Fukan-zazengi

The way of zazen recommended to everyone -- Part 4

They just practiced sitting and were protected by zazen.
Although their characters were diverse,
each of them practiced the Way of zazen wholeheartedly.

There is no reason to leave your own seat at home and
take a meaningless trip to the dusty places of other countries.
If you make a false step, then you will miss the way,
even though it is before your eyes.

You have already been given a human body which is vital,
so do not spend your time wastefully.
Since you are endowed with the essential functioning of the Buddha Way,
why pursue worthless pleasures that are like sparks from a flint?
Furthermore, your body is like a drop of dew on a blade of grass,
your life is like a flash of lightning.
Your body will disappear soon,
your life will be lost in an instant.

You, honored practitioner, after learning in a partial way
like the blind people who touched various parts of the elephant,
please do not be scared by the real dragon.
Devote yourself to the Way which indicates Reality directly.
Respect those who realize their Self and no longer seek anything outside.
Be in accord with the buddhas' bodhi.
Succeed to the sages' samadhi.

If you practice suchness continuously,
you will be suchness.
The treasure-house will open of itself,
and you will be able to use it at will.

Parts [ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ]