Vows in Action: A Modern Triumvirate of Soto-Zen Masters
“When we become Buddhists, we first make repentance and take refuge in the Three Treasures of Buddhism: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. These refuges are the first three of the sixteen precepts we receive in the Japanese Soto Zen tradition established by Dogen Zenji. Without these three there is is no Buddhism. Without these three there is no bodhisattva, one who lives by vow instead of by karma. Karma means habit, preferences, ready-made systems of values. Vow is like a magnet that shows us the direction toward Buddha. Living by Vow changes how we inhabit ourselves as we walk.”
— Shohaku Okumura Roshi
How to Make Your Own Personal Vow. (PDF)
Soto-Zen Masters Lineage Chart (PDF)
Photo of Dainin Katagiri Roshi
Specific questions for Gail to address can be submitted here.
First Talk: Living by Vow
To live by vow is not to accept a particular fixed doctrine but is a natural expression of our life force.
Date/Time: April 17, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Second Talk: Living by Vow
Because of the continuous practice of all buddhas in the past, present and future, all buddhas in the past, present and future are actualized . . . Therefore, the continuous practice of one day is nothing other than the seed of all buddhas and [is itself] the continuous practice of all buddhas.
Date/Time: April 24, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Third Talk: Living by Vow
Buddha-nature is the fire of the life force that enables us to aspire to be better persons, to be more helpful and to practice the Way.
Date/Time: May 1, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Fourth Talk: Kodo Sawaki Roshi
All of Buddhism is but a footnote to zazen.
Date/Time: May 8, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Fifth Talk: Kodo Sawaki Roshi
The true mind of every sentient being itself teaches and leads each sentient being. This is the vow of Buddha.
Date/Time: May 15, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Sixth Talk: Kosho Uchiyama Roshi
The zazen of opening the hand of thought is what constitutes our true teacher and is most worthy of respect.
Date/Time: May 22, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Seventh Talk: Kosho Uchiyama Roshi
The true mind of sentient beings—that is, universal self—itself is vow.
Date/Time: May 29, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Eighth Talk: Shohaku Okumura Roshi
Our thoughts are the same as clouds. Above the clouds of thoughts, Buddha’s wisdom and compassion are shining like the sun in a clear blue sky.
Date/Time: June 5, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Ninth Talk: Shohaku Okumura Roshi
‘Living by vow’ means the person and the vow are one. Our life is itself a vow.
Date/Time: June 12, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Tenth Talk: Ryokan
Only thing / the thief left behind— / moon in my window
Date/Time: June 19, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Eleventh Talk: Dainin Katagiri Roshi
The opportunity to experience real silence occurs when we have been driven into a corner and simply cannot move an inch. It only takes transcending desire to turn despair at being cornered into real silence, Buddha silence, the total manifestation of our whole personality.
Date/Time: June 26, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes
Twelfth Talk: Dainin Katagiri Roshi
Just practice right here, now / And achieve continuity / Endlessly / Forever. / This is living in vow. / Herein is one’s peaceful life found.
Date/Time: July 3, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Duration: 60 minutes