Our Eternal Vow

Yesterday Bob Allison sent me an email, regarding the passing of his teacher, Venerable Master Sheng Yen. I went to the website and read his obituary. The opening words moved me to tears. "The universe may one day perish, yet my vows are eternal." Perfect clarity. Perfectly honest. Perfect Dharma.

In considering Master Sheng Yen's words, it is a reminder that the vows and promises that we make in this lifetime are important and dare I say sacred. And our Buddhist vows not only belong to the individual, but in fact to all of us together.

From my current view, Zen practice is not an option. Zen practice is neither to be avoided or evaded. It's a mental, physical and spiritual imperative. Our eternal vow is the fuel that motivates and propels us forward. It lifts us to sit through the fire in the knee, the wandering thoughts, through the fear and pain that comes from confronting oneself and cut though our obstructions and illusions which we once thought were facts.

There is a reason that we come to spiritual practice, no matter which path we are on. It's not because of what is right with us. Rather it's the sense there is something we may have overlooked or missed, that leads us to sense that something is not "right."

In our journey to "become a True Person," it's important that we practice with others, with a teacher and an authentic one at that. Why? Becuase we are so good at fooling ourselves. Our teacher is our teacher. Mine helps me, by removing the debris and clutter from my mind to glimpse the meaning and depth of "Our eternal Vow." Is there anything better or more worthy than This, to dedicate our lives to? I would think not.

An so in conclusion, I am grateful to all the teachers that are available to us, directly and indirectly. This certainly includes Venerable Master Sheng Yen, whose word and books I have read and made an effort to adsorb many times. As well I must say my direct teacher, Genjo Marinello Osho, who reminds me that there is "The One who is Shining alone." Live your Eternal Vow!

Gassho,

Jaye Morris, Curator
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