Zen Dog

[thomas]

Japanese dog undertakes rigorous training at zen temple

A dog's life may not be so bad after all in Japan where canines have started undertaking rigorous training at a zen temple with the hope of someday reaching nirvana. It is just after dawn at the Hokyo Temple nestled between the snowy hills of central Japan. Most people are still asleep at this hour, but at the 14th century zen temple, chief priest Taido Sato and his novice "Pudding" have started their religious rituals. Putting on purple and saffron robes, Sato and Pudding set off for the numerous small temples which cling to the hills of Tsuru city. They stop at each temple building to read sutras and offer prayers and incense. Sometimes they are joined by parishoners who come to pray with them. Sato is the 38th priest since the temple was founded but five-year-old Pudding is the first canine novice. "I didn't teach her anything. Ever since she was a pup, whenever she comes in front of a Buddha, she becomes alert and sits up," says Sato whose wife found Pudding as a stray pup on the road near the temple.

=> http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori.../32724/1/.html

[Hoyu]

Sounds like the author of this article was bored and had nothing better to write about. There's nothing special about a Zen Master and his canine friend making the morning rounds at a country side temple. But if you ridiculously state that, "canines have started undertaking rigorous training at a Zen temple with the hope of someday reaching nirvana" then it gets a bit more interesting. By the way Thomas, to answer the Koan of if dogs have Buddha Nature... "MU"

[thomas]

This was of course "the lighter side of Zen", perhaps I should have posted it to the Assorted forum. I've googled as I wasn't sure what MU means and found the following page:

"A dog" is a dog. The question does not ask whether the Buddha-nature can or cannot exist in the dog; it asks whether even an iron man learns the truth. To happen upon such a poison hand may be a matter for deep regret, and at the same time the scene recalls the meeting, after thirty years, with half a sacred person.

=> http://mindis.com/CONTENT/Dogen&MU.htm

[Hoyu]

Check this webpage for more info:

http://www.ordinarymind.com/koan_chao.html