JULY 4th,
2013
Dear
Dharma Friends,
Thirty-seven
years ago today, on July 4th, 1976, Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-Ji (DBZ)
was dedicated. It was the Bicentennial Anniversary Day of the Declaration of Independence
of the United States of America. Also, three years ago today, I submitted my
resignation as Chairman of the Board of the Zen Studies Society, after being in
America, for just 50 years. Thus, today is the most appropriate day, for me to
share, with you, where Aiho and I stand, and my deep concern for the entire
Sangha.
As
you are well aware, my teacher Soen Roshi selected me to continue the
transmission of Buddha Dharma to the West. Without, over a half a century’s
struggle, of Ven. Nyogen Senzaki in America and his firm trust and friendship
with Soen Roshi, the idea of establishment of an international zendo, could not
even be imagined nor realized. Our treasures are the Dharma Legacy and our
Zazen Practice. If these treasures are not respected, or forgotten, we will not
requite our spiritual debts to the Buddhas and Patriarchs, of our Dharma
lineage.
With
regard to the Dharma Teachings, nothing must interfere with the flow of the
Dharma. The word Sangha means harmonious togetherness. Master Hakuin in the Rohatsu Exhortations wrote, “When the Master
and the Sangha are not in harmony, the great Dharma does not flow.” This
includes the Zen Studies Society Board members (ZSSB) who may not understand
the impact of their actions, and the central importance of our Dharma Legacy at
NYZ and DBZ.
Since
our retirement, there have been a number of actions taken by the ZSSB, which have
influenced and altered our lives. One of which, includes the violation of our
retirement pension agreement with the stopping of all payments after August
2012. Without receiving any response from the ZSSB for their actions, we had no
other choice but to initiate a civil suit four months later. In May 2013, the
ZSSB made an offer to enter into non-binding arbitration, if we placed our
lawsuit on hold. We accepted this offer. Thus far, the choice of a mediator to
provide an alternative resolution to our dispute is still pending.
When
I retired, it was my intention to continue my work for the Dharma by
translating the precious foundational letters of Soen Roshi and Nyogen Senzaki.
Under the current circumstances, I have resolved to continue my commitment to
our Dharma legacy, by starting the translations now, with the help of Sangha
volunteers. It is my intention to encourage everyone to do Zazen practice in
every way you can, and have the clarity of mindfulness, to encourage others to
do the same.
Shakyamuni
Buddha said “Atta Dipa,” meaning you are the light itself. Only when you
practice Zane, can you understand what he meant. Only when we do more Zazen,
will you understand the importance of Dharma Legacy for this generation as well
as for generations to come.
Without
Zazen Practice in our tradition, there is no Sangha. Without the Sangha, the
Dharma Legacy dies. You are the Sangha. You are the light. “Do not rely on anything
other than the Dharma.”
Please
keep well.
Gassho,
Eido
