Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘Though there is nothing to attach to in the behavior of this mountain monk,I have been privileged to become master of the temple: how could I sit by while our provisions were used up in vain, suddenly forgetting the legacy of the past saints? Now I hope to demonstrate, as best I am able, the attitude in which people of old lived as temple masters. I have discussed it with everyone and we have decided not to go down from the mountain, not to go to meals offered by donors, and not to have a monk in charge of raising donations; instead, we will ration the annual produce of the fields of this temple into three hundred and sixty equal parts, and use one ration every day, without increasing or reducing [the ration] according to the [number of] people [in the order]. If there is enough to make boiled rice, then we shall make rice; if there is not enough to make boiled rice, then we shall make gruel; if there is not enough to make gruel, then we shall make rice water. To welcome a newcomer we shall just have [plain] tea, not a tea ceremony.

We will simply provide a tearoom, which each person may visit and use individually. We shall do our best to sever involvements and to pursue the state of truth solely. 

Still more, vigorous activity surrounds us in abundance. There is no scarcity of beautiful scenery. The flowers know how to laugh, and the birds know how to sing. The timber horses whinny, and the stone bulls gallop. Beyond the sky, the greenness of the mountains fades. Beside our ears, the babbling spring loses its voice. On mountain peaks monkeys are squeaking. Dew moistens the moon in the sky. In the woods cranes call. The wind swirls around the pines in the clear light of dawn. When the spring breezes blow, withered trees sing dragon songs. The autumn leaves shrivel and the frozen forest scatters flowers. On the precious-stone steps are laid patch works of moss. People’s faces have the [mild] air of haze and mist. Sounds are still. Situations are just as they are. In the sheer peace and solemnity, there is nothing to pursue.’ (quoted in Shobogenzo Gyoji)