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Apr 22
Thursday
Dharma Teachings
White Dove, Black Crow

From the column Dharma Snacks, by Cynthia Kneen

I remember how a Japanese Buddhist monk in brown robes used to walk the streets of Boulder, Colorado with a strong open posture, uplifted gaze and good stride, beating a small drum. He walked all over town. People knew his purpose was to awaken us to the danger of nuclear arms. Seeing and hearing him always worked to wake me up to magic in the present moment, and to the meaning of things. I would like my practice to function like this monk’s drumming.

Suzuki Roshi said that the Bodhisattva must be like a white dove in the snow, and a black crow in the city. I think this means that as we gain confidence in our nature, each of us will use our genuineness to open up and engage with things as they are. All of our great teachers teach the same thing – that the magic lies in an individual awakening.

Practice is a balm for our personal pain, and this can help us ease the pain of others. There is no obvious external map for how to make our genuineness strong. The heart is the compass.

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Cynthia Kneen is the author of Awake Mind, Open Heart: The Power of Courage & Dignity in Everyday Life (Avalon, 2002), and the CD course, Shambhala Warrior Training (Sounds True, 1996). Cynthia has taught Shambhala Buddhist programs throughout the mandala for over thirty years and is currently writing a book on business and dharma. Visit her website at www.cynthiakneen.com

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1 response to “ White Dove, Black Crow ”
  1. I fondly remember this monk. I would hear his drumming and chanting approaching as I myself lay still in bed. Having sometimes seen him, I would imagine his lithe, energetic, upright striding, the ingenious awakening sound, growing louder and louder. It worked it’s way into my mind from a great distance. He walked the streets of Boulder for years, his dedication apparent when glimpsed or heard. This tireless sharpening presence in the background of my environment, impacted me deeply somehow, like a very slow wake-up poison. We can never know how our conduct of body, speech and mind will go on to influence others. All we have is our intention really. The compass the heart. The heart, the drum.


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