Contemplation: To Help Sentient Beings

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

Those who are engaged in studying within the Shuryogon'in should not  be motivated by the prospect of fame or profit from the secular world, but should do so to help sentient beings, to benefit the nation, to encourage Buddhism, and to realize enlightenment.

from Ennin's "Rules for the Shuryogon'in", published in Paul Groner, Ryogen, p. 308

Tonight's Meditation Meeting Cancelled

Today's inclement weather offers an excellent opportunity to reflect on the teachings and practice meditation safely at home.

This evening's meeting for meditation at the UUCA is cancelled.  We look forward to seeing you Sunday morning for the sutra service.

Contemplation: Do Not Discriminate

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

When those of the Shuryogon'in are walking, standing, lying, or sitting, their minds should be in accord with the Dharma.  They should contemplate the true nature of phenomena (jisso) and not discriminate.  No other thoughts should enter their minds.

from Ennin's "Rules for the Shuryogon'in", published in Paul Groner, Ryogen, p. 308

Contemplation: Regardless of Rank

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

All those in the Shuryogon'in, no matter what their rank, shall regard each other as they might their parents, teachers, or siblings.  They shall not constantly point out each other's faults.

from Ennin's "Rules for the Shuryogon'in", published in Paul Groner, Ryogen, p. 307

Contemplation: Do At Least a Little Good

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

If you see spring flowers in the morning, you should think of the seven rows of [blossoming] trees [in the Pure Land]. When you hear the autumn wind in the evening, you should think of the rippling of the water in the Pure Land and its eight good qualities.  You should focus your mind on the setting sun as it sinks in the west.  If each day you intend to do at least a little good, then you shall surely be reborn there.  Even if you have committed the five heinous sins, you shall surely be reborn there.

Sanbo Ekotoba by Minamoto no Tamenori, quoted in Ryogen and Mount Hiei by Paul Groner, p. 178