title tenen
The green is getting deeper and deeper. Plants and trees that we thought would wither and die are stretching their branches and leaves toward the blue sky as if it were a lie. The temple grounds surrounded by greenery make you feel the strength of life on rainy days and sunny days. Weed removal work has been carried out in the parking lot and other areas, and preparations have gradually begun for the hot summer.
Not only in the last sutra copying session, but in all of Shokoji's sutra copying sessions, there is a good balance between regulars and first-timers. Even if they can't attend every session, there are many people who come when they can. The important thing is to "continue" at your own pace. Today was another session of continuation, where we thoroughly engaged in introspection and chanting the Nembutsu.
In the June copying session, we reaffirmed important points based on the teachings of the "Myonanbon" chapter of the "Avatamsaka Sutra." The "Myonanbon" chapter depicts a scene in which Manjusri and Kenshu Bodhisattva exchange questions and answers based on the teachings of the Buddha.
Manjusri: "Those who listen to the Buddha's teachings should be able to cut off worldly desires,
Why can't all living beings cut off their earthly desires and attain enlightenment?
Kenshu: "Just by listening to many teachings, one cannot attain enlightenment.
It's like dying of thirst when there is water but you are too afraid to go near it because you will drown.
That is what happens when you only hear without putting it into practice.”
(Taishozo Volume 9, p. 421, modern translation of the original text)
At Shokoji Temple, we regularly teach the importance of practicing. If you don't chant the Nembutsu, you will never reach the Pure Land, so you need to practice. Introspection also only has its effects if you practice it.
In everyday life, too, the importance of "walking the talk" is emphasized. There are so many people who can "talk the talk but have trouble doing the things they do," that it is even said that "actions are silent." Nowadays, if you want to learn plausible knowledge, it's quicker to ask Google Sensei or ChatGPT.
On the other hand, it is also true that there are many cases where people fail because they act without thinking about the consequences. To those who are always thinking about this and that but never take action, you should say, "Just take action," and to those who act prematurely, you should say, "Think carefully before acting."
For us, it is most important that our actions and thoughts are like two wheels firmly planted on the ground.
It is very important to be aware of these two wheels in your own life. So, what is necessary for you to be a leader? It is nothing other than the "way of putting things into practice" that connects knowledge and practice.
The way of practicing is to "model." A model is not simply a set of actions to be imitated, but the actual practice backed by conviction. "Action speaks louder than words" refers to the practice of actions shown with conviction that goes beyond words.
It is difficult for us to "walk the talk" or "walk without saying anything." As imperfect people, we should at least start by trying to maintain a balance between knowledge and practice in our daily lives.
Today was a very calm day, in stark contrast to yesterday. It was the perfect day for introspection and chanting the Nembutsu. Once you have acquired knowledge, you put it into practice, and once you have practiced, you seek more knowledge. Today is the perfect day to take the first step in that process. I have written the sutras with all my heart, hoping that this month will be filled with wonderful days.
"Equilibrium"
I wrote this down, and then, while quietly reflecting on myself, I chanted the Nembutsu.
Namu Amida Butsu
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