Zen Temple

Tools for feeling your mind at ease

[yoga-onion]

-二十三夜堂からのメッセージ-

“なぜそんなに急いでいるのか、立ち止まって考える時間を持ちましょう。”

[boyjumps]

"Notice the quiet presence"

A million roses make a song, and under the cherry blossoms in full bloom there is a great deal of drinking and singing. People are attracted to transient glamour in the same way as they follow fads.

On the other hand, the 'pine' tree, which remains unchanged, 365 days a year, evergreen is not talked about at the right time. However, its powerful appearance and verdant vitality are wonderful.

You will come to realise that there are those who quietly savour life without being swayed by the ever-changing phenomena of the world.

Pine trees always look the same green, but in fact, in spring, young, tender yellow-green shoots emerge and the dark green leaves gradualy turning brown and fall off.

Even though it may look unchanged, the status quo cannot be maintained by sitting still.

The quiet change in the pine trees is a lesson for us all.

[yoga-onion]

- A message from 23 Nights Temple -

“No matter what happens, never forget to say thank you.”

-二十三夜堂からのメッセージ-

”どんな時でも、ありがとうの一言を忘れないこと。”

[boyjumps]

"Those who remain silent are criticised, those who speak at length are criticised, and those who speak sparingly are criticised. There is no one in the world who is not subject to criticism. There has never been, nor is there now, nor will there ever be anyone who receives nothing but criticism or nothing but praise." Buddha (Dhammapada 227･228)

[yoga-onion]

- A message from 23 Nights Temple -

“Accepting that there are things beyond your control and letting them go—that is true enlightenment.”

-二十三夜堂からのメッセージ-

”どうにもならないことを「どうにもならない」と諦めるのが、悟りです。”

[boyjumps]

"The Buddha correctly discerns the true nature of things and resolves problems for good. Through his various teachings, the Buddha reveals the causes of your delusion and shows you the path to overcoming it." Kukai

-Kūkai (b. 27 July 774 – d. 22 April 835), also known posthumously as Kōbō-Daishi (The Grand Master Who Propagated the Buddhist Teaching), was a Japanese Buddhist monk, civil servant, scholar, poet, and artist who founded the Esoteric Shingon or "True Word" school of Buddhism.

[yoga-onion]

- A message from 23 Nights Temple -

“Great things begin with small matters. Put your heart and soul into even the smallest things.”

-二十三夜堂からのメッセージ-

”大事は小事よりおこる。小さな事こそ心を入れて取り組みなさい。”

[boyjumps]

"People commit evil deeds because they act wrongly out of greed, anger, doubt, and fear. Therefore, a wise disciple never acts wrongly out of greed, anger, doubt, or fear. By controlling these four factors, one does not commit evil deeds." Buddha (Sighula Sutta 5)

[yoga-onion]

- A message from 23 Nights Temple -

“When you lose everything, you see the true strength of humanity.”

-二十三夜堂からのメッセージ-

”すべてを失った時、人間の本当の力がわかる。”

[boyjumps]

"Always be mindful, break away from the view that clings to the ego, and see the world as Emptiness. It has no physical form and is constantly changing." Buddha (Sutta Nipata 1119)

[yoga-onion]

- A message from 23 Nights Temple -

“Live as you are. If you don't have something, then live without it.”

-二十三夜堂からのメッセージ-

”あるがままに生きる。無ければ、無いままで生きる。”

[boyjumps]

“Monks, if you cultivate the seven enlightened matters of ‘1. thinking well’, ‘2. choosing and distinguishing the Dharma well’, ‘3. striving well’, ‘4. often being filled with joy’, ‘5. often being light in mind and body’, ‘6. spiritual unity’ and ‘7. peace and stability of mind’, then prosperity can be expected for the ascetics during that time, and there will be no decline.” Buddha (Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 1, At Vulture's Peak: 9)

[*Note: In Buddhist philosophy, dharma/dhamma refers to the teachings of the Buddha and to the true nature of reality. Also it’s to describe specific ‘phenomena’ and the ultimate truth.]

[yoga-onion]

- A message from 23 Nights Temple -

“Instead of looking for things to criticise, look for things to praise.”

-二十三夜堂からのメッセージ-

”責めるところを探すよりも、褒めるところを探しなさい。”

[boyjumps]

"The seeker should find peace within. Do not seek tranquillity in the outside world. For those who have found inner peace, there is nothing to be taken away. How could there be anything to be discarded?" Buddha (Sutta Nipata 919)

[yoga-onion]

- A message from 23 Nights Temple -

“Are all rich people happy? Are all poor people unhappy? Happiness and unhappiness lie within the wealth or poverty of your own heart.”

-二十三夜堂からのメッセージ-

”富める人は皆幸福ですか？貧しい人は皆不幸ですか？幸も不幸もあなたの心の貧富の中にある。”

[boyjumps]

"After you've got rid of heavy burdens, it's best not to take on new ones. Carrying burdens is the greatest suffering. Throwing them away is a joy." Buddha (Udhānavarga 30)

[yoga-onion]

- A message from 23 Nights Temple -

“Failing is actually very important. New paths open up from those failures.”

-二十三夜堂からのメッセージ-

”失敗するって、とても大事なことなのです。そこから新しい道が開けていくのです。”