SO TO ZEN - Shasta Abbey

The Origin and Development of Zen 25to the south of Canton about 470 C.E. He later went to Lo-yang(J. Rakuy‡), the capital, and settled in the Shao-lin (J. Sh‡rin)Temple located on Mt. Sung (J. S‰) where he practiced uninterruptedmeditation. This period in his life is generally calledÒthe nine years of wall gazingÓ (J. mempeki kunen). DarumaÕsteachings are collectively known as ÒThe Two Entrances andFour DeedsÓ (J. Niny‰ Shigy‡). ÒThe Two EntrancesÓ are:l) the entrance into Buddhism through reason or understanding(J. riny‰) and 2) the entrance into Buddhism through deeds(J. gy‡ny‰). Entrance through reason is the term applied to therealization that we have the same heart as that of the Buddha.We may attain this knowledge through the guidance of a goodteacher. The entrance into Buddhism through deeds is the nameapplied to the realization in practice that all beings have theBuddha Heart. This realization is nothing other than what weexperience in serene reflection meditation and in our daily life.The essence of DarumaÕs teaching is the enlightenment andpractice which arise from the knowledge of the existence of theBuddha Heart. The Buddha Heart is revealed in the wisdom ofenlightenment and the practice of serene reflection meditation.Daruma transmitted the Truth to Hui-kÕo (J. Eka), who in turnpassed it on to Seng-ts’an (J. S‡san). From Daruma to Sengts’anthe Transmission was direct from master to a singledisciple. They practiced the twelve dhutas (J. zuda-gy‡, asceticexercises), lived contentedly in poverty with no fixed residence