Respect all forms of life

At Eiheiji, the monastery founded by Master Dogen, flows a river that descends from the mountain. It is said that Master Dogen, when he took water from the river with his ladle, used the quantity he needed and returned to the river what was left of the water in his ladle.
Some people don’t understand that. Yet it is a deeply religious attitude: to respect life in all its forms, not to waste a drop of our life, not to waste a drop of our virtues.
While greed, ignorance and neglect bring war, the mind that respects all forms of life is a guarantee of peace. So please, at all times, do not neglect anything. Do not neglect the right posture. Whether in zazen or in daily life, be totally present, animated by the desire to help all existences. Remember Master Dogen when he took water from the river.
Humanity is at a crossroads. Either it continues with fine speeches, without paying attention to even the most insignificant forms of life – and then it runs to its downfall. Or humanity understands that everyone must keep their minds at peace, and act responsibly, without expecting governments to change the world.
It is up to us, at all times, to keep our Buddha mind in every situation, that is, peace in our mind.
To act responsibly, without neglecting the slightest detail, this is Buddha’s teaching.

Taiun JP Faure, November 23rd, 2018