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During Genjo Osho's Dharma Trasnmission ceremony, Eido Shimano Roshi asked him, "What was your motivation, in coming to Zen?" Genjo Osho replied, "Shu Jo Mu Hen Sei Dan Do," or translated into english, "However innumerable All Beings are, I vow to save them All." A deep, clear and beautiful response. Eido Roshi then asked Genjo Osho, "What will your motivation be going forward?" Genjo Osho replied, "Shu Jo Mu Hen Sei Gan Do." This response is like hearing a lion or tiger roar, for the first time.

When I came to Zen it was for a simple reason. I was afraid to die and what an answer to what would happen to me when I passed. I wanted kensho (elightenment) A friend from Rochester Zen Center told me, "Sit and you'll find out." I wanted an answer for me, but not for you. What a selfish starting point.

Along the years of practice, particularly at Dai Bosatsu Zendo, I came to realize that my practice was not for myself but rather "All sentient Being." This may sound crazy, grandiose or like an overwhelming form of dementia but my practice is what it is. Butsu Do Mu Jo Sei Gan Jo - or in plain english, "However endless the Buddha (trans. awakenings) path is, I vow to follow it." And I would add, "ceaselessly."

In caring forward our motivation to practice Buddhism, it's can be important to remember that Zen does not only happen in a Zendo. It is every moment, every where. Maybe this is why motivation can be so important. To practice every moment, every where requires a certain focus, attentiveness and/or fortitude (spiritual strength for the endurance of hardships). Without proper motivation we can drift, like a rudderless boat.

Personally, I think whatever reason a person comes to practice is okay, because we all have the capacity to grow, adapt and change. The key is to have the intellectual and emotional flexibility to give ourselves permission to flow with that growth and development.

Gassho (In Gratitude),

Jaye Morris, Curator
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