Today I scoured my bookshelves for something to use as a catalyst for my next Zen workbook to share with our members “behind the fence.” Yuanwu jumped out at me and said, how about my teachings? Some of my favorite translators of Zen Buddhism, Thomas Cleary and J.C. Cleary, created a wonderful book entitled Zen Letters Teachings of Yuanwu.
Yuanwu’s teachings are filled with words of wisdom and actions for the everyday person to incorporate into his or her life. Although he may have lived from 1063-1135 his words are still pertinent to how we can live our lives each day with optimism. He is also known by Buddhists as the author of the Blue Cliff Record a compilation of 100 koans and his commentaries.
The authors write in their introduction: The Zen tradition, like all of Mahayana Buddhism, is invincibly optimistic about human possibilities—our true identity, our inherent buddha nature, can never be destroyed. It is our basic essence, and it is with us always, waiting to be activated and brought to life (page vi-vii).[1]
The authors go on to write: These teachers meant to enable us to become aware of our buddha nature and to gain the use of it in everyday life. Zen Buddhism, like all other branches of Mahayana Buddhism, maintains that it is the true destiny of every person to become enlightened (page v-vi).[2]
For people in other religious beliefs you may interchange the Buddha nature with Christ nature or for indigenous people your ideas and teachings. But all spiritual and/or religious beliefs have this basic essence described throughout their doctrines, writings, music, and art. As we follow in the footsteps of the masters we begin to realize that we too can be enlightened. Even though we sit with “no” conscious intention of it—if we practice the principles and sit and live the tenants all things are possible to those who believe. Believe it not—and it will not be! That is the truth of all of life.
Thus, I hope this blog and eventual workbook will be of interest to all people of all faiths and beliefs, and to those who hold no particular faith belief whatsoever. Everyone is welcome on this adventure with Yuanwu the Chinese Master. I hope you’ll come along for the ride!
[1] Cleary J.C. and Cleary, T. (1994) Zen Letters Teachings of Yuanwu. Boston & London: Shambhala
[2] Ibid.
tually realized by the person.
rada Roshi in his beautiful book, Moon By The Window, wrote:
t is the source of everything.”
