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Unity in Diversity: Zen's Enlightenment
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Talk by Sr Servic Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on 2020-04-04
The talk centers on the theme of "Harmony of Difference and Equality," a significant Zen teaching. It explores the intimate transmission of wisdom from India to China and emphasizes the non-dualistic nature of enlightenment where phenomenal distinctions coexist with underlying unity. Key points include the interplay between light and darkness, the interdependence of senses and elements, and the importance of understanding rather than creating personal standards. The talk concludes with a dedication to the founder and a reaffirmation of the school's teachings.
Referenced Texts and Works:
- Sandokai (Harmony of Difference and Equality): This Zen poem by Shitou Xiqian forms the basis of the talk, exploring how differences coexist harmoniously within the unity of Dharma.
- Mention of "Dharmakaya": Reflects the Zen concept of the ultimate reality, discussed in the context of it being ever-present and undistinguished by transient appearances.
- Reference to "Shogaku Shunryu": Memorial for the Zen master underscores the continuity and honoring of teachings passed down through the lineage.
Speakers and Teachers Mentioned:
- Great Sage of India: This is a nod to the historical figure credited with transmitting Zen teachings from India to China.
- Shogaku Shunryu: Acknowledged as a foundational teacher of the Zen lineage, whose memory and teachings are honored in the assembly.
AI Suggested Title: Unity in Diversity: Zen's Enlightenment
Harmony of difference and equality. The mind of the great sage of India is intimately transmitted from west to east. While human faculties are sharp or dull, the way has no northern or southern ancestors. The spiritual source shines clear in the dark. The branching springs flow on in the dark. 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.
[03:06]
Fire heats, wind moves, water wets, earth is solid, eye and sights, ear and sounds, nose and smells, tongue and taste. Thus, with each and everything, depending on these roots, the leaves spread forth. Trunk and branches share the essence, revered and common, each has its speech. In the light there is darkness, but don't take it as darkness. In the dark there is light, but don't see it as light. Light and dark oppose one another like the front and back foot and walking. Each of the myriad things has its merit expressed according to function and place. Phenomena exist. Fox and lit bit, principal response, arrow points meet. Hearing the words, understand the meaning, don't set up standards of your own. If you don't understand the way right before you, how will you know the path as you walk?
[04:08]
Progress is not a matter of far or near, but if you are confused, mountains and rivers, walk your way. I respectfully urge you who study the mystery, do not pass your days and nights in vain. The pure Dharmakaya never appears nor disappears. The power of Buddha's great vows reveals coming and going. May the Buddha through compassion observe and illuminate these words of dedication. Today the assembly bows together and observes the monthly memorial day of our founder, great master Shogaku Shunryu. Respectfully, we have offered flowers, light, sweet water, rice, and tea.
[05:11]
This assembly has met together to chant the harmony of difference and equality. May the merit of this ceremony return the kindness of our great teacher. May he show his compassion to beings in the six paths of the three realms. Remember this declining world. Bring forth the spring of the Udumbara flower. Illuminate the past and present. And may the teaching of this school go on endlessly. O Buddha's ten directions, three times. O honored ones, Bodhisattva, Mahasattva.
[06:15]
Wisdom beyond wisdom. Mahaprasna Paramita. Good morning.
[07:53]
Good morning. [...] Have a great day. Thank you so much. Thank you, everyone. Thank you.
[08:20]
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