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Thread: is Zen Zen without the Okesa?

  1. #1

    is Zen Zen without the Okesa?

    This is a question asked by Myozan and I ll do my best to answer.

    Today, there is pretty much everything you can imagine from the most Japanese like kind of way of practice to the plain ordinary sitting without any prop, statue or robe. And all the variations in between. You may have a peep at all Gudo s Dharma heirs and see for yourself how different they are, how their style of practice varies. Just sitting without a robe is as valid as with a robe, sitting with a robe does nt give anybody the right to pontify and disqualify those that don t wear these Buddhist rags. And, those we don t wear the robe and don t understand it should refrain from making statements about the robe. And students, whoever they are, can be humble and refrain from criticizing or praising the robe, putting their trust in a teacher, they follow her or his example and teaching, would he or she wear the robe, so should they, if the teacher doesn t, they should do the same.

    Now, the robe was first made and sewn in the old days when Shakyamuni first taught roaming the land. It has been given through generations as the robe of sitting, the bones and flesh of Buddha, the real thing, and sewing was the rule beore monk shops opened and the okesa in its modern form came about in Meiji era. All the great teachers of the past revered the robe, wore it and taught how to make it. Dogen was very good with the needle, I could see his needle work on a kesa exhibited in Kyoto two years ago, and Sawaki revived this tradition making the robe available to lay people, people receiving Jukai and not just to priests.

    Zen was transmitted to me first by Deshimaru roshi and his close students, and then by Mike Chodo Cross Dharma heir of Gudo and also pretty good with a needle, sewing was for all my teachers a very important activity and wearing the robe a natural expression of just sitting.

    A few years ago, Jundo knowing I was in Japan asked me to make sure that sewing could be taught, practiced and therefore I started to instruct people, we recorded videos and I wrote a short book about it. Jundo and I would like every person taking the Buddhist vows to sew their rakusu, a small form of the okesa, the big robe, as we both see that although the black and white robes are not necessary ( they are Chinese and Japanese additions), the robe should be kept and can perfectly wrap a sitter in shorts, pans, t- shirt or even naked...of course you may be part of this Sangha and not wear the robe, not do the precepts ceremony and that s perfectly OK. And if you come and start to question the robe, I would simply advise you to sit a good thirty years and sew before you do so. Because you simply dont know what you are talking about. People that start to sew for jukai are often reluctant to do so and very skeptikal about the whole process, a few weeks later they eyes open to a complete new reality.

    Here we practice following Sawaki s teachings about the robe.

    Zen is Zen. With or without the robe.


    And because I am a distant student of Dogen and Sawaki, Zen is wearing the robe, shaving my head and being caught by the still state.

    I hope this helps.


    Gassho


    Taigu
    Last edited by Taigu; 12-15-2012 at 01:24 AM.

  2. #2
    Yugen
    Guest
    Taigu, Thank you for this teaching.

    Deep bows,
    Yugen

  3. #3
    Thank you... I learned a lot sewing my Rakusu during this Ango, it opened my eyes during some hard times last couple of months... I can´t even explain how much I enjoyed the process... yet, I know that there is so much more to learn from sewing...

    Gassho
    Thank you for your practice

  4. #4
    Mp
    Guest
    This is wonderful Taigu ... I know for myself sewing the Rakusu has been a beautiful practice and hopefully one day have the opportunity to sew a Okesa.

    Thank you for this teaching.

    Gassho
    Michael

  5. #5
    Thank you Taigu.

    Gassho,
    Dosho

  6. #6
    So much gratitude, T.

    Gassho, Jundo
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  7. #7
    For me the robe says "This is not a day trip, this is all or nothing". Maybe that sounds extreme to some Zen sensibilities ..where there is nowhere to go, and nowhere to fall...and everything is "just ordinary". Even though that is true, at the same time, there is something at stake, and there is being swept away, and it can get bad, and this life is an opportunity. So there is also "practicing like your hair is on fire"... and there are people who know what that means. Wearing the robe represents that to me. It represents no choice. At 47 years old now, maybe that ship has already sailed . There was a lot of regret over not ordaining in my Forest sangha days... when I got married and took refuge at about the same time, and was torn. The patched robe is beautiful and true. It should not be washed away in "ordinary Zen" . Thank you Taigu.

    Gassho, kojip

  8. #8
    Taigu,
    This clears the clouds and opens the sky. Thank you to you and Jundo for your teachings. They have changed so many of us.
    Gassho
    Myozan

  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Myozan Kodo View Post
    Taigu,
    This clears the clouds and opens the sky. Thank you to you and Jundo for your teachings. They have changed so many of us.
    Gassho
    Myozan
    Oh, you are a master of understatement, Myozan!
    Last edited by Jundo; 12-15-2012 at 05:58 PM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  10. #10
    "People that start to sew for jukai are often reluctant to do so and very skeptikal about the whole process, a few weeks later they eyes open to a complete new reality." - Taigu

    This was a very true statement for me. Afterwards it all felt wide open as Myozan said.

    Gassho,

    Daido

  11. #11
    Nindo
    Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by Kojip View Post
    For me the robe says "This is not a day trip, this is all or nothing". Maybe that sounds extreme to some Zen sensibilities ..where there is nowhere to go, and nowhere to fall...and everything is "just ordinary". Even though that is true, at the same time, there is something at stake, and there is being swept away, and it can get bad, and this life is an opportunity. So there is also "practicing like your hair is on fire"... and there are people who know what that means. Wearing the robe represents that to me. It represents no choice. At 47 years old now, maybe that ship has already sailed . There was a lot of regret over not ordaining in my Forest sangha days... when I got married and took refuge at about the same time, and was torn. The patched robe is beautiful and true. It should not be washed away in "ordinary Zen" . Thank you Taigu.

    Gassho, kojip
    Deep bows, Kojip. No choice is exactly how I feel about it, too.

  12. #12
    I respect and revere the robe because traveling by foot and sleeping outdoors the buddha may not have survived without it and I would not be practicing the buddha way today.

  13. #13
    until I sewed the rakusu, I was a spectator.
    Hogen
    法眼

    #SatToday

  14. #14
    Thank you for sharing this teaching with us again and again!

    Deep bows

    Shohei

  15. #15
    Thank you Taigu for the clarity. Thank you Myozan for the curiosity.

    Gassho,

    Dokan
    We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.
    ~Anaïs Nin

  16. #16
    I am grateful to our teachers for holding the okesa at the core of this sangha. I am equally, if not more, grateful that it is a practice which is available to all of us. Through a couple of recent experiences, I have spoken with people who view the kesa (and even the rakusu) as a display of rank or attainment.

    In my humble view, the robe is neither earned nor freely given. As Taigu wrote, it is "a natural expression of just sitting."

    Gassho,
    Shujin

  17. #17
    I like how Taigu puts it.
    Zen is Zen, with or without the robe. I would never get the idea to question the robe - everyone must decide for themselves what they want and need.
    Although I cannot imagine to sew a rakusu at the moment, I really understand its value and meaning it has for others and I deeply respect it.

    Thanks for your teachings!

    Gassho,

    Timo
    no thing needs to be added

  18. #18
    Through a couple of recent experiences, I have spoken with people who view the kesa (and even the rakusu) as a display of rank or attainment.
    This is very unfortunate ad these people haven t met the real teaching of the Okesa, trapped in a vision inspired by the official Soto clergy, giving colors a ranking value from black, young priest to golden yellow, high ranking bishop. In the true school of the robe, the robe is just the robe of sitting, and can be on anybody s body, from destitutes and criminals to saints. A robe beyond discrimination. I always had a hard time to get this message across. The dye on the fabric is diminishing the value of the fabric, the patches are rags sewn together. Nothing fancyful.

    Gassho


    Taigu

  19. #19
    Thank you for this teaching Taigu.

    Gassho

    Willow

  20. #20

  21. #21
    Mp
    Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by Taigu View Post
    ... A robe beyond discrimination.
    I love this, thank you Taigu.

    Gassho
    Michael

  22. #22
    Thank you Taigu. I would like to sew a robe.
    Gassho.

    Sent from my BlackBerry 9790 using Tapatalk
    Heisoku 平 息
    Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home. (Basho)

  23. #23
    Thanks Taigu and Jundo for teaching another way to practice Zen. I also miss the stitch after stitch and reciting the refuges as we go along. Perhaps an Okesa is in my future.
    Gassho, Shawn Jakudo Hinton
    It all begins when we say, “I”. Everything that follows is illusion.
    "Even to speak the word Buddha is dragging in the mud soaking wet; Even to say the word Zen is a total embarrassment."
    寂道

  24. #24
    Heisoku,

    Please do do. I will ask shohei to open the sewing thread for you.

    Gassho

    Taigu

  25. #25
    Thank you Taigu. Gassho.
    Heisoku 平 息
    Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home. (Basho)

  26. #26
    Quote Originally Posted by Taigu View Post
    Heisoku,

    Please do do. I will ask shohei to open the sewing thread for you.

    Gassho

    Taigu
    Consider it done!

    Gassho
    Shohei

  27. #27
    Thank you, Shohei.


    gassho


    taigu

  28. #28
    I was very reluctant to sew my rakusu at the beginning. I had never ever sewn anything in my life so it was very difficult for me.

    My first three tries were horrible.

    Then I started to put the pieces together... and I got a horrible rakusu that I love.

    And things change inside.

    Now I am putting together a Kesa. With nothing in mind. I just do it.

    Thank you, Taigu.

    Gassho,

    Kyonin
    Hondō Kyōnin
    奔道 協忍

  29. #29
    Mp
    Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by Kyonin View Post
    I was very reluctant to sew my rakusu at the beginning. I had never ever sewn anything in my life so it was very difficult for me.

    My first three tries were horrible.

    Then I started to put the pieces together... and I got a horrible rakusu that I love.

    And things change inside.

    Now I am putting together a Kesa. With nothing in mind. I just do it.

    Thank you, Taigu.

    Gassho,

    Kyonin
    Thank you Kyōnin ... I too love this practice and look forward to the time when I can sew a Kesa.

    Gassho
    Michael

  30. #30
    Taigu, is there a pre-requisite or a certain time one should wait until sewing a Kesa?
    Gassho, Shawn.
    Gassho, Shawn Jakudo Hinton
    It all begins when we say, “I”. Everything that follows is illusion.
    "Even to speak the word Buddha is dragging in the mud soaking wet; Even to say the word Zen is a total embarrassment."
    寂道

  31. #31
    Yes and no Shawn.
    Please would you write to me and explain why you want to sew a kesa?
    Thatnwould be helpful.

    Gassho

    Taigu

  32. #32
    Kyonin,

    The way you describe the sewing process is very true and honest.

    Thank you for being with us and this beautiful bright pearl.


    Gassho


    Taigu

  33. #33
    Quote Originally Posted by Shohei View Post
    Consider it done!

    Gassho
    Shohei
    Thank you Shohei. Gasho.
    Heisoku 平 息
    Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home. (Basho)

  34. #34
    Hello,

    thanks for everybody's input (especially Taigu ), I'm about to make myself a nice cup of tea and will resume sewing a new O-Kesa in a second... Everybody's enthusiasm is really bringing home to me the beauty of this tradition. Many years ago I felt that it was all about perfectionism, since some people I had met didn't really radiate the warmth that many of you folks do...or maybe I just didn't see it at the time. Anyhow, since I am extremely clumsy (seriously, I am not fishing for compliments here), sewing the kesa is a sure way to show me that this way is never ending.

    Gassho and all the best,

    Hans Chudo Mongen

  35. #35
    Hans, that perfectionism is something I can really relate to. I have sometimes felt like there is virtue in being a "good" sewer, and as I sewed my okesa occasionally felt the enormous weight of believing that I was not good enough to be doing this.

    It came to a real head when I was almost done with it. I was cutting the thread after sewing on the last joro. My scissors slipped and I cut the fabric of the okesa. I was absolutely horrified. For the next couple nights I lay in bed before falling asleep replaying it in my head, imagining the small movement that would have avoided the whole thing, wishing for a way to undo that
    moment. When it was time to meet with my teacher, I unwrapped the okesa and showed her what I had done, feeling really nervous. Her reaction was amazing to me - she looked at it, and with absolutely no judgement began helping me to repair it.

    I learned so much from that episode. I'm really glad I made that mistake - without it I would have suffered under that particular misunderstanding for much longer. The okesa is something different than I had thought. It doesn't rely on my skill as a sewer, and it's not vulnerable to my mistakes.

    Thank you all for reading my confessions

  36. #36
    Thank you Taigu. Deep bows.

    Gassho, Genki


    Björn

  37. #37
    Thank you Taigu.

    Gassho
    If I'm already enlightened why the hell is this so hard?

  38. #38
    This is an old thread, but the message is good.

    Yes, here we sew a Rakusu for those undertaking Jukai.

    Sometimes I wear a Kesa, sometimes I wear a Rakusu, sometimes I do not ... but it is always present and covering all even if not seen with the eye. (The dark underrobes are just old Chinese clothing, but I wear them to honor Tradition when the time is right). This Saturday, our monthly long Zazenkai, I will wear full underrobes and Kesa. Other days, I may sit with no visible Kesa or Rakusu at all ... perhaps in a t-shirt on the beach ... but it is always present. We chant ...

    Robe of Liberation boundless
    Field beyond both form and formless
    Wearing the Tathagatha’s Teachings
    Vowing to save all sentient beings


    Gassho, Jundo
    Last edited by Jundo; 06-06-2014 at 01:36 AM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  39. #39
    Member Roland's Avatar
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    Mar 2014
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    Brussels and Antwerp, Belgium
    Thank you for this thread. I must admit that I feel a bit afraid of sewing and the whole robe thing. Primarily because I'm clumsy and impatient. Also because I had associations with hierarchical clergy which made me think of oppressive religious institutions - even though I also knew on a rational basis that this was totally not what Zen is about. Before reading this thread I already thought about having a closer look at it. Maybe it's not that horribly difficult. Maybe it's not about becoming an award-winning fashionista in Zen regalia. Now, after reading this trhead, I do know I will have a close look at it.
    Thank you so much.

    Gassho

    Roland

  40. #40
    Quote Originally Posted by Roland View Post
    Thank you for this thread. I must admit that I feel a bit afraid of sewing and the whole robe thing. Primarily because I'm clumsy and impatient. Also because I had associations with hierarchical clergy which made me think of oppressive religious institutions - even though I also knew on a rational basis that this was totally not what Zen is about. Before reading this thread I already thought about having a closer look at it. Maybe it's not that horribly difficult. Maybe it's not about becoming an award-winning fashionista in Zen regalia. Now, after reading this trhead, I do know I will have a close look at it.
    Thank you so much.

    Gassho

    Roland
    Roland, I certainly encourage you to have a close look at sewing the Rakusu. Be not afraid of clumsiness or impatience. The process is hard and easy all rolled up into one experience. I am not a person that sews but I did sew my Rakusu; with cloth, thread, needle, and guidance I began one stich at a time, one breath at a time until it was finished. I was reluctant to do the Jukai because of the sewing but I am glad that I did.

    Gassho,
    Heishu


    “Blessed are the flexible, for they never get bent out of shape." Author Unknown

  41. #41
    Hi Roland,

    Just take a look at what I wrote above in this thread...
    And then about one year later I sewed a rakusu. I did not think much about it, but when the time came it just felt like "the thing to do".
    After all sewing and sitting zazen are actually the same.

    Gassho,

    Daitetsu
    no thing needs to be added

  42. #42
    Joyo
    Guest
    Oh what sewing my rakusu taught me, I could write a book about that one. Maybe someday I will.

    Thank you for this teaching, Taigu.

    Gassho,
    Joyo

  43. #43

  44. #44
    Hi Roland,

    It's hard to say what sewing has taught me.

    Gassho, Jishin

  45. #45
    Mp
    Guest
    Sewing has taught me that each stitch is like each moment in life ... some good, some bad ... but all beautiful and wonderful just as it is. =)

    Gassho
    Shingen

  46. #46
    Sewing a rakusu taught me that even though sewing is beyond good and bad, I'm kind of a bad sewer.
    If I'm already enlightened why the hell is this so hard?

  47. #47
    I'm going to try and read every thread opened by Taigu on this forum. I find the teaching very valuable and of great depth


    Gassho
    Sam
    Last edited by shikantazen; 06-07-2014 at 02:52 AM.

  48. #48
    Dear Friends
    First of all, thanks a lot Taigu and Jundo sensei for all these important teachings.
    I remember that I made my rakusu with other 5 or 6 sangha members and almost all the time under the attentive look of our sensei, a Soto priest, and 2 or 3 old disciples, candidates to be monks. Even with all that attention many times I must undoing some parts of the sewing, when our sensei considered that the product was not as expected. Many times I hated the process but now I am aware that it was the way to do that, and was a great joy when at the end of the process the sensei assigned me a so significant dharma name and put in the reakusu with her stamp.
    I really admire the situation of most of the sangha that could sew their rakusus or kesas on an individual basis and with on distance assistance. I think is a huge achievement which talks clearly about the motivation and enthusiasm of our sangha members.

    Gassho
    Senryu
    Please forgive any mistake in my writing. Like in Zen, in English I am only a beginner.

  49. #49
    Taigu,
    Thank you for your teaching. I struggled with the Rakusu but learned so much about myself. But mainly, and most importantly, I learned stitch, and then stitch, and then stitch.

    Gassho, Entai

    泰 Entai (Bill)
    "this is not a dress rehearsal"

  50. #50
    Beautifully put, Entai.

    deep bows.

    Taigu

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