…symbol which we refer to as the ship and three drums comes down to us from India. It is a stylization of a Sanskrit letter, the vowel sound “i.” In Sanskrit this sound is considered to be of the highest vibration – the symbol of ungraspable spontaneity and freedom, the enlivening vowel. In the Brahmi script, it was originally written as three dots arranged as a triangle, sometimes with a curved line beneath. It was often used as a metaphor for the…
…to Japan; Bodhidharma, who brought the teachings of the Zen tradition from India to China; and, of course, it also includes the Buddha himself. Here are some links to biographical sketches of some of these important teachers: An annotated chart of our lineage ancestors. (It is big and begins in the upper left hand corner; follow the line!) Reverend Master Jiyu-Kennett Keido Chisan Koho Zenji Great Master Keizan Jokin Great Master Eihei Dogen Shaky…
…became His foster mother. Asita, who was an intimate friend of the king, visited the palace to see the Child but, when the Baby was brought to him, the Child placed His feet in the ascetic Asita’s matted hair. Asita, foreseeing by this action the Child’s future greatness, rose from his seat and saluted Him with gassho as did also the king. After this, Asita first smiled and then wept for he knew that Gautama was the Buddha that was to come and tha…
…s and Ancestors Transmitted respect for the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha from India to China. If they who are unfortunate and lacking in virtue are unable to hear of these Three Treasures, how is it possible for them to take refuge therein? One must not go for refuge to mountain spirits and ghosts, nor must one worship in places of heresy, for such things are contrary to the Truth: one must, instead, take refuge quickly in the Buddha, Dharma and Sang…