Peter Horiki gives a teaching at the temple on Bodhisattva Shishobo.

On Thursday, 16 October at 11:30 a.m. during Gyoji (daily life), Peter Horiki gave a teaching and a moment of exchange to the temple residents. Recently, Peter spoke to us about Bodhisattva Shishobo, The Four Beneficial Actions or Practices of the Bodhisattva (Shobogenzo by Dogen), or how to practise compassion with others through giving (fuse), kind words (Aigo), kind actions (Rigyo) and cooperation or harmonisation with all things (Doji).

Giving (fuse) is a very important aspect of our practice. According to Dogen, giving means not coveting, not coveting means not being greedy, and not being greedy means not flattering others. True giving is free, devoid of any expectation of reward or thanks, of any search for glory, gain, advantage or popularity. True giving is without ulterior motives.

Giving is letting go, releasing our harmful tendencies and returning to the present moment, as it is; it is zazen.

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