"Master your mind" or play with your inner (grand)child? Another perspective on Nichiren and Joanna Macy

"One should become the master of one's mind rather than let one's mind master oneself." ––Nichiren Daishonin

A grandmother helped me see things in a new way. I had been trying to follow Nichiren's advice that we must master our minds or our minds will master us. But that dominator/obedience approach wasn't working. Buddhist activist scholar Joanna Macy urges us to focus on gratitude first, as we set out to change the world. But, the more I focused on gratitude, the more ungrateful (complaining, worrying) thoughts ran rampant in my disobedient mind. This COVID-19 situation is scary!

Then my Buddhist grandmother friend taught me that she calls those "disobedient" swirls of thoughts "creative." She sees them like her preschooler grandchildren who spend much time in her home. Enjoying the children's creative play, she lovingly distracts them if their creativity is leading towards harm.

Imagining my mind as a creative preschooler whom I dearly love helps me take a deep breath and relax a bit as we begin to play together during this pandemic quarantine.

Oh, that we may better learn to play with our inner (grand)child in a loving joyful way, even when she's freaking out and throwing a temper tantrum in these turbulent times.

The Dragon King's Daughter; A 9-minute SGI Buddhist comedy for 6 - 7 actors

By Lynette Yetter
Inspired by The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, translated by Burton Watson, Soka Gakkai, Japan, 2009, pp 224-228.

CAST OF CHARACTERS:

Shakyamuni Buddha 

Bodhisattva Wisdom Accumulated

Fabric waver 1
Fabric waver 2 / Lotus bearer
Bodhisattva Manjushri (aka M Dude) 

Dragon King’s Daughter

PROPS: 

-- shimmery blue fabric, approximately 1.5 yards x 3 yards

-- 2 plastic headbands with a topknot of fake hair fastened to the top of each

-- cardboard cutout of giant lotus flower with LOTS of petals, big enough to appear to be a vehicle for a person to ride on

-- a large paper (approx. 5- to 10-foot long white butcher paper, covered with images of lotus flowers)

FADE IN:

SHAKYAMUNI

In the future ages if there are good men or good women . . .

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Excuse me, Shakyamuni, what is that thing on top of your head?

SHAKYAMUNI

This protuberant knob of flesh on the crown of my head is like a topknot of hair, is it not? It is one of my 32 characteristics as the buddha.            

                            

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Cool!

Shakyamuni CLEARS her throat and prepares to once again begin her speech.

SHAKYAMUNI

In the future ages if there are good men or good women who, on hearing the Devadatta Chapter of the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law . . . 

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

What is the Devadatta Chapter?

SHAKYAMUNI

It’s what we are in right now. We floated up off of Eagle Peak into outer space in the Ceremony in the Air that transcends the framework of time and space. You and I and everyone here are characters in the Devadatta Chapter. Does that answer your question, Boddhisattva Wisdom Accumulated?

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Thanks! 

(Beat)

I just accumulated some more wisdom! Or was that knowledge? Never mind. Please continue, Shakyamuni.

SHAKYAMUNI

As I was saying, 

(Beat)

In the future ages if there are good men or good women who, on hearing the Devadatta Chapter of the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law, believe and revere it with pure hearts and harbor no doubts or perplexities . . .

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Believe with a pure heart. That’s like faith, right? 

SHAKYAMUNI

Of course.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

And we can substitute faith for wisdom, right?

SHAKYAMUNI

Of course.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Then I AM accumulating wisdom, and not just knowledge, because I DO believe with a pure heart!

SHAKYAMUNI

That’s why you are Bodhisattva Wisdom Accumulated. Now listen-up so you can accumulate some more wisdom.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Okay.

SHAKYAMUNI

. . . will never fall into the realm of hell, hungry spirits or beasts . . .

BWA puts his hand in the air and waves it to signal that he has a question.

SHAKYAMUNI (CONT’D)

You have a question?

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Is the realm of hell, hungry spirits or beasts the lowest three of the 10 Worlds?

SHAKYAMUNI

Yes.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

But, I thought that with the Mutual Possession of the 10 Worlds and Three Thousand Realms that all of the worlds are mutually inclusive. So, even the world of Buddhahood contains Hell, Hungry Spirits and Beasts. If that is true, how can those good men and good women not experience those worlds? I’m confused.

SHAKYAMUNI

Good point. We’ll leave that to Tien Tai to sort out. For now, just bear with me, okay, so we can continue with this play?

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

A play? I thought we were in the Ceremony in the Air?

SHAKYAMUNI

It’s both. We are in a play ABOUT the Ceremony in the Air. And the playwright is being creative with the tale. Now, don’t you want to know what happens next?

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Sure!

SHAKYAMUNI

Okay then, there’s just a little bit more to my speech. Can you wait that long?

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

I’m all ears. Go ahead!

SHAKYAMUNI

Now where was I . . . Will never fall into the realm of hell, hungry spirits or of beasts, but will be born in the presence of the buddhas of the ten directions, and in this place where they are born they will constantly hear this sutra.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Don’t those good men and good women get to do anything else beside constantly hear this sutra?

SHAKYAMUNI

This is a parable, a metaphor for the mysterious workings of life. Of course they get to do other things. 

(Beat)

Remember, you promised to wait until I finished the speech.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Oh yeah. Sorry. Go on.

SHAKYAMUNI

If they are born among humans or heavenly beings, they will enjoy exceedingly wonderful delights.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Like ice cream?

SHAKYAMUNI

Even better. Now please wait until I finish.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Okay.

SHAKYAMUNI

And if they are born in the presence of the buddhas, they will be born by transformation from Lotus Flowers.

Silence. A long pause. BWA is content and mellow, enjoying listening attentively, waiting for the speech to continue.

SHAKYAMUNI (CONT’D)

That’s it. I’m done. That’s the speech.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

(Applauds) Great speech! 

(Beat)

Well, I’ve got some other things to be doing. Can I go now?

SHAKYAMUNI

Good man, wait a little while. There is a bodhisattva named Manjushri whom you should see. Debate and discuss the wonderful Law with him, and then you may return to your homeland.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Okay.

Two Fabric Wavers run out carrying the blue fabric onto the stage from right to left, with Bodhisattva Manjushri hidden behind, ducking down and running along at the same speed as the Fabric Wavers. The Fabric Wavers are rippling the blue fabric as if it is the ocean. Their bodies are hidden behind the fabric.  They stop. Manjushri (still hidden behind the fabric) has a giant lotus flower made from cardboard fastened to him, as if it was his chair or magic carpet or his space ship that he can zoom around on. As the Fabric Wavers continue to ripple the fabric to look like ocean swells, Bodhisattva Manjushri stands up. The Fabric Wavers slowly kneel, lowering the fabric to reveal Bodhisattva Manjushri on his Lotus vehicle.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED (CONT’D)

Wow! Bodhisattva Manjushri is rising out of the sea and floating in the air on a giant lotus flower with a 1,000 petals! Where did you come from, Dude?

The Fabric wavers drag the fabric and exit Stage Right. Off stage they set down the fabric and pick up cardboard cutouts of many Lotus flowers.

M DUDE

My real name is Bodhisattva Manjushri but you can call me M Dude. I have just come from the Palace under the sea of Dragon King Sagara.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Cool!

M Dude steps out of his Lotus vehicle. Bows to Shakymuni, then goes to side of Bodhisattva Wisdom Accumulating.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED (CONT’D)

When you went to the palace of the Dragon King, how many living beings did you convert?

M DUDE

The number is immeasurable, incapable of calculation. The mouth cannot express it, the mind cannot fathom it. There will be proof. Wait a moment.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

(speaking to the audience directly in a dramatic whisper) Everyone wants me to wait a moment!

Lotus Bearer enters carrying a large paper covered with images of Lotus flowers, as if the Lotus flowers are more flying carpets carrying more people. Lotus Bearer walks around moving the Lotus flowers in a way that looks like they are flying.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED (CONT’D)

Wow! Look at those countless bodhisattvas seated on jeweled lotus blossoms emerging from the ocean and coming here suspended in the air above Eagle Peak.

M DUDE

All of these beings have been converted and saved by me. They carried out all the bodhisattva practices, which are too numerous to mention here in this short play.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

You are of great wisdom and virtue, brave and stalwart, you have converted and saved immeasurable beings. Now those in this great assembly, as well as I myself, have all seen them. You expound the principle of the true aspect, open up the Law of the single vehicle, broadly guiding the many beings, causing them quickly to attain enlightenment.

Lotus bearer EXITS Stage Right.

M DUDE

When I was in the ocean I constantly expounded the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law alone.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

This sutra is very profound, subtle, and wonderful, a treasure among sutras, a rarity in the world. Are there perhaps any living beings who, by earnestly and diligently practicing this sutra, have been able to attain buddhahood quickly?

M DUDE

There is the daughter of the dragon king Sagara.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

What is her name?

M DUDE

What?

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

What is her name?

M DUDE

Her name is “the Dragon King’s Daughter”.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

But, the Dragon King has a name. You told me so yourself. His name is Sagara. What is his daughter’s name?

M DUDE

She doesn’t have a name. After all, she is female and only 8 years old and a reptile to boot. Who cares if she has a name? We’ll just call her the Dragon King’s Daughter.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Hmmm . . . I still want to know her name. If she doesn’t have a name, we should give her one - like how Nichiren Daishonin gave names to his formerly-nameless female followers. He called them nuns and gave them beautiful names. I think we should name her "Momo!"

M DUDE

Can I get on with the story?

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Sure. Go ahead.

M DUDE

Anyways, the Dragon King’s Daughter has just turned eight years old. Her wisdom has keen roots and she is good at understanding the activities and deeds of the sense organs of living beings.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

What does that mean?

M DUDE

The translation is kind of complicated, what with different cultures and all. Let’s just say that she is really wise and understands everything and everybody. She is capable of achieving enlightenment.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

And she is only 8 years old? Wow! That’s hard for me to believe.

M DUDE

Why?

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

When I observe Shakyamuni, I see that for a really really long time - like forever and ever, he carried out harsh and difficult practices, accumulating merit, piling up virtue, seeing the way of the bodhisattva without ever resting. There is not a speck of the universe where he has not sacrificed his body and life for the sake of living beings. Only after he had done that was he able to complete the way of enlightenment.

Before his words come to an end, the Dragon King’s Daughter (who has the prop -- a headband with topknot of hair -- hidden somewhere on her person) ENTERS Stage Right as the Fabric waver runs around her with the fabric in such a way as to make it seem that the Dragon King’s Daughter is appearing magically in the assembly. When she is in front of Shakyamuni, she bows to him, and so does the fabric bearer (as if the fabric bearer is her shadow). The fabric bearer from this point on stays near the Dragon Kings Daughter like a shadow, holding the fabric bundled in her arms.

DRAGON KING’S DAUGHTER

Having heard his teachings, I have attained enlightenment -- the Buddha alone can bear witness to this. I unfold the doctrines of the great vehicle to rescue living beings from suffering.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

You know what Shariputra would say, if we had enough actors to have Shariputra present? 

DRAGON KING’S DAUGHTER

What would he say?

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

He would say to you, and I quote, (clears throat), “You suppose that in this short time you have been able to attain the unsurpassed way. But this is difficult to believe. Why? Because a woman’s body is soiled and defiled, not a vessel for the Law. How could you attain unsurpassed enlightenment? The road to buddhahood is long and far-stretching. Only after one has spent immeasurable kalpas (that’s a really really long time like forever) pursuing austerities, etc etc etc can one finally achieve success. Moreover, a woman is subject to the five obstacles. 1. She cannot become a Brahma heavenly king. 2. She cannot become a king Shakra. 3 She cannot become a devil king. 4. She cannot become a wheel turning sage king. And 5. She cannot become a buddha. 

(Beat) 

How then could a woman like you be able to attain buddhahood so quickly?

The Dragon Girl cups her hands, miming holding a precious object.

DRAGON KING’S DAUGHTER

Do you see this precious jewel that is worth a major world system?

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Yes.

The Dragon Girl mimes handing the jewel to Shakyamuni. He immediately accepts it.

DRAGON KING’S DAUGHTER

I presented the precious jewel, and the world-honored one accepted it. Was that not quickly done?

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Very quickly!

DRAGON KING’S DAUGHTER

Employ your supernatural powers and watch me attain buddhahood. It will be even quicker than that!

The Fabric waver swirls the fabric around and around the Dragon King’s Daughter. Hidden by the fabric, the Dragon King’s Daughter fastens a topknot to her head, just like the topknot of Shakyamuni.

The Fabric waver drops the fabric. The Dragon King’s Daughter has her hands folded in prayer position and chants to the audience with a confidence of the entire universe in her heart.

DRAGON KING’S DAUGHTER (CONT’D)

Nam myoho renge kyo. Nam myoho renge kyo. Nam myoho renge kyo.

BODHISATTVA WISDOM ACCUMULATED

Wow! If you, a child, a female and a reptile can become a Buddha instantly by chanting Nam myoho renge kyo, anyone can do it! 

Dragon King’s Daughter looks out to the audience and says -

DRAGON KING’S DAUGHTER

We all can become buddhas! Let’s do it, right now! Will you chant with us? 

All the actors turn towards the gohonzon and chant in unison with the audience -

ALL

Nam myoho renge kyo. Nam myoho renge kyo. Nam myoho renge kyo.

THE END

WU LUNG and I LUNG, A short Buddhist play by Lynette Yetter

Adapted from pages 12 and 13 of the August 2012 Living Buddhism magazine published by SGI-USA, based on the gosho "Wu Lung and I Lung" page 1099 of the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin.

CHARACTERS:
Wu Lung
I Lung
The King

INT. - CALLIGRAPHY ROOM - DAY

Wu Lung and his son I Lung are seated side by side at a writing desk, carefully doing calligraphy with brushes and ink. Wu Lung writes with confidence, due to his long experience. I Lung, however, is timid and writes slowly with nervous attention; for he is just learning. 

WU LUNG
Not like that, son. Watch what I am doing, if you want to become a Master Calligrapher.

I LUNG
(Bowing low) Yes, Father.

The King enters and strides regally up to the writing desk. He lays a scroll on the desk near to Wu Lung. 

KING
Wu Lung, my Master Calligrapher. I want you to copy this document.

WU LUNG
(Bowing low) Yes, my King.

The King exits with great pomp. Wu Lung unrolls the scroll and scans the contents. 

WU LUNG (CONT’D)
I Lung, prepare more ink. We have a lot of work ahead of us.

I LUNG
Yes, Father.

Wu Lung continues to read over the scroll. Meanwhile, I Lung, completely with mime, places the ink stone in front of him and pours some water in it. He keeps the ink stick upright; holding it with the thumb on one side and the index and middle finger on the other side. He presses the ink stick on the ink stone very lightly and describes circular movements with the stick. Wu Lung is still reading the scroll. 

WU LUNG
Good thing our King is not asking us to copy anything Buddhist.

Wu Lung lowers the scroll. He has a very angry and determined look on his face. 

WU LUNG (CONT’D)
For I despise Buddhism.

Wu Lung abruptly faces his son, with great seriousness. 

WU LUNG (CONT’D)
I Lung, I want you to promise me something.

I Lung pauses from his ink-making task and faces his father with full attention.

I LUNG
Yes, Father.

WU LUNG
Promise me that, no matter what, you will never - not ever - copy a single word from a Buddhist writing.

I LUNG
Yes, Father. I promise to obey you and never copy a single word from a Buddhist writing.

Wu Lung smiles with great satisfaction. 

WU LUNG
Good!

Suddenly, Wu Lung’s facial expression changes to one of panic. He drops the scroll and clutches at his heart. He gasps for breath and stumbles offstage where he collapses dead.

WU LUNG (CONT’D)
(From offstage) Gak!!!!!

I Lung is mortified. He weeps in extreme mourning. The King enters with another scroll in his hand. I Lung stops weeping and greets the king with a deep bow.

KING
I Lung, your father’s funeral will be sumptuous as befitting his rank. Now it is your task to carry on your father’s work.

I LUNG
Yes, my King.

The King extends the scroll to I Lung. 

KING
I want you to copy this Buddhist writing, the Lotus Sutra.

Offstage we hear WU LUNG’S VOICE, with a ghostly tremor. I Lung hears the voice, but the King appears to not hear anything. 

WU LUNG
Promise me, my son, that no matter what, you will never - not ever - copy a single word from a Buddhist writing.

I Lung trembles, torn. Whose command should he follow? The king continues to extend the scroll of the Lotus Sutra to I Lung, looking a bit impatient that he has not yet accepted it. 

The voice of the deceased Wu Lung talks at the same time as the king. 

KING
I want you to copy this Buddhist writing, the Lotus Sutra.

WU LUNG
(From off stage) Promise me you will never - not ever - copy a single word from a Buddhist writing.

I Lung closes his eyes and places his hands over his ears in great anguish. 

KING
I want you to copy this Buddhist writing, the Lotus Sutra.

WU LUNG
(From off stage) Promise me you will never - not ever - copy a single word from a Buddhist writing.

Emotion bursting out, I Lung drops his hands from his ears, open his eyes and shouts. 

I LUNG
Yes, Father! Yes, Father!

The King, perplexed gazes at I Lung.

KING
And just what is THAT supposed to mean?

Trembling, and looking at the ground, I Lung explains. 

I LUNG
My father’s dying wish was for me to promise to never, not ever, copy a single word from a Buddhist writing.

Obviously highly irritated at having his imperial edict denied, the King gets a calculating look on his face, as if imagining what future punishments he can come up with to reprimand I Lung for his insubordination. I Lung notices this royal glare and trembles in deep fear. 

KING
(In a threatening tone of voice) I can’t make you break your promise. But can you at least copy the title of the Lotus Sutra?

I Lung, afraid of going against the King any more, hangs his head in remorse and reaches out his hand to accept the scroll. 

I LUNG
Yes, my King.

The King hands over the scroll and exits with haughty triumphant steps. Obviously shaken with deep fear, I Lung sits at the calligraphy desk, mimes rolling out a fresh sheet of paper and places weights on the corners to hold it in place. He dips his brush in the ink and with mortal fear, paints the characters as he recites them aloud. 

I LUNG (CONT’D)
(Stuttering) M-m-m-myo-ho Re-re-re-renge K-k-k-kk- k-k-k-k-k-k-k-k--------Kyo!

Emotionally exhausted, I Lung collapses with his head resting on his folded arms and falls asleep with TWO SOFT SNORING SOUNDS. 

I LUNG
Zzzzzz. Zzzzzzz.

Enter Wu Lung, walking in a happy heavenly dreamlike way. He addresses the sleeping I Lung. 

WU LUNG
I Lung, my son.

Still sleeping, I Lung talks in his sleep.

I LUNG
I’m sorry Father. I’m so sorry I broke the promise to you. Please forgive me Father!

WU LUNG
Forgive you? Why, I have come to visit you in your dreams in order to THANK you for ignoring my order.

I LUNG
Thank me???!!??

WU LUNG
Because I went against Buddhism, I had been miserable ever since I died. But when you wrote myoho-renge- kyo, each word turned into a Buddha who came to encourage me.

I LUNG
(Smiles in his sleep) Aaaahhh! That is great you are happy now, Father!

WU LUNG
(With a stern reprimanding tone, hand on hip and wagging an accusatory finger at I Lung) And I would have been happier a lot sooner if you had thought for yourself, instead of blindly following orders.

I LUNG
Yes, Father.

Wu Lung throws his hands in the air and looks heavenward, shaking his head as he exits. 

I Lung wakes up, stretches and yawns. He has a bright expression on his face. He leaps up and paces around with great vigor. 

I LUNG (CONT’D)
I WILL think for myself, and never again blindly follow orders. And what my heart tells me to do right now is to copy the entire Lotus Sutra for everybody’s happiness.

He sits back down, dips his imaginary brush into the ink and writes with a flourish. As I Lung writes, we HEAR I Lung, the King and Wu Lung chanting strong joyous daimoku in unison. 

ALL
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Nam-myohorenge- kyo. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

The King and Wu Lung enter. I Lung stands. The three characters stand together center stage, take a bow to the audience and together exit. 

THE END