R
yonen Myozen had been a student of Tendai Buddhism
before he came to work with Myoan Eisai and eventually became one of his heirs.
In 1223, Myozen planned to travel to China with several of his own students.
Before they left however, Myozen received word that his Tendai teacher was
dying and had requested his former student come to see him one last time.
Uncertain where his obligation lay, Myozen called his monks together and put
the situation to them. Should he proceed to China to deepen his Zen practice or
should he honor the debt he owed his teacher and go to his bedside? The
majority of Myozen’s students felt that the master’s obligation to his teacher
took priority and urged him to delay his trip to China. Only one student
dissented, but his argument convinced Myozen to proceed with the trip. Myozen
explained that the most efficacious way to discharge his debt to all of his
teachers would be to achieve awakening for the benefit of others. He stated,
“If I acquire even a trace of enlightenment, it will serve to awaken many
people.”
The student whose argument convinced Ryonen to proceed
to China and accompanied him there was Dogen Kigen.
Zen Masters of Japan: 42-43
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