Good Old Soen Ozeki

One of the places we visited in Japan was called the Daisen-in Zen Temple.  It was a pretty cool temple.  Most of the Buddhist temples have the building part - which is just OK, sort of a cluttered, chaotic interior space, packed with offerings and figures and gilded surfaces and, of course, a handful of Buddhas.  My impression is that most religious buildings follow a general script: lavish, iconic, meant to impress and, in the worst scenarios, to intimidate.

The Zen gardens were always way cool.  In this temple we picked up a volunteer who spoke some English and was consequently able to explain the meaning of the garden - how it was laid out, what the rocks symbolized, why there were different patterns drawn in the sand.  It was helpful.

There were a few monks drifting around, shorn, ageless, bright orange robes tied rakishly around their shoulders.  I always laugh at the monks - they are relentlessly cheerful characters, goofy almost, quick with a smile and a nod and a little comment.  One older guy was manning a table that sold literature - Soen Ozeki.  We talked with him for a bit - he was the guy who called us "the happiest couple in the world."  I'm assuming - giving the Buddhist emphasis on the here and now - that he meant the happiest couple who was currently standing in front of him.  I don't care.  It was a nice compliment.

He gave me a slip of paper that had this on it:

A Song of Gratitude
The whole family, harmonious and devout.
Aware of debts to our parents and ancestors (this is very Zenny).
Revering Nature, grateful for society.  (So is this).
Always humble, learning from others.
Able to give, demonstrating kindness.
Making one's motto: "A bright life." (Good image - brightness.  A two year old would understand what it means to be bright).
Overlooking other's faults, correcting one's own. (Yeah, well, screw that one).
Moderate in speech, not getting angry. 
Gentle, kind, honest,
Let's appreciate the joy of life.
Patient.  Peaceful.
Not getting angry.  (Second showing of this one and ver batim at that.  Must be an important one.  I'm looking at you, Seaweed).
Careful in speech.  (Careful, moderate, pretty similar).
This leads to a long life.