Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘In this world, both laymen and monks tend to publicize their good deeds and hide the bad ones. Because of this, their inner and outer lives do not correspond. They should try somehow to bring together their inner and outer selves, repent their mistakes, hide their true inner virtues, refrain from adorning their outward appearance, credit others with the good things they have done, and take the blame for bad things others have done.

Someone said: “As you say, we should try to hide our true inner virtue and refrain from outward show. It is basic that the Buddha and Bodhisattvas show a great compassion for the sake of all living things. If ignorant monks and laymen see a nondescript priest, they may be insulting or critical and thus invite the retribution due for slandering a priest. Without knowing the true inner virtue of a priest, laymen sometimes reverently make donations because of the outward appearance and think that this will bring them blessings. What do you think about this?”

Dogen answered: “To say that one will refrain from outward show and then just act arbitrarily is also against reason. To say that one will not outwardly show his true virtue and then to behave badly in front of laymen is clearly a serious violation of the precepts. There are those who try to create the impression that they themselves are Buddhists possessed of seldom-seen accomplishments or who try to conceal their defects, but the eyes of the guardian deities and the Three Treasures penetrate everywhere. You are cautioned not to possess a mind that shamelessly seeks for the veneration of others. Whatever events occur, consider things solely in terms of how to make Buddhism flourish and how to bring benefit to all beings. There is a saying: ‘Know before speaking, consider before acting.’ Always be prudent.

Consider the true meaning of whatever comes before you. Right before your eyes you can see that the moments pass without stopping, that the days flow in ever-changing progression, and that all is swiftly transient. Don’t wait for the instruction of a teacher or for the sutras. Use each fleeting moment, and do not count on tomorrow. Think only of this day and this hour, for tomorrow is an uncertain thing: and no one knows what the future will bring. Make up your mind to follow Buddhism as if you had only this day to live. To follow Buddhism means, on all occasions and at the risk of your life, to make it flourish and bring benefit to all beings.”‘ (Shobogenzo Zuimonki)