The Three Pillars of Zen

1. Zazen: More Than Just Sitting

"The most effective means by which to accomplish this is through zazen."

Zazen's true nature. Zazen is not merely a physical act of sitting; it's a profound practice aimed at Self-realization. It involves specific postures, controlled breathing, and focused concentration to quiet the mind and reveal one's true nature. It's a method for purifying the mind, calming the "waves" of thought, and allowing the "moon of truth" to reflect clearly.

Beyond physical posture. While the physical aspects of zazen, such as the lotus position and erect spine, are important, they are not the end goal. These postures are designed to create a stable base for the mind, allowing it to settle and become more focused. Zazen is not about achieving a specific state of mind, but about creating the conditions for insight to arise.

• Full-lotus, half-lotus, or sitting on heels are traditional postures
• Erect spine is crucial for proper energy flow
• Hands are placed in a specific mudra to aid concentration

Zazen in daily life. Zazen extends beyond formal sitting practice. It's about bringing mindfulness and awareness to every action, whether it's walking, working, or eating. This "mobile zazen" integrates the practice into daily life, making it a continuous path to self-discovery.

2. The Five Varieties of Zen: A Spectrum of Practice

"Outwardly these five kinds of Zen scarcely differ... but common to all are three basic elements: an erect sitting posture, correct control of breathing, and concentration (unification) of mind."

Bompu Zen. This is "ordinary" Zen, practiced for health and well-being, without any specific religious or philosophical aim. It focuses on improving concentration and mental clarity, and is accessible to anyone, regardless of their beliefs. It's a good starting point for beginners.

Gedo Zen. This is "outside way" Zen, encompassing practices from other religions and philosophies, such as Hindu yoga or Christian contemplation. It often aims to cultivate supranormal powers or achieve rebirth in heavenly realms, but it is not considered true Buddhist Zen.

Shojo Zen. This is "Small Vehicle" Zen, focused on individual liberation and escaping the cycle of rebirth. It aims to stop all thoughts and enter a state of mushinjo, a trance-like state where consciousness is suspended. It is a Buddhist practice, but not the highest form of Zen.

Daijo Zen. This is "Great Vehicle" Zen, a truly Buddhist practice that aims for kensho-godo, seeing into one's essential nature and realizing the Way in daily life. It emphasizes the importance of satori (enlightenment) and the integration of this experience into everyday actions.

Saijojo Zen. This is the "Highest Vehicle" Zen, the culmination of Buddhist practice. It is shikan-taza, "just sitting," where the means and end are one. It involves sitting in the firm conviction that zazen is the actualization of one's true nature, without striving for any specific goal.

3. The Three Aims of Zazen: A Holistic Approach

"These three form an inseparable unity, but for purposes of discussion I am obliged to deal with them individually."

Joriki: The Power of Concentration. Joriki is the strength that arises from a unified mind, enabling one to act decisively and appropriately in any situation. It's more than just focus; it's a dynamic power that allows one to be in command of oneself and one's circumstances. It can also lead to the development of supranormal abilities.

Kensho-Godo: Satori-Awakening. This is the direct realization of one's true nature and the nature of the universe. It's the sudden understanding that "I have been complete and perfect from the very beginning." Kensho is not the end goal, but the foundation for further spiritual development.

• Kensho is not a uniform experience; it varies in clarity and depth
• It is the apprehension of the true substance of our Self-nature

Mujodo no Taigen: Actualization of the Supreme Way. This is the integration of enlightenment into daily life, where zazen becomes the expression of one's true nature. It's the state where means and end are one, and where one lives with inner peace and dignity, in harmony with the environment.

• It is the manifestation of satori in all actions
• It is the culmination of Zen practice

These three aims are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Joriki provides the strength for kensho, and kensho provides the foundation for mujodo no taigen.

4. Makyo: Navigating Illusory Experiences

"All these abnormal visions and sensations are merely the symptoms of an impairment arising from a maladjustment of the mind with the breath."

What are makyo? Makyo are illusory visions, hallucinations, fantasies, and sensations that can arise during zazen. They are not inherently good or bad, but they can become obstacles if one becomes attached to them or is frightened by them. They are temporary mental states that arise when concentration deepens.

Types of makyo:

• Visual hallucinations: seeing colors, shapes, or figures
• Auditory hallucinations: hearing voices or sounds
• Tactile sensations: feeling hot, cold, or floating
• Illusory movements: feeling the body sway or rise

The nature of makyo. Makyo are a mixture of the real and the unreal, like dreams. They arise from residual elements of past experiences stored in the subconscious mind. They are not to be pursued or feared, but simply ignored.

The importance of ignoring makyo. By ignoring makyo and continuing with zazen, one can move beyond these illusory experiences and progress towards true enlightenment. Attachment to makyo can hinder progress, while detachment allows the mind to become more focused and clear.

5. The Power of "Mu": A Gateway to Understanding

"The retort 'Mu!' exposes and at the same time fully thrusts Buddha-nature before us."

The koan Mu. Mu is a seemingly nonsensical response to the question, "Does a dog have Buddha-nature?" It's a tool used in Zen to break down the limitations of the rational mind and lead to direct experience of truth. It is not a concept to be understood, but a reality to be experienced.

Why Mu is powerful:

• It is impervious to logic and reason
• It forces the mind to go beyond intellectual understanding
• It is easy to voice, yet impossible to grasp with the intellect

The function of Mu. By intensely focusing on Mu, the mind gradually becomes denuded of its delusive ideas. It is a scalpel for cutting through the dualistic thinking that separates us from our true nature. It is a barrier that is no barrier.

The experience of Mu. Through intense self-inquiry, the mind becomes one with Mu, leading to a state of emptiness from which enlightenment can arise. It is not about understanding Mu, but about becoming Mu.

6. The Dance of Cause and Effect: Inga Ichinyo

"Thus while there are many stages corresponding to the length of practice, at every one of these different stages the mind substance is the same as that of a Buddha. Hence we say cause and effect are one."

Cause and effect are one. This principle, inga ichinyo, means that cause and effect are not separate but are two aspects of the same reality. It applies to the practice of zazen, where each stage of practice is both a cause and an effect.

The ladder of cause and effect. Zazen is a journey with distinct stages, each building upon the previous one. While the results of zazen may not be immediately apparent, each step is a necessary part of the process.

• Each stage is a cause for the next
• Each stage is an effect of the previous

The unity of substance. Despite the different stages of practice, the underlying substance of the mind remains the same as that of a Buddha. This means that even beginners are already manifesting their true nature through their practice.

The parable of Enyadatta. The story of Enyadatta, who believed she had lost her head, illustrates the principle of inga ichinyo. Just as Enyadatta always had her head, we are always endowed with Buddha-nature, even though we may not be aware of it. The stages of her search are the causes, and the realization of her head is the effect.

7. Faith, Doubt, and Determination: The Three Essentials

"These three form an inseparable unity, but for purposes of discussion I am obliged to deal with them individually."

Dai-shinkon: Strong Faith. This is more than mere belief; it's a deep-rooted, immovable faith in the Buddha's enlightenment and the inherent perfection of all beings. It's the conviction that we are all capable of realizing our true nature. It is the foundation of all Zen practice.

Dai-gidan: Strong Doubt. This is not skepticism, but a profound questioning of why we and the world appear so imperfect when our faith tells us otherwise. It's a doubt that leaves us no rest, driving us to seek answers. It is the engine of Zen practice.

Dai-funshi: Strong Determination. This is the overwhelming resolve to dispel doubt and realize our true nature. It's the unwavering commitment to practice, fueled by faith and doubt. It is the fuel of Zen practice.

The interplay of the three. These three essentials are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Strong faith gives rise to strong doubt, which in turn fuels strong determination. They are all necessary for effective Zen practice.

• Faith provides the foundation
• Doubt provides the motivation
• Determination provides the energy

8. The Master's Guidance: Dokusan and the Path

"Without this individual guidance we cannot say that our practice of zazen is authentic."

The importance of dokusan. Dokusan, or private instruction with the roshi, is a crucial aspect of Zen training. It provides personalized guidance and helps students navigate the challenges of their practice. It is a tradition that goes back to the Buddha himself.

Why dokusan is private:

• It allows students to be honest and vulnerable
• It prevents others from being influenced by another's progress
• It protects the privacy of the student's inner experience

What to ask in dokusan. Questions should relate directly to problems arising from practice, such as physical discomfort, visions, or difficulties with concentration. Personal problems or abstract philosophical questions are not appropriate.

The roshi's role. The roshi acts as a guide, a teacher, and a mirror, reflecting back to the student his own progress and challenges. He provides encouragement, correction, and direction, helping the student to stay on the path.

9. The Essence of One-Mind: Bassui's Teachings

"Between a Nyorai (i.e., a supremely perfected Buddha) and us, who are ordinary, there is no difference as to substance."

The nature of One-Mind. Bassui's teachings emphasize the concept of One-Mind, the true nature of all beings, which is intrinsically pure and perfect. This Mind is the source of all Buddhas and sentient beings, and it is the key to liberation.

The importance of self-inquiry. To realize One-Mind, one must look into the source of thoughts and question the nature of the self. This intense self-inquiry is the path to enlightenment. It is not about intellectual understanding, but about direct experience.

The role of zazen. Zazen is the most effective means of realizing One-Mind. It is not just a technique, but the actualization of one's true nature. It is through zazen that one can quiet the mind and see the truth directly.

The practical application of One-Mind. Once One-Mind is realized, one can live with inner peace and dignity, free from perplexity and disquiet, and in harmony with the environment. It is a state of being that transcends all dualities.

10. Enlightenment: A Spectrum of Experiences

"The moment of such realization is kensho, i.e., enlightenment, the apprehension of the true substance of our Self-nature."

Kensho is not the end. Kensho, or satori, is the initial glimpse of one's true nature. It's a profound experience, but it's not the end of the journey. It's the beginning of a process of deepening and expanding one's understanding.

Variations in kensho. The clarity and depth of kensho experiences vary greatly. Some may be faint and fleeting, while others may be profound and transformative. The important thing is not the intensity of the experience, but the subsequent integration of it into daily life.

The importance of continued practice. After kensho, continued zazen is essential for sustaining and enlarging the initial insight. Without practice, the vision of Oneness can fade, and the transforming power of satori can be lost.

The transforming power of satori. Satori is not just an intellectual understanding; it's a transformation of personality and character. It leads to greater compassion, wisdom, and freedom, and it allows one to live with inner peace and dignity.

Last updated: February 3, 2025