03-16-2012, 12:00 AM
You're discussing here the practice of Zen, which might be called "Formal Zen" and therefor relates to zazen, the formal meditation procedures with all the bells and whistles. While there's definitely a place for ritual for those who need it, what frequently gets lost is what might be called the essence of Zen. In my opinion, that has been quite well communicated primarily via the anecdotes and koans in "The Blue Cliff Record".
For example:
In clear illumination, there is no such thing as awakening. The concept of "having awakened" turns around and deludes people. When you stretch out both feet and sleep, there's no fals and no true - thus there isn't a single concern in ones heart. When hungry one eats; when tired, one sleeps.
For example:
In clear illumination, there is no such thing as awakening. The concept of "having awakened" turns around and deludes people. When you stretch out both feet and sleep, there's no fals and no true - thus there isn't a single concern in ones heart. When hungry one eats; when tired, one sleeps.