Kensho

Yesterday, I made a comment regarding "Kensho," (a moment of awakening or ceasing to be deluded) to some friends. It was something that I've felt but never stated before, feeling it might be bad form. It's almost been turned into a dirty word, despite Gotama's unyielding encouragement to cease being deluded and come to Awakening, even moments before his death. But after mulling it over, I thought I should discuss it here on digitalZENDO too. Avoiding talking about Kensho, does not make us virtuous or spiritual. Maybe it's the contrary, it perhaps avoiding a direct conversation that could be valuable.

What I shared with them yesterday was, "The true concern (regarding Zen in America) could be directed towards the quality of the message transmitted. A great example is that in Japan, there are many Buddhist, but on a certain scale, it's a kind of "family," business. It's lost the initial freshness, in certain quarters, it's a little stale. My own teacher, Genjo Marinello Osho doesn't guide me towards "Maybe," kensho or to be a priestly businessman. It's a unswerving and progressive effort towards "full awakening," at the same time, learning to be helpful as possible to others, without thought to how I might personally benefit. Anything aiming for less than that target is settling. I recall the story of one of Bodhidharma's students that wanted Kensho so badly, he was willing to cut off his own arm, to study with him. We on the other hand have trouble sitting consistently because Zazen might get in the way of watching "Survivor, The Swan," or "Top Chef." Too funny. Our efforts can be more than a little weak."

Going a little further, in training not just with Genjo Osho, but Eido Shimano Roshi too, they have never suggested or offered me a surrender or capitulation for something less that "Dai Kensho," (Great Awakening). It was never like they said, "Okay... that's enough, You can relax now. Maybe next time... Maybe in the next life, perhaps You'll get It then. Just settle for being a little happier... perhaps be a little nicer person. Be good to Your Wife and Kids. Be a nice guy."

What I have heard from Genjo Osho has been quite the reverse. "Good one, but not quite there Yet... ring, ring, ring. Go straight ahead... ring, ring, ring. Not yet complete, come back again another time... ring, ring, ring. I can understand that... ring, ring, ring. Hmmmmmm... ring, ring, ring. What are You waiting for?... ring, ring, ring. Who are You expecting to show up?... ring, ring, ring. Give It Your all, hold nothing back... ring, ring, ring. Turn It this way... ring, ring, ring. Do not waste the sacrifices others have made for You to be Here... ring, ring, ring." We have laughed and cried together, but He's never said, "Okay... enough... stop!"

Why did We come to Buddhism? If You're thinking "I'm not really sure, I have my doubts about enlightenment. I felt like I couldn't live up to the rules of other religions and was always going to be a sinner/failure. I basically felt doomed to failure-given that humans always seem to fail. Buddhism gives me a sliver of hope that I could possibly do something good for myself and I just might somehow succeed. That line of thinking is okay, but know it's okay to let it go too. You won't sink.

Years ago, my family and I went to Disneyland. It took a lot of time, effort and saving to get there, but we suceeded, so that we could "do It right." Once there, it was so amazing and beautiful, not even I could beleive how good the experience was. At one point, my daughter was afraid to go on some of the rides or thought some of the lines were too long. I asked here, "You came all this way, why are You here?" She replied back, to "to play and have fun." And so she did and remembers it as one of the high points of her life, because she held nothing back.

Our Buddha nature is exactly the same as Gotama's Buddha Nature. I used to spend a lot of time doubting that. With deep gratitude to my teachers, Genjo Osho and for that Eido Roshi, I don't any more. The neat thing, I've constantly learning and deepening my feeling and relationship with Buddha Nature. My growth is far from over, and still we can see so much. Beginningless beginning, Endless end. That's the best that I can say, for now.

May All Beings Be Free,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO

Comments

[Anonymous]

My view is that anyone of us can experience Kensho at any moment, in fact all of us have at one point or another, even non-Buddhists, though they may not know the term. Unfortunately, it takes practice to be in that state for an extended period, especially because by 'trying' we lose it. I practice to have those moments merge into a continuity. It is not complicated, it's very simple. The thoughts, reactions, and emotions that get in the way are what's complicated and sticky. _/|\_ Namaste. ~ Happi

[Kyle]

I am glad for your wisdom, and I am glad more people are reading it. You bring the true spirit of what Buddhism started with.

I hope you can carry that message to others.