‘Whose strength can we depend on to rub pieces of ice together and make a fire? We risk our lives in the effort to enter the gates of death. Dropping our bodies while crossing over, we can return to life. Within a scene of shame, play with spirit. This is what we attain from our study on the long sitting platform. How is it when going beyond the cave?’
After a pause Dogen said: ‘Proceed slowly and cut off the sound of flowing water. Freely observe and follow the traces of the birds’ flight.’ (Eihei Koroku, discourse 450)
Recently at Grand View park, a number of us enjoyed watching a red-tail hawk flying between various perches, incuding the lamp post.
Shundo David Haye 