“Moreover, knowing well the abilities, natures, and desires of all with incantations and unobstructed eloquence, the obediently and skillfully turn the Dharma Wheel of the Buddhas.
First, they have small drops of moisture fall to dampen the dust of desire, and by opening the gateway of nirvana, fanning the wind of liberation, and ridding themselves of the heat of worldly passions, they bring about the cooling quality of the Dharma.” The Sutra of Innumerable Meanings.
Test print for two color registration.
This was the passage I meditated on during the day, especially when I was walking. As I walked I alternated between chanting Odaimoku with Namu on my left foot, myo on right, ho on left, ren on right, ge on left, kyo on right.
As I was working up a sweat during my walk I thought about the phrase “small drops of moisture fall to dampen the dust of desire.” Perhaps not intended in the meaning the walk and the heat and sweat certainly took all my energy to do anything else when I got home.
I was not able to get out early this morning before my doctor appointment and so I had to walk in a hotter part of the day than I had hoped. Also rather then one full hour I walked for half an hour. One of the problems was not only the heat, also the air quality affected my breathing and so I was quite winded and tired after only the half hour. It was a good exertion and I am satisfied with the beneficial contemplative exercise. It was better to do it than to shrug it off.
Prior to beginning this Fugen Retreat I have been studying from “A Record of the Inner Law Sent Home from the South Seas” a book on monastic traditions from Southern Asia. It is quite interesting and what I am especially enjoying is the simple practices of veneration and devotion that were done at the time. It is my plan on sharing them over time as I think many people may find something within these practices that speaks to them and would be enjoyable devotions to include in their other daily activities.
Test print of main key image. I use this print to make edits to the image, cleaning up any areas that I’m not pleased with.
One such practice is the sprinkling of a few drops of water on one’s own head. The water traditionally came from that which was used to bathe the Buddha statues, sometimes on a daily basis. Many modern day practitioners do not have statues, and those who have scrolls would not be advised to bathe them at any time. However many do offer water on their altar for the Buddha. The proper way to do this is with two fingers, and ideally on the right hand. The right hand was considered the clean hand. So after you remove the water offering dip your index and middle finger into the water and sprinkle the top of your head. Of course ensure your hand is clean, as we should always clean our hands before we approach the altar. Then you may use the water to drink or in tea or in your cooking. It should not be stored though, use it the same day.
In Nichiren Shu there is a water purification ritual performed, usually during retreats. It is also done by every priest every morning at 4AM during Shingyo Dojo. Now, I’m being honest here, this is not my favorite ritual. I will do it, I’ve done it, however I do not seek it out to do when not required. I offer no excuse and no defense and no shame in saying this, it simply is a fact.
I value the spirit of the ritual, however in most of the instances when I have done it the intent gets lost in the machismo of attitude in which it is done. I don’t feel compelled to try to prove how ‘tough’ I am to anybody, I’ve already done that in my life enough in the Marine Corps and it is really all about the realm of animality. It is fine for others if they need it, I can walk away peacefully and admit.
Now the intent of the practice is to purify one’s life, to wash away the impurities. The passages of the sutra that are recited are meaningful and precious. I enjoy holding them in my mind when I take my shower or bath.
The Suigyo kanmon comes from Chapter XXV, World-Voice-Perceiver Bodhisattva.
“All darkness is dispelled by the light of his wisdom
As spotless and as pure as the light of the sun.
The light destroys the dangers of wind and fire,
And illumines the whole world brightly.His precepts out of his living-kindness brace us up as thunderbolts.
His wishes out of his compassion are as wonderful as large clouds.
He pours the rain of the Dharma as sweet as nectar,
And extinguishes the fire of illusions.”
You might consider holding this thought as you sprinkle a few drops of the water offering from your altar, or even when you shower.
