Zen is a special transmission outside the scriptures with no reliance on words or letters.
I’d like to topple the tower of babel about Zen.
Zen isn’t a habit. It is the absence of all habits and conditioning. There are no habits in Zen, because everything, everywhere, everytime is altogether new.
Zen isn’t simplifying your life. Zen is simply life. When we don’t fuss with it, life simplifies itself.
Zen isn’t cleaning up your house so you have a calm and orderly mind. Zen is cleaning up your mind so you have a calm and orderly house.
Zen isn’t waking up so you can get out of bed. Zen is getting out of bed so you can wake up.
Zen isn’t eating less, spending less, talking less or working less. It’s wanting less, fearing less, worrying less and striving less. The latter takes care of the former.
Zen isn’t extra time, extra effort or extra attention. Zen is nothing extra.
Zen isn’t running, golfing, archery, flower arranging, gardening, golfing, lying down, sitting up or motorcycle maintenance, although it doesn’t exclude any of that.
Zen is not a second. Zen is not even ten seconds. It is eternal. It is now. Zen never ends.
Zen isn’t about making a change in your life. It is about living the change you already are.
Zen cannot be found, because Zen is never missing.
Now, how do you come to see and believe this for yourself? Certainly not by reading about it, although one or two good books every now and then won’t hurt. (And I’d even sign them for you.)
This post has been republished because a sharp-eyed reader reminded me about it, and another one pointed out that my next one-day meditation retreat was shortsightedly scheduled for Father’s Day. I stand reminded, and I thank everyone for their close attention.
Beginner’s Mind One-Day Meditation Retreat Sun., June 12 in LA