from Sogen
On Friday, our Fall Ango period, on the theme of Lineage, begins with Meet and Greet the Ancestors, an immersion sesshin. In our Sunday services we have named a few ancestors to whom we dedicate the merit of our practice. First, Great Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha, who said upon awakening, “How miraculous! All beings have the wisdom and virtue of the Tathagata Buddha!” Then the first ancestor in India, Great Teacher Mahakashyapa. Then the first ancestor in China, Great Teacher Bodhidharma, who said, “To find a buddha all you have to do is see your nature. Your nature is the buddha.” Then the first ancestor in Japan, Great Teacher Eihei Dogen, who said, “Devote your energies to the way that points directly to the real thing. The treasure store will open of itself, and you may enjoy it freely.” Then the first ancestor in America, Great Teacher Koun Taizan, who said, “I encourage you. Please enjoy this wonderful life together. Appreciate the world of “just this!” In our Fall Ango Sunday services we will be chanting the full lineages, male and female. We will meet many more ancestors, all of whom encouraged their sanghas, and continue to encourage all of us today.