Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘Once, when I was in Song China, practicing on a long sitting platform, I observed the monks around me. At the beginning of zazen in the morning, they would hold up their kashayas, place them on their heads, and chant the robe verse quietly with palms together. This was the first time I had seen the putting on of the kashaya in this way and I rejoiced, tears wetting the collar of my robe. Although I had read this verse of venerating the kashaya in the Agama Sutra, I had not known the procedure. At that moment, I saw it with my own eyes. In my joy I also felt sorrow that there had been no master to teach this to me and no good friend to recommend it in Japan. How sad that so much time had been wasted! But I also rejoiced in my wholesome past actions. If I had stayed in my land, how could I have sat side by side with the monks who had received and were wearing the buddha robe? My sadness and joy brought endless tears.

Then, I made a vow to myself: However unsuited I may be, I will become an authentic holder of the buddha dharma, receiving authentic transmission of the true dharma, and I will compassionately show people in my land the buddha ancestors’ authentically transmitted dharma robe.

The vow I made at that time must not have been in vain, thanks to the invisible assistance of true trust. The buddha children who receive and maintain the kashaya now should endeavor in the practice of revering it day and night. This brings forth genuine merit.’ (Shobogenzo Den-e)

A rare moment of sentimentality from Dogen.