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THE VOW OF THE 'TEN FOOTSTEPS'
USED BY 'TRUE FOLLOWERS'
OF CH'AN TAO CHIA
I will have compassion
for all sentient beings;
and will not cause needless hurt
or unnecessary harm.
Through my training,
I will seek enlightenment,
the distinction between right and wrong,
liberation from delusion
and the malevolent influences of
greed, jealousy and rage.
I will seek
to transcend unnecessary dichotomy,
and learn to accept that differences
are often an attitude of mind.
I accept
that of greater value
than the accumulation of goods,
are justice and creativity,
right motive and action, and essentiality,
love and peace, and the freedom to grow.
I will act
with honour,
without contriving for self-advantage
or egotistical effort,
false pride or humility.
I will try to live my life
so as not to give cause
for later regrets.
I will help
those who are suffering,
or disadvantaged,
and those who seek liberation
or enlightenment.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die . . .
A Drop of Water
A Zen master named Gisan asked a young student to bring him a pail of water to cool his bath.
The student brought the water and, after cooling the bath, threw on to the ground the little that was left over.
"You dunce!" the master scolded him. "Why didn't you give the rest of the water to the plants? What right have you to waste even a drop of water in this temple?"
The young student attained Zen in that instant. He changed his name to Tekisui, which means a drop of water.
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