This Zen path is a continual process of un-conditioning, allowing each moment its entirety, its “as is” face. The mind is made fresh in zazen….opening steadily, experiencing freshly the conditions that the burdened human mind of confusion mistakes for real.Here’s what Ryokan has to say about this:
Leave off your mad rush for gold and jewels
I’ve got something far more precious for you:
A bright pearl that sparkles more brilliantly than the sun and the moon
And illuminates each and every eye.
Lose it and you’ll wallow in a sea of pain;
Find it and you’ll safely reach the other shore.
I’d freely present this treasure to anyone
But hardly anyone asks for it.
I’ve got something far more precious for you:
A bright pearl that sparkles more brilliantly than the sun and the moon
And illuminates each and every eye.
Lose it and you’ll wallow in a sea of pain;
Find it and you’ll safely reach the other shore.
I’d freely present this treasure to anyone
But hardly anyone asks for it.
Each time we pause and give the self completely over to zazen, we glimpse the other shore. After awhile, we even realize it.