Raven 144: Bowing

"Humiliate," "humility," and "humble" all originate from the Latin humus, meaning Earth (hence, lowly, on the ground). "Human" (earthling, earthly being) also comes from humus

So it's worth remembering, that when Buddha was questioned on what authority he had to be teaching as he did, he responded by placing a pointing finger on the Earth.

Case

Gray Wolf spoke up after zazen one evening and said, "Isn't it undignified to bow before the Buddha? I always feel rather humiliated."
Raven said, "Not enough."

Case adapted from Robert Aitken; introduction and verse by Meredith Garmon

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