Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘The old head of the house, after falling in the grass for six years, during the night entered the plum blossoms without realizing it. The spring wind arising within [the plum blossoms] cannot stay put; the branches all red and white take pride in themselves.

All of you venerable monks, do you want to know the causes and reasons for [the awakening of] Bhikhu Gautama? The first cause for accomplishing the Buddha way is hearing Tiantong [Rujing] speak about dropping away. The second is the power of Daibutsu’s [Dōgen’s] fist entering all of your eyeballs. Its spiritual power and wisdom transform and liberate living beings, who suddenly see the bright star, or [this fist’s power and wisdom] take over your entire body so that you sit on the vajra seat [of Buddha’s awakening]. Grasping and letting go are each brilliant. With one raised [fist], we meet thirty-three people.

Although it is like this, how does the life root of the World-Honored One remain in all of your hands? Do you want to meet the World-Honored One? 

Dōgen raised his fist and paused for a while, then opened his five fingers wide and paused, then said: You have already met the World-Honored One. How is it to have met him? 

After a pause Dōgen said: Right now awaken the way and see the bright star. This is exactly the place where the Tathagata eats porridge.’ (Extensive Record, 136)

This was one of the short dharma hall talks I selected for my class, but did not get a chance to feature.