Working Ants
Be strong and use the sword of insight.
It’s blade is sharp and bright as the vajra,
it severs confusion
and the pride of shining beings and demons.
Here we are encouraged to develop insight and use it to clear confusion and remove delusions. Insight is the antidote for pride. Pride in ourselves and the pride of others.
Sheng-Yen says “If you have genuine wisdom, please do not expound your ideas in uncontested monologues (including uncontested internal monologues). Unsheath your vajra sword (insight) and accept the challenge. If it is hacked to pieces, it obviously is not a true varja sword (insight). You must put your practice and attainment to the test.”
My knowledge is less than perfect. I look forward to being straightened out by my friends.
Will
If you are joining us in progress, you can catch up by reviewing the first part of this break down of the Song of Freedom by looking at the discussion over at Jordan’s blog and my earlier posts.
Jordan’s Blog
Jordan’s Song of Freedom Posts
Will’s Song of Freedom Posts
Here is where you can get a copy of the Song of Freedom as translated by Yasuda Joshu Roshi and Anzan Hoshin Roshi.
If you want a copy of this poem with Robert Aitken’s translation intermingled, I have a PDF that I will email to requesters. It is always interesting to see how other practitioners translate these texts. It can shine fresh light on the poem. I can also recommend two other translations, both by seasoned practitioners and both with commentary. These are both books that are readily available.
Buddhism and Zen by Nyogen Senzaki and Ruth Strout McCandless
The Sword of Wisdom by Chan Master Sheng-Yen
