Realizing Our True Nature - Q & A with Taizan Maezumi Roshi

　　Questions and Answers with Taizan Maezumi Roshi

　　Q: Roshi, what do we mean by one”s "true nature

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　　A: Let us think about what one”s "true nature" means. In our case, practicing together, we may say it is a synonym of "Buddha nature." And this "Buddha nature" or "true nature" of oneself is explained using such terms as: "original self," "original face" or "Mind;" sometimes as "Muji," "the cypress tree in the garden," "thusness" or "reality;" each according to the context of the doctrine or the teachings.

　　When we consider this true nature as the Buddha nature, it will clarify our understanding to observe the Buddha nature from three different standpoints: The first one is called ”Shoin Ryoin”, the Buddha nature inherent in all beings, whether enlightened or not, The next one is ”Ryoin Bussho”, the Buddha nature which is manifested when one begins to practice the Dharma. And the last one is ”Enin Bussho”, the Buddha nature of one who has attained enlightenment.

　　Making a simple analogy, the ”Shoin Ryoin” is like gold which is in the ground. Regardless of whether or not people realize it, there is gold underground. The second one,”Ryoin Bussho”, is the Buddha nature by virtue of which we are able to recognize where and how to extract the gold. The third one, ”Enin Bussho”, is like whatever tools you use to take the gold out and get it into your hands.

　　Q: Can everyone realize this "true nature

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　　A: In connection with this analogy, we may understand that all of us have the Buddha nature, or rather, we are nothing but the Buddha nature. Yet, if we don”t become aware that we already have the gold in our hands, we cannot be satisfied until we do have it. In order to have it, we have to do something to get it. If anyone wants to have gold in his hands without making any effort to get it, he simply can”t have it. In order to realize one”s Buddha nature, if one doesn”t do anything in order to realize it, it will be impossible to have it. On the contrary, if someone really wishes to do it, s/he will get it done sooner or later.

　　Q: How is it that some people won”t realize it

　　A: Using the analogy, everybody knows that gold is someplace in the ground; in some places there is gold, and in other places there is not. If we dig in the wrong place, it”s in vain, regardless of how hard we try. So in order to realize this Buddha nature, we have to have the right means and the right direction in which to pursue our efforts to find the gold.

　　Q: What would be the right direction

　　A: Let”s reflect upon the words of Dogen Zenji: "It is not a matter of being smart or dull, well-learned or foolish, but if one practices wholeheartedly to find out what the Way is, that is nothing but the accomplishment of the Way."

　　The point is this: straight-forward whole-heartedness in accord with one”s practice. These famous words of Dogen Zenji, "Isshiki ino bendo" , mean "To practice the Way with whole-heartedness," or "To become one with whatever you do." In other words, ”to become one is the key. When you really become one with whatever you do, that is the realization of the Way”

　　So that whether everyone realizes his true nature or not is dependent on the inpidual. Even being lazy and not doing anything still is nothing but the Buddha nature. That is to say, one has gold and yet he does not think so. So he simply does not realize his own nature.

　　There is a famous analogy by the Buddha: A very poor man had a friend who was very rich. One time they met together, had a few drinks, and eventually the poor man fell asleep. Looking at this poor man, the rich man felt sorry for him, and, without letting him know, slipped a precious jewel into his garment. After parting from his rich friend, the poor ma…

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