I struggled last night to write a post that articulated the relationship between the rigidity or coldness of rules and the compassion that can come from enforcing them and following them. Then I gave up and wrote about my current experience with rules at the zen center. Here's what popped out:
When I come in to the zendo now
I bow in gratitude.
I press my palms together
and bend at the waist
in the same way
that I wrap my arms
around a dear friend's frame.
I fluff my cushion
the same as I fold the top sheet
over the quilt
preparing the bed for my out of town guest.
When I am done
I bow to my cushion
like doing the dishes
for someone who has made me dinner.
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