The scroll reads:
"Mind changes with its myriad surroundings,
The way it changes is truly mysterious.
If you follow its flow and perceive its nature,
Then there is neither joy nor sorrow."
What that means is that if you perceive its nature, you are no longer CAUGHT by joy or sorrow. Rather, there is a profoundly quiet joy and ease pervading your life! This comes through deep awakening to the true nature of reality.
The calligraphy is done in traditional "sei boku"—"blue" ink (this ink is actually, a deep bluish/grey), by Mitra Bishop-sensei. It comes with its own fitted wooden box finely made of Japanese cedar as well as a protective outer box, and was professionally mounted in Japan. The two features shown at the top of the scroll mounting include the shadows behind these traditional "fly whisks" — meant to wave slightly in the breeze (Japanese temples are notoriously drafty) and so keep the flies from landing on the scroll. The scroll is signed with Mitra-sensei's "hanko" [seal] and that of Mountain Gate.
It will be given to the person who donates at least $10,000 to Mountain Gate, sister temple to Hidden Valley Zen Center. That donation is tax-exempt, and will provide one payment on the Kannon-do mortgage for Mountain Gate, and in addition, cover two months' worth of expenses, tire replacements and repair expenses for the two (necessary) vehicles — much-needed support for the ongoing training at this small mountain temple.
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