Yoka Genkaku (Yongjia Xuanjue) - [16] When I consider the virtue of abusive words, (from The Shodoka)

[Guest guest]

An interesting Zen poem from Ivan.His notes at the foot are excellent in my opinion. AJ

--- On Mon, 2/3/09, Poetry Chaikhana <ivan wrote:

Poetry Chaikhana <ivan[Poetry Chaikhana] Yoka Genkaku (Yongjia Xuanjue) - [16] When I consider the virtue of abusive words, (from The Shodoka)alanadamsjacobsDate: Monday, 2 March, 2009, 5:03 PM

 

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[16] When I consider the virtue of abusive words, (from The Shodoka)

By Yoka Genkaku (Yongjia Xuanjue)(665 - 713)

English version by Robert Aitken

When I consider the virtue of abusive words,I find the scandal-monger is my good teacher.If we do not become angry at gossip,We have no need for powerful endurance and compassion.To be mature in Zen is to be mature in expression,And full-moon brilliance of dhyana and prajnaDoes not stagnate in emptiness.Not only can I take hold of complete enlightenment by myself,But all Buddha-bodies, like sands of the Ganges,Can become awakened in exactly the some way.

/ Photo by luicinter /

 

 

 

 

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Thought for the Day:

If you are not intensely dedicatedto a high ideal,then comfort becomes your goal by defaultand every difficulty becomes a crisis.

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Hi Alan -The Shodoka is a beautiful collection of enlightenment and wisdom poems. Although it is known primarily in the West through the influence of Japanese Zen practice, it actually is a seventh century Chinese composition. In Japanese, it is known as the Shodoka, composed by Yoka Genkaku; in Chinese, it is called the Cheng Tao Ko, by Yongjia Xuanjue.==Enemies, little tyrants, and "scandal-mongers" are sometimes our best teachers. They continuously test the strength of our practice. Without their challenges and goading, how do we know if we have cultivated true patience and compassion?All praise to those who irritate us in life! (Grumble.)And what a great, startling affirmation of individual awakening: "I take hold of complete enlightenment by myself..." In truth, that is the only way it happens.IvanPS - As of this morning, we now have

more than 4,000 people on the Poetry Chaikhana email list. Wow! When I started this project on the Web in 2003, I figured I'd be content if at least 30 people signed up. :-)

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