‘When you take care of things, do not see with your common eyes, do not think with your common sentiments. Pick a single blade of grass and erect a sanctuary for the jewel king; enter a single atom and turn the great wheel of the teaching. So even when you are making a broth of coarse greens do not arouse an attitude of distate or dismissal. Even when you are making a high-quality cream soup, do not arouse an attitude of rapture or dancing for joy. If you already have no attachments, how could you have any disgust? Therefore, although you may encounter inferior ingredients, do not be at all negligent; although you may come across delicacies, be all the more diligent. Never alter your state of mind based on materials. People who change their mind according to ingredients, or adjust their speech to the status of whoever they are talking to are not people of the way.’ (Tenzo Kyokun)
One of many deeply resonant passages from Dogen’s instructions to the cook. Just a reminder that I will be starting a three-week course on this text for Zen Center next Saturday; details are here.
Shundo David Haye 