Within these Precepts dwell the Buddhas, enfolding all things within their unparalleled wisdom: There is no distinction between subject and object for any who dwell herein.

All things, earth, trees, wooden posts, bricks and stones, become Buddhas once this refuge is taken. From these Precepts come forth such a wind and fire that all are driven into enlightenment when the flames are fanned by the Buddha’s influence: this is the merit of non-action and non-seeking; the awakening to True Wisdom.
Shushogi: What is Truly Meant by Training and Enlightenment – Zen Master Dogen.

Last week when I was on the bus traveling up to Shasta Abbey from the Bay Area I listened to the Shushogi sung by the monks at Throssel on my small mp3 player. The above quote is very familiar since, as a novice, I read it every day along with the Kyojukaimon – (Giving and Receiving the Precepts.) From time to time I’d ponder about what the Buddha’s influence actually is, eventually such thoughts faded away. My monastic colleague has just said, You have to be willing not to need to define what the influence is.

Now I’d ask what isn’t the Buddha’s influence?