cling a particular Dharma, so I hope to examine Buddhism as practiced by the Police and Military through the eightfold path, but without clinging too much. I will propose some ideas that will likely be controversial, especially for those Buddhists who may not have experience with the shocking reality with which we are often confronted. The fact is, we go through our daily work faced with the immediate prospect of our mortality, and that of our colleagues, and by extension, our family and loved ones. To honor this state of being, I beg Manjushri for a sword, so that we can cut right to essence of our practice.
There can be no doubt that our practice is different from non-Police/Military Buddhists, but not special.
Hi Scott,
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the distinction is even necessary.
I think that Fuke (Ch. Puhua) would kick over your dinner table for that one. Were all on the wheal of Samsara together.
True true :) If one were to avoid duality, and erase all distinction, how could we then help others to wake up? Zen is not really zen, but in the state of samsara, a path is helpful.
ReplyDeleteHow has Buddhism been beneficial to you or others in your work? Have you found any teachings on this topic?
With Metta
Scott
Scott,
ReplyDeleteIf we attach to duality and make distinctions, how can we help others to wake up?
When Shakyamuni saw the morning star, he stated,"I and all sentient beings have awakened." Then he went about laying down a helpful path.
How has Buddhism been beneficial to you or others in your work? Have you found any teachings on this topic?
When I read this question I immediately though of old Kodo Swaki, A Zazen hero of the twentieth century who went about japan teaching Zazen and promoting the teachings of Master Dogen, He said "Zazen is good for nothing."
It took a while for me to understand that. But it comes down to letting go of our end-gaining ideas and just taking action in the present moment. When we sit Zazen, the end has already arrived.
Immediately thereafter I thought of Master Nishijima, who was slightly more grandmotherly and told a little white lie, and said that after 70 years of practice "I am a little better than I was before."
As for me, at this moment I would say that each day I am a little more aware of my own ignorance.
For practical purposes, I woke up in the middle of the night, because my wife kicked off all of the blankets and it was cold and no other reason. Upon reflection, that is pretty kick ass.