mokasyn - dust/scratches

One night, in the year 528, Shénguāng arrived in front of Bodhidharmas cave. In the morning, he asked Bodhidharma for teachings. By then the falling snow has piled up to his waist level.
The request has been refused. Hearing this, desperate to recieve the Dharma, Shénguāng cut his left forearm down with his sword and presented it to Bodhidharma saying:
“My mind is not at peace, pacify it".
Bodhidharma replied:
"- Bring me your mind and I will do it
- I’ve sought it, but I cannot find it
- I have pacified it”.
At that moment Shénguāng realised enlightment.
After the incident Shénguāng has been given a name Dazu Huìkě; Wisdom and Ability.

This story shows what Zen might be and what Zen might require. There is probably a place for joyful effort there, but it is not mentioned too often.

In the office, I sit, feeling bored, anxious, troubled and for a split second I think about Dazu Huike.
In Alabama, inmates sit quiet, trying to find mind.
In the year 528, Shénguāng stands in front of a cave, his left arm cut off, bleeding, waiting.

Dazu Huike

Dharma Brothers

Below the fragment of The Hsin Hsin Ming, a poem by Jianzhi Sengcan, Huikes student and thirtieth Patriarch after Siddhārtha Gautama Buddha.

All is void, lucid, and self-illuminating;
There is no exertion, no waste of energy--
This is where thinking never attains,
This is where the imagination fails to measure.

Translation by D. T. Suzuki

Verses on the Faith in Mind Jianzhi Sengcan

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Heavy Boys Dying.

Thursday, February 12, 2009 12:36:14 AM

martial arts, buddhism

Master Sheng-yen; born January 3, 1930 – died February 3, 2009
Helio Gracie; born October 1, 1913 – died January 29, 2009

I’ve heard the phrase “Heavy Boys” during one of Lama Oles lectures – he referred to all our great Buddhist masters that passed away, back then Gendun Rinpoche passed away, then Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche followed, there were less and less masters so dedicated to the meditation practice as them. Gendun Rinpoche spent over 30 years meditating in caves and you could feel it from miles away, Ole said – this is how I remembered it from the lecture.

Sheng Yen was a heavy boy. He became a monk at the age of 13. He studied in several monasteries, spending 2 tough years as a direct student of Master Tung Chu. He spent next 6 meditating alone in the mountains, in a tiny hut, eating vegetables he had to grow himself . He represented 72nd generation of unbroken Chan transmission since Bodhidharma. I particularly remember one story about Sheng Yen – a cocky student came straight to him during the retreat; asking “Try me”. He looked straight into student’s eyes. The same moment the student looked down, said “please forgive me” and joined the rest of the group. Sheng Yen, a tiny guy, always smiling, I will miss his books.

Helio Gracie, student of Carlos Gracie Sr., student of Mitsuyo Maeda. He invented the style we know today as Brazilian Ju Jitsu. After that, the martial arts had to change. All the karate black belts, all the secret techniques; proven to be useless against bjj ground fighting. Helio was there to see his art grow. His son; Rickson won over 400 challenge fights. Ricksons half brother – Royce, won 3 UFC tournaments - contrary to Ricksons style – fighting in judo gi and not using too much punches. Helio also was there to see his art turning into a business, with exclusive clubs for the rich, Rickson becoming a personal trainer for Guy Ritchie. He was there – in the ring corner - to see Royce losing to Kazushi Sakuraba. Finally he witnessed Royce – once a superior technician - being caught on using anabolic steroids. History turning a full circle.
Helio lost his most important fights. He lost to Masahiko Kimura; his ears bleeding, his arm broken. He lost to Valdemar Santana in a fight lasting almost 4 hours. He did not tap once.

Sheng-yen forbid his students from carrying any extravagant funeral service; he did not want any memorial or monument to be erected in his memory.

Helio Gracie died in his sleep. His last words were supposed to be an elaborated quote about family, style and honour. I’d rather remember he just died in his sleep, silent.

References:

Master Sheng Yen - Wikipedia
Dharma Drum webpage - a Chan centre established by Master Sheng Yen
Amithaba Buddha chant - mp3 format

Helio Gracie - Wikipedia
Masahiko Kimura (1917-1993) The Man Who Defeated Helio Gracie by Jim Chen M.D.
Kimura vs Gracie - year 1951, youtube clip

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