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Sutras

From the most basic tenet of Zen, self and Buddha are one. Buddha’s mind is our mind. We sleep, wake up, eat, and work with the mind of Buddha. Simply chant sutras with your whole Mind, chanting sutras only for the sake of chanting sutras.

To explain it further, ears, mouth, voice, and mind become One and deep samadhi is entered. By chanting sutras in this way the deep link between all will be realized; Mind will extend throughout the universe and inner and outer worlds become one.

Eko

In an interim chant by the Densu, Head Monk or Roshi, any power or merit gained by the samadhi of the sutra chanting is offered to all beings. This chant is called an “eko.”

Dharani

“Dharani” is translated “that which holds” by the Chinese. It is a long verse mantra which is considered “to hold” deep meaning and power for those who recite it, though it makes no intellectual sense. It was a practice of Shingon, and was incorporated in the Chinese Zen of the Sung Dynasty, which was brought back to Japan by the Japanese Zen Masters.

Hannya Shingyo / Heart Sutra:

Embodies the essential teachings of Mahayana Buddhist practice, the essence of the Diamond Sutra.

Tedai Dempo Busso No Myo Go:

The names of the Buddha which existed prior to Shakyamuni, then Shakyamuni and those in the lineage of dharma transmission.

Kannon Gyo:

Part of the Lotus Sutra, a Mahayana text from India 1500-2000 years ago. Its theme is the ever-presence of the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Ryogon Shu:

Part of the Suran-gama Sutra. Its theme is the development of the mind of training people.

Sho Sai Shu:

A Dharani to be chanted quickly for harmony and concentration.

Chinshu Rinzai Esho Zenji Goroku no Jo – Preface to the recorded saying of Zen Master Rinzai:

The introduction to the Rinzai Records.

Dai Hi Shu:

Originally a devotional sutra to the Lord of Death (Shiva). This sutra is often read in memory of those who had karmic connections with Sogenji or members of the Sangha.

Bosatsu Gan Gyo Mon – Torei Zenji’s Bodhisattva Vows:

A sutra written by Torei Zenji, disciple of Hakuin Zenji, in the 18th Century.

Daisegaki:

Listing and venerating the spirits who have supported and transmitted the practice.

Buchinson Shin Dharani:

For all temple-protecting deities.

Gyaku Hon Jin Shu:

Purification Dharani.

Shikuseigan:

The four Bodhisattva vows.