( Dogen’s Instructions for the Cook – XXIV)
We could almost write a modern corporate management advice book with this stuff …
There are many old stories we can hear and present examples of monks training as tenzo. A great many teachings concern this because it is the heart of the Way.
Even if you become the Abbot of a monastery, you should have this same understanding. [
TheRules of Purity for Chan Monasteries] states, "Prepare each meal with each detail kept clear so that there will be enough. Make sure that the four offerings of food, clothing, bedding, and medicine are adequate just as the Generous One offered to his disciples the merit of twenty years of his lifetime [it being said that he died 20 years early in order to bequeath the remaining 20 years of merit to his followers in future generations]. We ourselves live today within the light of that gift because the energy of even a white hair between his brows is inexhaustible." It also says, "Just think about how to best serve the assembly without being hindered by thoughts of poverty. If your mind is limitless, you enjoy limitlessness." This is how the abbot serves the assembly.
From: Tenzo Kyokun - Instructions for the Cook by Eihei Dogen - Translated by
Yasuda Joshu Dainenroshi and Anzan Hoshin roshi
posted November 13, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Thank you Jundo for today’s message. But wait there’s more…
Gassho Kent
posted November 14, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Good morning Jundo. I live in Brooklyn, USA and belong to a sangha here with a fantastic German/Japanese Zen Master. Since your bio mentions that you recieved Dharma Transmission from Wafu its been fab to have another Zen Master teaching the Soto way & Dogen as mine also does. Good Luck! Gassho Barry.