Transcendent Radiance: Sandokai–Day Three

SUZUKI ROSHI

The spiritual source shines clear in the light; The branching streams flow on in the dark. Grasping at things is surely delusion; According with sameness is still not enlightenment.

MAEZUMI ROSHI

The subtle source is clear and bright; the tributary streams flow through the darkness. To be attached to things is illusion; to encounter the absolute is not yet enlightenment. 

SENSEI COMMENTARY

TRANSCENDENT RADIANCE

Here, we are reminded of the inherent brilliance of the spiritual source, which shines with clarity in the light of Buddha Nature. The essence of reality, the very nature of what is, is always present before us. However, our conditioned minds, steeped in conceptual frameworks and intellectual constructs, often prevent us from directly perceiving this luminosity.

The brilliance of the spiritual source is ineffable, defying our attempts to grasp it through intellection. It transcends language and concepts, existing as a monolithic presence that eludes definition. Our misguided reliance on knowing blinds us to the radiant light that permeates everything.

To truly perceive the spiritual source, we must let go of our attachment to conceptual frameworks and surrender to the direct experience of our True Nature. It is a shift from intellectual comprehension to a deeper, intuitive Oneness. The conceptual analogues we encounter are not meant to be dwellings for our attention; they are mere pointers, guiding us towards the our true home.

When we free ourselves from the delusions born out of conceptual fixation, we open ourselves to the flowing streams that branch out in the dark. These streams represent the multitude of manifestations and expressions of the spiritual source as things. They move and intertwine, carrying the essence of this nature everywhere.

Bearing witness to the dark, the unknown, we acknowledge that the spiritual source flows on without our comprehension. It is a call to remain humble and open, recognizing that our understanding can never capture the full depth and breadth of reality.

Understanding the ubiquitous presence of this Unity is not awakening. It must be opened to and experienced directly. We have to taste the wine directly to truly savor it. In this place the taster and tasted merge and there is pure joy. Awaken to this!

Previous
Previous

Obedience to Reality – A Path to True Freedom

Next
Next

The Addiction to Self