July 2026 Gosho Quote

 “Letter to Akimoto”

(“Akimoto-gosho”)

 A vessel can have four faults. The first is overturning, which means that it turns upside down, or it is subverted, or a lid is placed on it [rendering it useless]. The second fault is leaking, which means that water leaks through. The third is contaminated contents. While the water itself may be pure, if excrement is deposited in it, the water in that vessel cannot be used. The fourth fault is mixing. If rice is combined with excrement, rocks, sand, or dirt, it is not fit for consumption by humans. The vessel represents our bodies and minds. Our minds are like vessels. Our mouths and ears are also vessels.

(Gosho, p. 1147)