Bodhidharmas' Response.

This week’s topic for reflection is Bodhidharmas' response. Bodhidharma was the first teacher of Zen in China. When he was very old he asked his senior students to each compose a poem. In response to these poems he told one student, “You are my skin.” To another he said, “You are my flesh.” To another he said, “You are my bone.” To another he said, “You are my marrow.” My teachers have told me that some people think “You are my skin” is not as good as “You are my flesh” etc. Even though it is true that some were more advanced than others and there were differences in his students, his love and appreciation for them was equal. This story reminds me of the last supper story where Jesus told his disciples when they gather to eat to remember him. That his body was the bread and his blood was the wine. There is a wonderful intimacy in these stories.

This morning I wandered into the woods by our house to once again say goodby to my intimate friend. Pausing to take it in I remembered this intimate story of Bodhidharma. Also the last supper. It is so sad to say goodbye, I’ll miss you and miss being with you. Remembering the good times together. And the struggles. The pain. Everything needs to grow …… and decline. Moving on to something new.

How do you see these stories? What do they express about you and your life?

Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion of the topic for reflection blog from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81161003357?pwd=M0gwRjBENHZDbndUcFRrK004NlQ5Zz09

Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357

Passcode: 278259

Gassho,

Futai