by Rev. Kenzan Seidenberg
Radiant Blessings. The word “radiant” naturally brings to
mind the sun – the epitome of radiance – sending out its warm rays in all
directions. The sun does not choose in which direction its warmth radiates, nor
does it make any special effort. Simply by its nature, warmth and light extend
out in all directions. The Buddha also used the image of the sun when he spoke
about Lovingkindness, saying that compared to the sun, moon and stars, “In shining,
beaming and radiance, the heart of loving kindness far excels them.”
The Lovingkindness Meditation (or Metta) involves sending
out warm wishes/prayers/intentions. It is often practiced beginning with
oneself: “May I be happy. May I be peaceful. May I be free from suffering.” And
from there expanding outward. It can be done expanding outward to people we
care about and then to those we have neutral feelings about and then to those
who are more complicated or difficult for us. Alternatively, it can be practiced
expanding outward in space: to others in this building, then in this town, in
this state, this country, the planet earth and then all beings everywhere. The
kind of mind this exercise can cultivate -- one of compassion, kindness,
friendliness and goodwill -- is the radiant heart-mind taught by the Buddha.
Each of our actions has effects, like the ripples from a
pebble tossed in a pond, the circles expanding out from the initial splash,
small waves lasting perhaps for seconds or for several minutes. Our actions
also ripple out through both space and time. It is difficult to know all who
will be affected, near and far, current and in the distant future. It is also
difficult to know what the effect will be. Our “actions” are not only what we
do, but also what we say and even what we think. Paying attention to the results
of our actions can help us become more attuned to how we can best have a
beneficial presence in the world. We can become more familiar with this in
Zazen, for example, by noticing the effects of our thoughts on our physical and
emotional state. In the Bendowa,
Dogen Zenji encourages us that the effects of our Zazen extend far beyond what
we would usually imagine:
This being so, the zazen of even one person at
one moment imperceptibly accords with all things and fully resonates through
all time. Thus in the past, future and present of the limitless universe, this
zazen carries on the Buddha’s teaching endlessly. Each moment of zazen is
equally wholeness of practice, equally wholeness of realization. This is not
only practice while sitting, it is like a hammer striking emptiness; before and
after, its exquisite peal permeates everywhere. How can it be limited to this
moment? Hundreds of things all manifest original practice from the original face;
it is impossible to measure.
One definition of the word “blessing” is “the infusion of
something with holiness.” Perhaps Dogen is encouraging us that our Zazen is
exactly that.
May our practice be a radiant blessing in the world.
The message of Shao
Shan Temple’s 2019 New Year’s Greeting is “Radiant Blessing”.
