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Truth is under your feet

Japanese Monk Master Dogen Zenji (1200-1253) said "Originally, the Way(truth) is complete and universal. But if you use your wisdom and try to understand it, you will lose your mind in confusion. Therefore learn to withdraw, turning the light inwards, illuminating the Self."

I think he wanted to tell us that if we run after the truth using our own wisdom, it would not be possible for us to reach. But If we cease to use our minds at all(samatha), and see things as they really are(vipasyana), there is nothing hidden and the truth is just beneath our feet

The Japan and China / South Korea's argument over history issues have become a mess. I think to confess and repent from history does not mean to deny or rewrite history but let history itself speak the truth. And we have to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. If we adopt or reject parts of the past, we may not see the truth.

Love your enemies

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus Christ said "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." (Mat5:17-18)

He also said "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Mat5:38-44)

While God in the Old Testament was jealous as he burned and massacred not only pagans but also Jews who sinned against him, Jesus did not deny but fulfilled and made such Jewish religion into a religion which reliefs all people, irrespective of their race, through his crucifixion.

A reflection of Japan to save the world

If We Japanese can produce such fruit which has power to resolve not only the issues of dominium of Takeshima Island and Senkaku Islands, but also relationship issues of North and South Korea, Taiwan and mainland China, even the Middle East Conflict in keeping with our repentance, China, together with Korea and other neighboring countries may accept Japanese visiting the Yasukuni shrine.　 Eko-an-Hensho-koji (2005/05/27)

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turning the light inwards, illuminating the Self

『Therefore, cease studying words and following letters. Learn to withdraw, turning the light inwards, illuminating the Self. (Doing so), your body and mind will drop off naturally, and original-Self will manifest. If you wish to attain suchness, practice suchness immediately. 』－－(Fukan-zazengi:Translated by Shohaku Okumura)

A monk asked "How is it that the grand master(Bodhidharma) came from India to China?"

Master answered "If he had some intent, he cannot relief himself."

The monk said "If he had no intent, how could the second grand master get the mind-seal?"

Master said "What he got was nothing."

The Monk said "If what he got was nothing, what does 'getting nothing' mean?

Master said "Because you run all the way round and can not rest, Grand master said 'you foolish man why do you shake your head and seek your head?' You should turn the light inwards, illuminate the Self immediately and do not seek anything else. If you then find yourself similar to Buddha and unharmed, you have already got it."---(Rinzairoku)

samatha vipasyana

Makashikan(Great Concentration and Insight)is one of three major texts of the Tendai Buddhism.

In the genuine practice of entering Nirvana, apparently there are a multitude of roads. But if we think about only the most vital necessities, two methods stand out. The first, Samatha, quiets one's evil passions, and the second, Vipasyana, further leads one to deny unwholesome desires. When Samatha (stopping) results in one's winning entry into Dhyana-Samadhi (meditation trance), then Vipasyana (insight) becomes the foundation of Prajna (wisdom). When both Samatha and Vipasyana are successfully practiced, the meditator enters Samadhi and receives Prajna. In that state, the Dharma's altruistic goal of helping both self and others is fully completed.

(http://www.tendai-lotus.org/teachings/shinkan-printing.htm)

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(Philippians4:6-7 KJV)

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.(Matthew3:8)