yellow iris
Words of a bulletin board was changed just a few days after the last post.
Perhaps the last post was a bit too difficult ?
This time, he explains "Way without action" from the previous post, "Ben-do-Mu-i" (Discipline of the Way, Non-Action).
"Non-action
Unbiased
A mind that doesn't cling
Broader and broader."
Adding "not being attached" to this apparently connects to the concept of "emptiness" in the Heart Sutra.
This one is easy to understand, isn't it?
German iris
This time,
"May you live your life in peace and tranquility
and practice the Way without action
" - Zen Master Dogen
This one is a bit difficult.
I looked it up with AI.
This quote is found in the Soto Zen scripture "Shobogenzo" and is said to be a teaching that shows the true way of practice.
A modern translation of this quote is:
"(Abandoning the desire for fame, profit, and enlightenment) Throughout your life, live in peace, simply and wholeheartedly practice zazen (bendo), and wish to be in a state of freedom without attachment (mui)."
Explanation and meaning of the words:
Lifetime of peace and tranquility (isshō annon):
To live peacefully in any circumstances, letting go of honor, profit, or even the desire to "want to be enlightened."
Practicing the Way (bendo): To cultivate the Buddhist path. In particular, "simply sitting in zazen (shikan taza)," which Zen Master Dogen valued most.
Mui (mui): Without artifice. A state of pure freedom from attachment, where practice is not merely a means to an end, but an end in itself.
You should aspire to this state.
A strong encouragement to deeply desire and practice such a state.
What he teaches
Dogen Zenji rejected the idea of considering practice as a "means to attain enlightenment." From the standpoint of "practice and enlightenment are one," where practice (bendo) itself is already a manifestation of "enlightenment (peace and non-action)," he taught that simply sitting and fully living each moment in daily life is the best way to live.
Peony
Double-flowered cherry tree
Dogwood
Wisteria
Banksia rose
Satsuki azalea
In the season of fresh greenery, the flowers are in full bloom.
The cherry blossom season passed by in the blink of an eye, and now it's the beautiful season of fresh green leaves.
The trees on the surrounding mountains are budding, and their beauty increases day by day.
I was born in this season of budding.
Today is my birthday.
I am truly grateful for being able to live a long and healthy life.
I hope to continue to live a healthy life from now on.
Cherry blossoms in full bloom
This time, words of a bulletin board is
”If you walk slowly, you'll notice the flowers at your feet.”
My best friend has passed away.
It was only about six months since her sudden diagnosis of terminal cancer.
It was so soon.
She was incredibly strong and never complained during her battle with the disease.
She dedicated her life to helping others—working, family, and volunteering. The monk at her funeral praised her life, saying, "It was truly the life of a Bodhisattva."
I believe she had a very happy life, blessed with a wonderful husband, children, and adorable grandchildren.
It was a huge shock, as I never doubted that her comfortable life with her husband would continue.
Despite her seemingly perfect health management—annual checkups and regular visits to a trusted doctor—this happened...
It's very unfortunate, but there's nothing we can do about it.
May she rest in peace.
From the Internet
stork
The day before yesterday, I was taking a break from walking, as usual.
When I was sitting on a bench chatting with two acquaintances, a large beautiful bird passed our overhead.
"A heron? " I thought.
But it was even bigger and more beautiful than a heron.
I later looked it up information on the internet and it turned out to be a stork.
It rested on the top of a telephone pole for a while, then descended into a rice paddy to peck at insects.
It's a rare bird that's been designated a special natural monument by the national government and is apparently endangered.
It was a lucky day for me on the day of a total lunar eclipse.
It was my first encounter with the bird.
Christmas rose
This time, words of a bulletin board is
" The cold will last until the equinox.
Even suffering and worries will surely turn into light someday."
wintersweet
The thirty-fifth person I lent ＄25 is a man named Marcos Joel's.
He is a merchant who manages a well-stocked grocery store and pantry.
Thanks to his hard work and responsibility, he has managed to consolidate his business and services a loyal clientele.
He plans to use the loan to buy merchandise for his store and pantry, which will allow him to keep his shop stocked, expand
his product range, and strengthen his business.
He applied for a $900 loan from Kiva.
The repayment period is 14 months.
This is my page.
red plum
This time, words of a bulletin board is
"It's okay to forget about yesterday.
As long as today is fun, that's all that matters.
As for tomorrow,
leave it to Buddha."
The red plum blossoms at the temple are turning a deeper pink with each passing day.
The sunlight is also a sign of spring.
The beginning of spring will soon be here.
cyclamen
This time, words of a bulletin board is
"Goals in your heart, gratitude for what is beneath your feet.
This year, it's your turn."
May the new year be a fulfilling one for you.
