--- In [email protected], akasha_108 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Yes, that was the silent extension of my thought: "unless one is > hanging a shingle out for something -- books, seminars, students, > attention." > > I have asked the question, "what is the value (much less the validity) > of the title enlightenment? Some responses include, "it provides an > ispiration to others." > > I have never been able to fathom or digest that one. Ones life, ones > shared insights, ones presence -- such things seem to be the fountain > of of inspiration. Not some claim.
Sounds as if you would like Ikkyu. He was a Zen student whose master Kaso declared him enlightened and presented him with an 'inka' or official certificate of enlighten- ment. Ikkyu took it, threw it to the ground and stomped on it, and then left the monastery, never to return. Instead, he spent his life in rather earthy pursuits and wrote some lovely poetry, some of which is below, as translated by John Stevens in his book "Wild Ways: Zen Poems of Ikkyu." ****************************** I Hate Incense A master's handiwork cannot be measured But still priests wag their tongues explaining the "Way" and babbling about "Zen." This old monk has never cared for false piety And my nose wrinkles at the dark smell of incense before the Buddha. ****************************** A Fisherman Studying texts and stiff meditation can make you lose your Original Mind. A solitary tune by a fisherman, though, can be an invaluable treasure. Dusk rain on the river, the moon peeking in and out of the clouds; Elegant beyond words, he chants his songs night after night. ****************************** My Hovel The world before my eyes is wan and wasted, just like me. The earth is decrepit, the sky stormy, all the grass withered. No spring breeze even at this late date, Just winter clouds swallowing up my tiny reed hut. ****************************** A Meal of Fresh Octopus Lots of arms, just like Kannon the Goddess; Sacrificed for me, garnished with citron, I revere it so! The taste of the sea, just divine! Sorry, Buddha, this is another precept I just cannot keep. ****************************** Exhausted with gay pleasures, I embrace my wife. The narrow path of asceticism is not for me: My mind runs in the opposite direction. It is easy to be glib about Zen -- I'll just keep my mouth shut And rely on love play all the day long. ****************************** It is nice to get a glimpse of a lady bathing -- You scrubbed your flower face and cleansed your lovely body While this old monk sat in the hot water, Feeling more blessed than even the emperor of China! ****************************** To Lady Mori with Deepest Gratitude and Thanks The tree was barren of leaves but you brought a new spring. Long green sprouts, verdant flowers, fresh promise. Mori, if I ever forget my profound gratitude to you, Let me burn in hell forever. (Mori was a blind minstrel, and Ikkyu's young mistress) To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
