We continue preparations for our
Master Dogen devoted an entire chapter of Shobogenzo to latrine procedures … and during our Retreat we should see going to the toilet as a sacred ritual. First, drop all thought of “clean” and “dirty” … flush such discriminatory ideas away!
However, even as we drop all idea of “clean” and “dirty”, we try to stay clean (we are always working on several levels in Zen) … so, if wearing a Rakusu, remove it and hang it outside the toilet room before entering. Then Gassho 3x (or, if you wish, do full prostrations 3x) toward the door of the toilet room and recite the following (by Ven. Thich Naht Hanh):
Defiled or immaculate,
increasing or decreasing–
these concepts exist only in our mind.
The reality of interbeing is unsurpassed.
Truly, peeing is only action in that moment, a perfect act complete unto itself … it is not you peeing, or even the whole universe peeing in that instant (although it is that too) … for ’tis Just Peeing.
On exiting, bow again 3x to the toilet door and recite …
Using the toilet
I vow with all beings
To eliminate defilement
Removing greed, anger and ignorance.
Then be sure to wash you hands (there is something to recite for that as well) …
By the way, a similar ritual should be performed prior to entering the bath or shower. In that case, please recite …
Bathing the body,
may all living beings
be clean in body and mind,
pure and shining within and without.
We will have similar recitals (called “Gatha”) for use when brushing the teeth, washing the face and hands. They will be printed in our “Chant Book”, available for download for use during the Retreat (27 Pages PDF).PLEASE PRIINT THOSE OUT AND POST THEM AROUND YOUR BATHROOM!!
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