This morning I went to the library, in the center of Den Bosch to study Davids latest book (not published yet) about Genjo Koan. With the swiftness of a snail I read the mysterious words of Dogen and David. Next to my laptop, one Dutch translation of Genjo Koan. In the margin I make notes; questions, sometimes a note about how I understand it, or that I don't understand it at all.
Ryokan and Teishin
Earlier this morning, while I was doing my laundry in the garden, I was musing about my current life. I thought about Els, my new friend in the monastery. Yesterday she wrote a letter to a friend. She showed me the letter and she was writing about me. I read about her 'new friend who is bald, a Buddhist and who has left her life in Holland to live with an old priest.'
I felt a smile on my face when I thought about her letter, and then I thought about a lot of Zen stories and poems I have heard in the years that I went to my Zen lessons in Zen Centrum Den Bosch. And I thought about the story and love poems from Ryokan and Teishin. Ryokan, the very old Buddhist hermit, and Teishin, the young nun. Quite romantic.
The power of stories
And suddenly I recognise the power of stories. All these beautiful Buddhist stories I have heard and read were nourishment for my seeds of longing. I remember how moved I sometimes am when I listen to these stories.
And now I am living in the middle of quite a nice one. :-)
I feel lucky that I have the opportunity to study Genjo Koan and the writing of 'my' beloved priest.
More to muse
And there is more to muse about! The new coming Winter Retreat, a three months retreat at Eleusis. And I understand that there are already some enquires a bout joining it, how wonderful! The idea of forming a small international Sangha at Eleusis for the last three months of the year is a beautiful prospect! To study, work and practise together is a great opportunity at this beautiful place. I am so much looking forward to this and I am curious who else will join us...?
At ease
My period at the monastery here in Den Bosch is doing me good. I have plenty of time to see family and friends and talk with them. I realise that I am ending quite a difficult time. When I left Holland to live at Eleusis I had grieved quite a lot about the life I left behind and things that happened in the past. Thanks to the meetings and conversations I am having now I realise that I feel at ease with things as they are. Yesterday I had a nice skype meeting with Jnanamati, who he is my mentor on the amitarya path. For the first time I shared that I have the feeling that I have ended quite a difficult period and that I feel peace about it. I feel faith.
Immersed in Musing
Two more weeks to go, before I have my operation. Still plenty of time left to immerse myself with more Buddhist stories. Besides Genjo Koan, Dogen and David I am reading a Dutch translation of the Majjhima Nikaya. I am just at the beginning: the introduction and the story of the life of Shakyamuni Buddha.
And of course plenty of time to muse... I like musing. As long as I remember, I like musing. I was nicely surprised by the Daily Teaching of David about musing:
https://eleusis.ning.com/group/tao-eastern-wisdom/forum/topics/the-importance-of-musing-1
I believe that when musing is connected with the heart, these imaginary stories are like wishes singing around in the universe, like prayers. And it is possible that, some day, before you know it, you are living one of your fantasies!
Romantic soul
For the romantic souls among the readers of the Daily, here is a piece of the famous poem conversation between Ryokan and Teishin. Ryokan and Teishin lived separated from each other for quite a long time. They sent each other short poems:
Was it really you
I saw,
Or is this joy
I still feel
Only a dream?
~Teishin
In this dream world
We doze
And talk of dreams--
Dream, dream on,
As much as you wish.
~Ryokan
Here with you
I could remain
For countless days and tears,
Silent as the bright moon
We gazed at together.
~Teishin
Replies
Lovely. Glad to get some news of your journey Elja. Much love Namo Amida Bu