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Translation of Shri Mahayogi’s words during a satsangha
at the Omega Institute, NY Aug 20, 2011
Q: Shri Mahayogi was talking yesterday about how even cleaning the toilet bowl, or whatever we don’t want to do, we should push past it in our minds, and that’s doable.
Master: Yes, you should. Zen Buddhism is the religion that incorporates these tasks into its practice. Zen practice is the strictest practice within the various Buddhist sects. When you first become a disciple, you are assigned tasks such as cleaning toilets, cleaning the temple, etc., daily. (laughing) Through undergoing this process, the ego becomes smaller and smaller. To put oneself down and have humility is crucial. Arrogance ruins the mind. Therefore, if you feel resistance to a certain task, then you should do it proactively. (Attendees laugh.)
At the ashrama in Kyoto, we have a small festival once a year. At that time, various tasks for the festival must be executed, and each disciple is assigned a task. In Japan in all dwellings, you must take off your shoes at the entrance. The task of aligning the shoes neatly at the entrance is always very popular. In the world, it was or is considered that this task, organizing shoes, is the lowest class of job. In Zen also, this task is very important. Isn’t it so that the MYM’s satsangha and classes are a perfect opportunity to apply this? That is the most immediate karma yoga you can practice.
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