December 2016, Issue 66

A self is what an Old Buddha prefers not holding on to. Do not selfishly begrudge this very moment and fail to transform your own self into the Mind of an Old Buddha.’

—Dogen Zenji, Shobogenzo Kobusshin: On What the Mind of an Old Buddha Is

Welcome to the final issue in the series on Cultivating Faith. It is a great honour to be taking over as Myoju Coordinator. I would like to thank Robin Laurie for her training, and I hope to contribute to the continuation of a magazine which brings to light the beauty of the Jikishoan

Sangha.

The theme for this issue is ‘Cultivating Faith: Letting Go’. I was reminded of the above quote, when participating in a discussion led by Shudo Hannah at Main Course A. We were discussing different aspects of faith, and whether or not Zen Buddhism requires a ‘leap of faith’, as such. For me, the above quote indicates that it does: as we engage

in continuous practice, our faith blossoms. But although it blossoms, how can it come to fruition if we are caught up in the self that is practicing?

In this issue, Ekai Osho talks of the self connected with reality, and quotes Dogen Zenji in telling us that “The way is originally perfect and all pervading”... This is what we

must have faith in, letting go of ourselves as we seek reality.

Dan Carter

On behalf of Ekai Korematsu Osho—Editor

and the Jikishoan Publications Committee

Read this Myoju (file on Google Drive)