To spit or to bow

By Staff

Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 17:45

Philip Kapleau and Professor Phillips on the arrival to Ryutakuji Monastery were shown around the place by Abbot Soen Nakagawa. They were both impressed and influenced by the tales of ancient Chinese masters who even went to the extent of destroying sacred texts and Buddha images to free themselves from the shackles of attachments.

The two visitors were both surprised and disturbed as they were led into a ceremonial hall housing the statue of the temple's founder, Hakuin Zenji. To their further bewilderment , the Roshi invited them to pay their respects to the statue by owing and burning incense. On finding Nakagawa bow before the image the visitors burst out : " The ancient Chinese masters bowed or spat on Buddha statues! Why do you bow?"

The Roshi replied : "If you want to spit you spit, I prefer to bow"