The Lore of the Dragon

Posted February 28th, 2010 by Daniel Doen Silberberg

This photo of an inscription and calligraphy is inside a book called “The Flight of Dragons.” John Daido Loori Roshi gave it to me in 1986.   I had been his student for 6 years at this time.  The recent death of Daido the Old Dragon, reminded me to look for it.  The lore of the Dragon is part of the ancient heritage of both the East and West. This lore was passed directly to me by Daido Roshi and is now part of the lore of Lost Coin.  The dragon referred to here is the one that fills heaven and earth, past and present. Its gigantic body reaches in all directions. Its flight dims the sun and darkens the stars. It’s eye is the awakened eye – your eye.

Doen

For Doen

The word Dragon itself
Means “Seeing”
You must never Meet a Dragon’s
Gaze or you will be Powerless.
When you see as the Dragon’s Eye
You are empowered.
Remember the Dragon Speaks
In Riddles and Koans.
It Knows as Much about you
As you know yourself.

Happy Birthday

Daido

Tremper Mountain
March 15, 1986

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2 Responses to “The Lore of the Dragon”

  • rebecca Says:
    March 1st, 2010 at 10:01 pm

    Next week is my 39th birthday, your age when Daido gave this to you. You gave me the Dharma name Ryuen- Dragon Circle. I have been studying with you for six years as well. The timeliness of this posting is beautiful and uncanny. Thank you for sharing this gift from Daido.

  • Liz McCoy Says:
    March 2nd, 2010 at 9:56 am

    Thank you Doen for sharing the photo and poem. It feels very intimate, beautiful and empowering.

    The poem reminds me of a koan you read to us at a retreat at Kim’s house about a year ago. At least, I think it was a koan? I loved that discussion as I love this post.

    Rebecca, Happy Birthday and congratulations!

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