The fruit ripens through three incalculable eons; only then is the Way fulfilled.
Light shines forth, the earth trembles, and all beings are delivered.
At a rooster's crow beneath the fifth-watch moon—
Who still lies upon the pillow, dreaming?
COMMENTARY BY KŌDŌ SAWAKI
A Person With No Weak Spot
Three incalculable eons refer to the three asamkhyeya kalpas, but when we abide in the royal samadhi, during our non-thinking state, the “Royal Samadhi” is described in Nagarjuna’s Treatise on the Ten Bodhisattva Grounds as ‘Namu Amida Butsu’ In the “Profound Meaning of the Avalokiteśvara” it is explained as the power of Avalokiteśvara. In zen tradition, seated meditation, or zazen is referred to as the “Royal Samadhi.” When we settle into this samadhi, it is only then that we can completely dispel any doubts about the three asamkhyeya kalpas and great eons.
The fruit ripens through three incalculable eons; only then is the Way fulfilled. In Buddhism it is said that the earth trembles in six ways, but what exactly does this symbolize? Well, when we clearly understand what we truly ought to do, anyone can accomplish it, even if it requires risking their life. On the other hand, no matter how easy something may be, if there’s no clear direction, it’s foolish to even attempt it. But no matter how tough or painful something is, if you can establish just one clear direction, you can accomplish something with a brilliant energy.
Light shines forth, the earth trembles, and all beings are delivered. Radiant light shines forth. Even saying in this way, it’s not like the sudden spark of a firefly or like some scientific beam of light. And when speaking of the earth trembling, it’s certainly not like the literal shaking as in the case of an earthquake.
If we want to be of service to this world, we must not allow any gaps in what we do, no matter where we are. We should not appear foolish or naive in our demeanour. You must have a dependable appearance, one that inspires confidence. Being unreliable is the worst quality a person can have. If people say,
“That guy can’t be trusted,” it’s hopeless. You must become a person without any gaps, no matter who looks at you. You should be flawless in the eyes of your parents, without a doubt. Your spouse should see no weaknesses, and your children should never think, “I can’t rely on my dad.” That won’t do. You need to be dependable from every angle, shining brightly from every perspective, with no gaps at all. This is what true practice is about.
In other words, from any perspective, one should be like a Buddha, perfect and complete in all virtues, without any flaws. This is what is meant by “light shines forth, the earth trembles, and all beings are delivered.” Without that, you cannot truly be of service to others. You cannot be of service to the world without that. From every perspective, you should be flawless. From every angle, you should be shining brightly, radiating light in all directions.
At a rooster’s crow beneath the fifth-watch moon—Who still lies upon the pillow, dreaming? refers to the time when the Buddha, upon seeing the morning star, declared that all sentient and insentient beings simultaneously attain enlightenment, and that grasses, trees, and the entire land all attain Buddhahood. Just as the rooster crows at dawn and its call is heard, so too should we hear the great lion’s roar, the Buddha’s teaching, and ask ourselves if anyone is still dreaming while lying on their pillow. Has the dream of the long night of ignorance still not ended? Surely, no one remains in that dream.
Then, upon awakening from this dream, one might realize, “Indeed, how wondrous, how marvelous! I, the earth, and all sentient and insentient beings have simultaneously attained enlightenment; all grasses, trees, and lands have achieved Buddhahood. There was no distant place to reach. Until now, I had been groping in the darkness of ignorance. Now, I can clearly distinguish between black and white. East, west, north, south, and all ten directions are clear and transparent. There are no obstacles in any outward direction. Truly, my eyes have been opened.”