In our study of the Diamond Sutra we did recitations, listened to recitations of it, read it, and talked about its verse by verse meaning. As our last review we will move from analysis to engagement.
Dōgen often reminds us that “saving all beings” is not separate from our own practice. In Shōbōgenzō, he says:
To study the Buddha Way is to study the self.
To study the self is to forget the self.
To forget the self is to be actualized by all things.
So, when “I” disappears, saving beings and being saved are not two. To serve others is not “you helping them” — it’s the whole universe manifesting as compassion. Which underscores the Metta Sutra. This is skillful means (upāya): acting compassionately based on what’s appropriate in the moment. There’s no attachment to success or failure. You help because that’s what you do—not to become a savior.
We have discussed the concept of study as outside in to full engagement of…Subhuti was being asked to consider the Bodhisattva as the engaged Cosmos, the Buddha Nature of experiencing from the inside out. Finding such we act thus.
The Diamond Sutra is presenting the experience of, working to help all beings, a service function doing what each moment offers to reduce suffering/disease. Imagine if all beings acted thusly, while utopian, it is the concept of harmonious community or King’ “Beloved Community.”
Living Zen is doing this breath-in and breath-out: Living by vow we say. See then the Metta and Diamond Sutras as being in cahoots with one another linking compassion and actions. Helping this thing called “ourself” by helping the things called “others” which help all beings seeing inmo/thus.
Please join us April 22, 2025, at 7:00PM EDT at the First Congregational Church of Falmouth or https://zoom.fszs.org (password: FSZS), as we explore engagement…
Sangaku