31 December 2012

Contemplation: Not Tired of Giving

After reviewing the guidelines for practice, take the following as your object of contemplation:

I always expound the Dharma.
I do nothing else.
I am not tired of expounding the Dharma
While I go or come or sit or stand.
I expound the Dharma to all living beings
Just as the rain waters all the earth.

I am not tired of giving
The rain of the Dharma to all living beings.
I have no partiality for them,
Whether they are noble or mean,
Whether they observe or violate the precepts,
Whether they live a monastic life or not,
Whether they have right or wrong views,
Whether they are clever or dull.

Lotus Sutra (trans. Murano),  p. 111.
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6 comments:

  1. UnknownDecember 31, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    Jikan, a great contemplation with which to start the New Year. Thanks. I attended a talk last year with Dr. Gene Reeves on the imagery of flowers and plants in the Lotus Sutra. The imagery and metaphor of plants, flowers, soil and rain is such a good illustrator of one's own Bodhisattva path.

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    1. UnknownDecember 31, 2012 at 6:02 PM

      Hi Michael,

      I thought so too! Thanks for the scoop on Dr. Reeves' lectures; his work on the Lotus Sutra, particularly as he's finding new ways to open this text to a wider and wider audience, is truly something to celebrate.

      All the best,
      Jikan

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    I really love this quote. Unfortunately, I don't have this particular translation of the text. I have looked but can't seem to find this passage in my own. Can you be so kind as to reference the chapter and the speaker?

    Thanks,
    Neo

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  3. UnknownJanuary 10, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    Hi Neo,

    It's in Chapter Five, about two thirds of the way in. Buddha Shakyamuni is speaking (I should have indicated that in the text, my apologies...)

    All the best,
    Jikan

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2013 at 5:37 PM

    Jikan,

    I just found it. In a way, Murano's translation seems much clearer. He really makes Buddha Shakyamuni's words stand out. It's interesting that I didn't notice that passage before when I read my copy of the Lotus Sutra. Thanks for posting it!

    blessings,
    Neo

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  5. UnknownJanuary 14, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    Hi Neo,

    I agree, the Murano translation is clearer in places. The BDK translation is probably the most accurate in the bibliographic sense. The Reeves translation is the most popular among our sangha members because many find it accessible and contemporary. Which one to use? I suppose it depends on what you value and what you need.

    All the best,
    Jikan

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