Zen History
in Three Turnings of the Dharma Wheel
after Kobun, Reb, and TNH

Beings are numberless, I vow to save them
Desires are inexhaustible, I vow to end them
Dharma gates are boundless, I vow to enter them
Buddha's way is unsurpassable, I vow to become it.

Kobun's Whimsical Variation of the Four Boddhisatva Vows

Beings are infinite, they will save themselves
Desires are infinite, they will find an end of themselves
Dharmas are infinite, therefore there is Learning, Study
Buddha's Way is no above, so it is always accomplished, allowed


Inferences

after Reb Anderson's Recent Article and Book The Third Turning of the Wheel
also reflecting Thich Nhat Hahn's Recognition, Encouragement, and Realization of each Noble Truth


Recognition, First Turning, circa 500 BCE

Wisdom, Compassion and Kindness
Dharma Engaging Karma.
Desires are infinite,
they will find an end of themselves.


Encouragement, Second Turning circa BCE/CE

Form Is Emptiness, Emptiness Is Form
In Emptiness No Form, No Path.
Beings are infinite,
they will save themselves.


Realization, Third Turning circa 500 CE

Zen,
Just This.
Buddha's Way is no above
so it is always accomplished, allowed.


Evermore

Wholehearted Practice,
Effort without Desire.
Dharmas are infinite,
therefore there is Learning, Study.