Zen words is The best word 直心是道場
If you have an honest heart, you can become a dojo anywhere
Zen is difficult. Zen word is also difficult. That’s why I interpret it as I please. I think that’s fine. Enou Zenji, Dogen Zenji, Ikkyu-san, and Ryokan-san are likely to say, “That’s fine, that’s fine. Let it be.
Today is “If you have an honest heart, you can become a dojo anywhere"
Jikishin is the heart that works honestly in everything.
A long time ago, in India, there was a trainee named Kogon Doji. Kogon-doji used to live in the Biyari Castle, but the castle was very noisy. I can’t concentrate on training here. Finally, he can’t stand the noise anymore and is about to leave the castle in search of a quieter place.
Just then, an ascetic monk comes from the front. Why do the monk come to this noisy place? Kogon-doji called out to the monk.
“Where did you come from?" asked Kogon-doji.
“From the dojo," replied the monk.
Kogon Douji, who was looking for a quiet dojo, asked another question.
“Where is your dojo?"
“Jikishin is the dojo. Do you understand?" replied the monk.
Kogon Douji suddenly realized. He have not Jikishin enough.
The monk in training was the famous Yuima Koji.
Jikishin is the heart that works honestly in everything. Yuima Koji preached that the dojo is in the Jikishin. If you are honest, you can practice anywhere. It’s just an excuse to say you can’t practice because it’s too noisy. If you really want to train, you don’t have to leave the castle.
Yuima Koji saw through Kogon-doji’s feelings and admonished him. Kogon Doji immediately understood the advice. As long as you have a Jikishin, you can practice in any place.
Let’s do our best with an straight mind in the current situation
Kogondo’s complaint was that the castle was noisy. We have a lot of complaints these days. I am dissatisfied with my surroundings and my position. this is not my place. I can’t do anything here. Why can’t things go as planned? But is there a place where everything goes your way? Unfortunately there is no such place.
If you’re frustrated where you are now, you’ll be frustrated elsewhere. Even if you move to a new place, dissatisfaction will build up if you don’t change your mind. The dissatisfaction is not because of the location, but because of your feelings.
Kogon-doji realized that any place can become a dojo if he is sincere. You are not in Biyarijo, but at your current workplace. The workplace is filled with dissatisfaction. Even in such a workplace, if you are honest, you can achieve results. If you’re switching to a new job, consider whether you approached your previous job with integrity. You can find new ways of working.
Corona has created many restrictions in social life. I was frustrated that I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. You can’t end Corona by yourself. Instead of accumulating uncontrollable frustration, think about what you can do within your constraints. There are many things you can do in any situation if you are honest.