Faith in Extremity

This evening called me to my bookcase. I took a book off the shelf and opened it at random. This is what I found.

It is written in the Scriptures that one should enter Buddhism through faith. But this does not apply only to Buddhism; all religions begin and end with faith.

From Soto Zen, by Keido Chisan Koho Zenji, Chapter 7. Shasta Abbey Press, 2000.

People imagine that they must have faith in something or somebody, some doctrine or a truth. But this only creates a duality. Faith is simple. It is neither lost nor found. Is ever present, now.

For all those who find themselves in extremity in relationship.

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2 thoughts on “Faith in Extremity”

  1. Hi Rev Mugo
    This quote incorporates much of what I value about a Buddhist way of seeing things – it’s inclusiveness. While other religions create a nurturing/directing/punishing outsider (god), which tend to be exclusive, they have been used by wise people to achieve the same ultimate thing – emptiness, oneness and all embracing unity. I was reassured recently to read in “Buddhism from Within” by Rev Daizui, that he talks about another way of entering Buddhism – through trying to live (like a) Buddhist and just keeping going. I hope that is what he meant anyway. I dont think I have faith, but for reasons I still dont really understand, I think it’s worth keeping going – or maybe that is faith?
    Hey ho

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