A Storehouse of Treasures

‘A storehouse of treasures opens of itself. You may take them and use them any way you wish.

~ Eihei Dogen, PZI Miscellaneous Koans

Entering this season of giving thanks, of harvest complete and approaching equinox, we can express gratitude in a couple of important ways. One way may arise from distinction. For example,

my family nightly says the simple mealtime prayer: ‘Some have nothing, we have this food. Some have no one, we have each other.’ This acknowledgement that others may be less fortunate than ourselves is a wonderful spirit, the bodhisattva spirit of gratitude.

But more deeply, and perhaps with greater satisfaction, is an expression of gratitude without distinction: Their need is my need; my blessings are their blessings. In fact, even saying ‘them’ and ‘us’ is far too much. This is the buddha spirit, one of gratitude without measure. From the very beginning, the storehouse of treasures was open to all, no matter what their circumstances.

Please pass the cranberry sauce.

Let’s pass the sauce at the Camp this Monday night!