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Ekyo's Blog Sharing form the heart
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Enlightenment? |
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September 6, 2007 While I visited Andrzej in our first zendo space in Poland we had a very interesting conversation. I skipped it in previous essay intentionally hoping to write it as a separate piece. Thinking about it for a while I almost gave up this idea completely realizing that it is very difficult to translate dialog form one language to another. The tone of voice is missing and entire taste of exchange is gone. Even translating of the opening question poses a problem… Discussing the matter with couple of friends helped me to change my mind. Someone pointed out to me: “Some will get it, some will not. Some will misunderstand. Some will add to what is written their own meanings and even intentions. People see trough their own lances…” I decided to take a risk… As we sat in comfortable armchairs around a small table green tea was served to us, Polish style in beautiful pot and cups… The tea was absolutely delicious. Suddenly Andrzej asks: “Soo, Urszula, how is it with this enlightenment?” To explain this question, it was not an attacking or aggressive one. It was said with very warm and sort of teasing tone, but also there was some serious curiosity there… This was a surprise of course and I was not sure if I want to deal with it. Also I was trying to discern what exactly Andrzej was asking about… Was he asking about “my” enlightenment, was he asking what enlightenment is, or was he asking: what is the matter with this enlightenment? I laughed very much but in a split of second I said: “Andrzej, the tea is absolutely delicious! What more do we need?” The matter was settled for a while… As we continued our conversation, a little later Andrzej explained that this pursuit was a very important in his life even though he has not been formally practicing zazen anymore. Many years ago, when we started in Poland we had a lot of misconceptions about it. Now after 30 and more years there is a certain history, many things had happened and I got the feeling that Andrzej questions was of the third kind… This was my impression. I did share what I could share, and what my feelings or experience about it was. And I was very grateful that we could share our hearts. However I was also a bit sad that Andrzej did not continue his practice perhaps with another teacher or in another Zen Center after he stopped coming to Rochester. A man with so great ability could accomplish a lot. Even now, seeing him after so many years, and much older I thought, what a great man Andrzej is! Because of him and his efforts years ago I was able to read about zazen. His generosity, kindness and compassion allowed me and others to do zazen and sesshins in zendo made from space which was his art studio. Thanks to Andrzej we were able to invite first Zen Teacher in Poland and start Polish Sangha as first Buddhist group. All that happened in times which were very difficult and in primary Catholic country. Andrzej and Urszula, great people with big hearts, I am honored to have known you in this life. Because of you I am where I am at this moment in my life, and my gratitude to you is endless. Gassho, As I am reading this and think about Andrzej’s question I recall a following koan story: A monk asked, “Do people these days need enlightenment??” Kyozan replied, “It’s not that there’s no enlightenment, but how can one not fall down into the second level?
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