Not long after Ajari Tanaka moved back to Tokyo in 1999, after his twelve year stay in Vermont, he was awarded a post at Waseda University. Waseda is a very large and prestigious institution of higher learning and Ajari's position was in a vibrant continuing education division that serves all kinds of students, but especially older folks who have retired from busy lives in business and raising families. These students want to reignite learning and enrich their lives now that their obligation to family and society are fulfilled.
Naturally, Ajari Tanaka teaches on Buddhist topics exclusively. Since the very beginning of his tenure at Waseda, Ajari has regularly devoted many semesters to teaching his university students about the Dhammapada, one of Buddhism most fundamental texts. Far from his own tradition and training in Japan's quintessential esoteric, tantric tradition, this effort on the part of Ajari Tanaka reflects his deeply held feeling that the orignal teachings of Shakamuni are of central importance to all students of Dharma.
Below are a collection of excerpts from a high quality English language version of the Dhammapada. Though there are many wonderful translations of this core Buddhist text the one in use here is translated by Gil Fronsdal published by Shambhala Publications Inc. in 2008.
Enjoy...
One who recites but a few teachings
Yet lives according to the Dharma,
Abandoning passion, ill will, and delusion,
Aware and with mind well freed,
Not clinging in this life or the next,
Attains the benefits of the contemplative life.
From the chapter entitled "Dichotomies", p. 7
Absorbed in meditation, persevering,
Always steadfast,
The wise touch Nirvana,
The ultimate rest from toil.
From the chapter entitled "Vigilance", p. 8
The restless, agitated mind,
Hard to protect, hard to control,
The sage makes straight,
As a fletcher the shaft of an arrow.
From the chapter entitled "The Mind", p. 11
Do not consider the faults of others,
Or what they have or haven't done.
Consider rather
What you yourself have or haven't done.
From the chapter entitled "Flowers" p. 15
The way to material gain is one thing,
The path to Nirvana another.
Knowing this, a monk who is the Buddha's disciple
Should not delight in being venerated,
But cultivate solitude instead.
From the chapter entitled "The Fool", p. 19
Virtuous people always let go.
They don't prattle about pleasures and desires.
Touched by happiness and then suffering,
The sage shows no sign of being elated or depressed.
From the chapter entitled "The Sage" p. 21
Calm in mind, speech, and action
And released through right understanding,
Such a person
Is fully at peace.
From the chapter entitled "The Arahant", p. 24
Though Ajari Tanaka has not specifically taught much on the Dhammapada here in Vermont, his focus with us has been to plant firmly the teachings of Shingon practice. Despite that, some of his students have undertaken the study of the Dhammapada in its various English translations. The more our familiarity grows with the view, priorities and guidance in the Dhammapada the more clearly we see our own teacher. Ajari's behavior, demeanor and personality are all wonderfully reflected in the text's passages. The utter simplicity, the crystal clear sanity, the genuine openness and quiet strength that the Dhammapada projects are all effortlessly manifested by Ajari Tanaka. As the years of training with Ajari Tanaka pile up, our gratitude for who he is, how he's trained us and what he has shared only magnifies.
The restless, agitated mind,
Hard to protect, hard to control,
The sage makes straight,
As a fletcher the shaft of an arrow.
From the chapter entitled "The Mind", p. 11
Do not consider the faults of others,
Or what they have or haven't done.
Consider rather
What you yourself have or haven't done.
From the chapter entitled "Flowers" p. 15
The way to material gain is one thing,
The path to Nirvana another.
Knowing this, a monk who is the Buddha's disciple
Should not delight in being venerated,
But cultivate solitude instead.
From the chapter entitled "The Fool", p. 19
Virtuous people always let go.
They don't prattle about pleasures and desires.
Touched by happiness and then suffering,
The sage shows no sign of being elated or depressed.
From the chapter entitled "The Sage" p. 21
Calm in mind, speech, and action
And released through right understanding,
Such a person
Is fully at peace.
From the chapter entitled "The Arahant", p. 24
Though Ajari Tanaka has not specifically taught much on the Dhammapada here in Vermont, his focus with us has been to plant firmly the teachings of Shingon practice. Despite that, some of his students have undertaken the study of the Dhammapada in its various English translations. The more our familiarity grows with the view, priorities and guidance in the Dhammapada the more clearly we see our own teacher. Ajari's behavior, demeanor and personality are all wonderfully reflected in the text's passages. The utter simplicity, the crystal clear sanity, the genuine openness and quiet strength that the Dhammapada projects are all effortlessly manifested by Ajari Tanaka. As the years of training with Ajari Tanaka pile up, our gratitude for who he is, how he's trained us and what he has shared only magnifies.
We all hope that many more interested students get to experience what we have and please know you are all welcome...
No comments:
Post a Comment