Sandokai is an ancient teaching poem composed by Chinese Zen master Sekito Kisen (Shitou Xiqian, 700-790). It's recited daily in Soto Zen temples throughout the world and deals with an issue of paramount importance in Zen: the relationship between the relative and absolute dimensions of reality.

Absolute and relative are terms that describe two profoundly different aspects of reality – the relative aspect, in which everything is defined by difference and particularity, and the absolute aspect, in which everything is part of a seamless whole. Both aspects are simultaneously true, even though they may appear contradictory, just as a finger is a thing unto itself, defined by its separateness from other fingers, but is also simply part of a hand.

In Week 5 we examine the lines

"Light and dark oppose one another like the front and back foot in walking. Each of the myriad things has its merit, expressed according to function and place. Phenomena exist; box and lid fit. Principle responds; arrow points meet."

Kakumyo, Abbot of Dharma Rain Zen Center and Domyo's Dharma brother, speaks to the supportive nature of Sangha. By being witnessed and reflected by our fellow practitioners, we can deepen and actualize our efforts in Zen practice. A thoughtful discussion follows.

The Sandokai is an ancient teaching poem composed by Chinese Zen master Sekito Kisen (Shitou Xiqian, 700-790). It's recited daily in Soto Zen temples throughout the world and deals with an issue of paramount importance in Zen: the relationship between the relative and absolute dimensions of reality.

In Week four we studied the lines

"Eye and sights, ear and sounds, nose and smells, tongue and tastes; Thus with each and every thing, depending on these roots, the leaves spread forth.

Trunk and branches share the essence; revered and common, each has its speech.

In the light there is darkness, but don't take it as darkness; In the dark there is light, but don't see it as light."

The common worldview of the Buddha's time was that beings are reborn after death. A central question in religious practices, including Buddhism, was what you could do in this lifetime to ensure a favorable rebirth - or liberation from the whole cycle of rebirth. Our Zen practice is not dependent on rebirth being true or untrue. It doesn't matter whether you believe in it, or whether you disbelieve or maintain an agnostic attitude. Nevertheless, the traditional narratives and imagery of rebirth teachings contain many valuable lessons for us.

Sandokai is an ancient teaching poem composed by Chinese Zen master Sekito Kisen (Shitou Xiqian, 700-790). It's recited daily in Soto Zen temples throughout the world and deals with an issue of paramount importance in Zen: the relationship between the relative and absolute dimensions of reality. In week 3 of our line-by-line study of the Sandokai Domyo leads us in a discussion of the four following lines

"Sights vary in quality and form, sounds differ as pleasing or harsh. Refined and common speech come together in the dark, clear and murky phrases are distinguished in the light.

The four elements return to their natures just as a child turns to its mother; Fire heats, wind moves, water wets, earth is solid."

Senior student Kanshin relates his changing experiences over the years: from discovering and getting used to Zazen, to repeatedly returning to sitting and forms, and then to finding and helping to establish this sangha on the west side.....and gradually being transformed by continuous practice. Sangha members also share their personal stories and appreciation.

Sandokai is an ancient teaching poem composed by Chinese Zen master Sekito Kisen (Shitou Xiqian, 700-790). It's recited daily in Soto Zen temples throughout the world and deals with an issue of paramount importance in Zen: the relationship between the relative and absolute dimensions of reality.

In week 2 of our line-by-line study of the Sandoak Domyo leads us in a discussion of the four follwing lines

"The spiritual source shines clear in the light; the branching streams flow on in the dark. Grasping at things is surely delusion; according with sameness is still not enlightenment. All the objects of the senses interact and yet do not. Interacting brings involvement. Otherwise, each keeps its place."

If you want to follow the way of the Dharma ancestors, you must realize your true nature. Although our practice is "just sitting", it is inseparable from our project of realization. What is this true nature that we must realize? What is the essence of Zazen? Just sitting is an ingenious method of opening ourselves up to reality without arousing dualistic striving.

The Sandokai is an ancient teaching poem composed by Chinese Zen master Sekito Kisen (Shitou Xiqian, 700-790). It's recited daily in Soto Zen temples throughout the world and deals with an issue of paramount importance in Zen: the relationship between the relative and absolute dimensions of reality.

Over the next couple months Domyo will lead the Sangha througha line-by-line discussion of this meaningful text.

This week Domyo gives us an introduction to the history of this piece as well its role in our linage and we begin with the first two sentences

"The mind of the great sage of India is intimately transmitted from west to east.

While human faculties are sharp or dull, the Way has no northern or southern ancestors."