A-ha!

A-ha!

It happened to Chiyono. Carrying water in her bucket she admired the silent splendor of the reflecting full moon।

And then, the bottom fell out, the water was gone, the moon disappeared। Chiyono, it is said, became enlightened:

She realized herself to be a hollow bamboo, A flute on the lips of the infinite: An empty bucket।

Finding God, Enlightment, had been Chiyono's life ambition. She wanted to become a monk, a meditator, devoting herself to the search. Because of her physical beauty she was rejected by many monasteries. She burned and scarred her beautiful face।

With her head shaved, disguised as a man she entered the monastery. Only at night, alone, washing herself, her secret was revealed. For years she lived a simple life of meditation.

This way and that way

I tried to keep the pail of water together,

hoping the weak bamboos

would never break

But suddenly the bottom fell out:

no more water-

no more moon in the water

and emptiness in my hand!

The Butterfly Affect

THE BUTTERFLY AFFECT

Small differences in initial conditions can have a dramatic impact on people's lives -- yours and others -- in the now, in the future. In fact, you are creating that future through the decisions that you make (or don't make) at every moment. Each moment, every decision plays an essential role in creating your reality. Choose wisely. Realize the gift you have been given, no matter your circumstances, and to let it form a foundation of gratitude and compassion. In the end, no man is an island. Everything is truly inter-connected.

• Know yourself.
  
• Be yourself.
  
• Help yourself.
  
• Help others.
  

This is our human calling.

_/\_ Namaste, Gassho.

DAITO ZENEI