The Vessel and Its Contents

Portland Buddhist Priory Posted on by

(To view the March 2019 newsletter where this was first published click here.)

Rev. Master Haryo Young

(This is based on a transcription of a talk given at the Lay Ministers’ retreat at Shasta Abbey in 2017 and was recently published in the Journal of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives.)

[Rev. Master Haryo asks] “Would someone get me some water, please?” [A glass of water is brought]. “Hmm… I asked for just water, not a glass as well. Please give me just the water – in my hand.” (Water is poured into Rev. Master Haryo’s open hand, spilling onto the floor). “Oh dear, we are losing most of it, let me give you some back.” [Most is gone, there is little to pass back. After a quick cleaning up, the talk continues.]

Now that I’ve got your attention, Continue reading →

I Am Not the Buddha And …

Portland Buddhist Priory Posted on by

(To view the February 2019 newsletter where this was first published click here.)

In an early Journal of Shasta Abbey (before it was the Journal of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives) Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett published an article called  “How to Find Kanzeon in Hell”. In it, she says “I am not the Cosmic Buddha and, there is nothing in me that is not of the Cosmic Buddha.” At other times she would say “I am not God, and there is nothing in me that is not of God”.

Only a very few of us might think to ourselves “I am God!” (fewer still might actually say that out loud), so how would this apply to us? While I want Continue reading →

Working With Ideals

Portland Buddhist Priory Posted on by

(To view the January 2019 newsletter where this was first published click here.)

Sambo Kojin’s name means fierce protector of the Three Treasure and he guards the temple and those who practice within. (This image is above the priory front door)

Around Christmas, I was listening to the radio and a story came on about a classical violist, Betty Hauck, who went through the experience of losing a significant part of her hearing. The story itself was interesting and moving and I would recommend listening, if you have the time. But in it, she said something that caught my attention and I want to talk about that. Continue reading →