Author: Chong Go Sunim

This is a good one to repeat out loud and let sink down within you!

Through the great compassionate, protecting power of one mind,
manifested by all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas,
may each one of us attain that which all beings long for.

Here at this temple where the reflection of our true mind
can be seen like the moon in pure water,
with the utmost sincerity, with these pure offerings,
we raise the intention that all Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis, Shramanera,
Shramaneri, and postulates here at this temple are all healthy and safe.
May each and every layman, laywoman,
and child attending this ceremony be healthy and safe.

“we raise the great intention that….”

This is such a key phrase, in my opinion. It’s saying, “let things move in this direction.” If we do this and then deeply entrust that, things really do begin to move. Perhaps not as far and as fast as we’d like, (those issues are not disconnected from the rest of the world), but they do move. This is such a different state from complaining about the way things are, or just repeating over and over to ourselves, “I wish (this) was like (that).” Just saying words over and over, even with lots of emotion, doesn’t connect with the whole. We have to actually let go of that intention, and entrust it.

Here at __________________
on this middle world called the Earth,
we raise the great intention that
within this country, everyone is at peace and safe,
that South and North Korea shall be peacefully reunified,
that all the world may be tranquil
that the Earth should be free of all great disasters.

Today is day 2, Korea time, of the evening Ulambana candlelight ceremony, or 백중, when we remember our ancestors and focus on helping them. The question becomes, how do we help them? It’s not like we can just whip up a meal for them or hand over some spending money, though in a way that does sort of happen.

The key thing is that they are not separate from us. That’s true for everything, but there seems to be a stronger effect with those whom we have the closest karmic connection. When we are entrusting what’s going on with us, they’re along for the ride, so to speak. They also learn and experience this oneness. They also experience the sincerity we’re feeling (this is how heartfelt offerings have an effect).

Sometimes this combined oneness is enough to help them let go of whatever mental state may be blocking them. If confusion, regret, or anger are holding them, they may be free of those for a moment or perhaps forever. If that’s not a problem, then they may experience a charge of energy and inspiration that helps them move even further forward. And this happens even if they’ve been reborn. They, living in their current body, may suddenly experience a day when everything seems clearer. Where they suddenly feel free of some attachments or foibles, or even perhaps, where they may glimpse the interconnection of all existence.

So when you think of them, when you think of what they may have gone through, and when you think of their old appearance, let go and entrust all of that. Combine all of that with your foundation. They’ve moved beyond those things now, so let’s introduce them to this foundation of everything, and let them take steps forward relying upon that. Daehaeng Kun Sunim once called this path “Walking on emptiness”, because you go forward relying upon this connection with all to guide us, even though we may not see the path for ourselves. Even though there is nothing fixed for us to grab with our thoughts.

Mind and Body

If you’re truly practicing, you won’t have to worry too much about your body.
Of course, if your body is sick, that shakes your mind and makes it harder to think clearly, but when you really have faith,
when you are really trying to practice,
then you know that pain and illness too came from your foundation,
so you just entrust it back there, understanding,
“You formed me. You’re what drags this body around,
so whether it’s a healthy body that travels around or not
is up to you. I’m not going to worry about it.”
You just entrust the whole thing there,
and get on with what you have to do.
This is how to practice without getting trapped and distracted by events.

One of the more interesting developments in Korean Buddhism was the presence, and respect for the monk Jajang. He was called Jajang Ulsa, or Jajang “the precept bringer.” When I first heard of him, I was a bit dubious, to be honest. I didn’t understand what the big deal was about someone who brought you a list of do’s and don’ts.

But as time when on and my own practice deepened (I hope!), I realized that the precepts weren’t simply things you should or shouldn’t do. They were reflections of the underlying nonduality of all phenomena, and simple, basic guidelines for moving in harmony with the whole, with the reality of how everything around us functions. When we can do that, everything in our life goes smoother. So learning to function more in tune with the whole, people found their lives improving. Everything went a bit smoother, and they experienced fewer disasters, and often those weren’t as bad as they could have been. That’s why they were so grateful to Master Jajang, because he showed them the basics for moving away from self-sabotaging behaviors.

Just the (seemingly) simple guidelines of don’t kill, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t engage in sexually inappropriate behavior, and avoid addicting intoxicants, made such a difference in the lives of people who didn’t know better, that they remembered him for centuries. How much more of a blessing will the further teachings about our foundation and inherent nonduality be?

(For what it’s worth, the simple reading of the precepts is the easiest for someone who’s caught up in those behaviors to remember. Even if you don’t think carefully about them, by making an effort to follow them, you will consciously or unconsciously become more aware of their deeper nuance, “revere live, treat others as yourself, treat their body and yours with respect, strive to maintain clear states of consciousness.”)

May these great teachings spread without cease,
may this land be at peace and harmony for generation after generation,
may the great light of the Buddha-dharma fill all realms.

May all the virtue we have accumulated since time immemorial
help the entire world to be at peace,
may the great light of one mind shine brighter each day,
and may all beings far and wide encounter the Buddha’s teachings.

May all the virtue we have accumulated since time immemorial
comfort those still trapped in suffering,
may it help those striving for enlightenment,
and may it lead all beings, all together,
to true freedom.

Although the main text was in Hanmun, (Chinese-Korean characters,) there were some parts that seemed to be easy to express in terms in tune with Daehaeng Kun Sunim’s teachings.

Go ahead and try to recite these texts (below) a few times every day. See what happens if you recite them first thing in the morning, or as the very last thing you do before going to bed.

Treasures of one mind,
may we always be present with your great compassion
may we always be one with this great energy of one mind,
may we always put this into practice,
throughout all aspects of our life.

This text is very traditional in style, and we don’t have a Korean version done specifically by Daehaeng Kun Sunim. So, it doesn’t have the unifying focus on one mind that her Korean translations have. That said, it is still a good text. If you recite this sincerely, entrusting it inwardly, you certainly won’t go wrong! One of the things I particularly like about it, is that it encourages us to think about helping the world, others, and ourselves in more broad terms.

Again, this series will include only the English, because the original text itself is all Chinese characters.

Noon Blessing (상단축원) [ during ceremonies, this is chanted by one sunim ]

All Buddhas throughout all realms,
all the limitless treasure-beings of one mind,
all the infinite Dharma net that connects all things,
both living and dead,
Please remember your great compassionate vows,
Please be present here today,
Please hear these intentions and offer your help.

This is the conclusion of the Morning Prayer, recited everyday during the early morning ceremony (4am). One of the things I really like about this type of text is that even if we can’t yet do what it talks about, we are still orienting ourselves in that direction. We are telling ourselves, and all the lives that make up our bodies, that this is the direction we want to be heading. And, moreover, this is the direction we’re looking, and as I’ve said before, we go where we look.

May even the lowest insect evolve and reach the other shore.
May we throughout all time fulfill the roles of a Bodhisattva.
May we utterly, completely, thoroughly
attain the essence of the Buddha’s teachings.
May we all attain complete and ultimate wisdom.

Namu Shakyamuni Buddha,
Namu Shakyamuni Buddha,
Namu Shakyamuni Buddha

꿈틀거리는 미물까지 피안으로 올라오게 하시고
세세생생 언제든지 보살도를 행하며
구경에는 일체 종지 다 이루고
큰 지혜 완성하여지이다      

나무 석가모니불 나무 석가모니불
나무 시아본사 석가모니불