What to Think About During Zazen (Fukan Zazengi)

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the essence of Soto-style zazen, emphasizing that zazen is not about achieving a specific experience or goal, but about being present and letting go of judgments. Drawing from Dogen's teachings in *Fukkan Zazen G*, the speaker explains how zazen should transcend intellectual thought, focusing on letting go of both good and bad thoughts. The key message is to sit without striving for enlightenment but simply practicing the peaceful, joyful gate of Dharma. The video encourages not overthinking the practice but allowing the body and mind to naturally fall into alignment with the present moment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Zazen practice is not about achieving a specific state, but about letting go of thoughts and judgment. It's about simply being present without trying to control the experience.
• 😀 Dogan's 'Fukken Zazen G' emphasizes that the practice of Zazen and the experience of enlightenment are inseparable; they are one and the same.
• 😀 The translation of 'Fukken Zazen G' by different scholars is largely consistent, underscoring the clarity and simplicity of its core message.
• 😀 Zazen involves more than just sitting—posture is crucial. The spine should be aligned, and the body should be in a balanced position to support a mindful practice.
• 😀 The mind's tendency to think is natural, but the goal of Zazen is not to stop thoughts but to let them pass without attachment, like opening the hand of thought.
• 😀 Zazen is not about concentration or intellectual judgment, but about a state of peaceful, joyful presence, embodying the true essence of Dharma.
• 😀 It is important to avoid being distracted by the intellectual pursuit of 'right' or 'wrong' during Zazen. Instead, focus on simply being and letting go of judgments.
• 😀 The ancient Zen masters practiced Zazen as a direct way to experience the truth. The message is clear: follow their example and embrace the practice of Zazen.
• 😀 The body is the pivotal tool for Zazen. Practicing with a human body is seen as an opportunity to fully experience the truth and engage in the spiritual path.
• 😀 Zazen is not a theoretical exercise—it's a practical way of living the truth. It's about being present in the moment and not getting lost in distractions or intellectual pursuits.

Q & A

What is the main criticism discussed about Soto-style zazen in the transcript?

The criticism often heard is that if you're not doing anything during zazen, you're just wasting your time. People question whether simply sitting there is different from goofing off or not practicing effectively.

How does the speaker address this criticism in the video?

The speaker references Dogen's writing, specifically 'Fukkan Zazen G,' to explain that zazen is not about achieving specific experiences but is the practice itself. Zazen is enlightenment in action, transcending intellectual concepts of good and bad or right and wrong.

What is the significance of 'Fukkan Zazen G' in the context of the script?

'Fukkan Zazen G' is a piece by Dogen that explores the deeper meaning of zazen. The speaker uses it to explain that zazen is a practice of direct experience, where the practice itself is enlightenment, and it's not about striving for intellectual or emotional outcomes.

What does Dogen suggest about the relationship between practice and experience in zazen?

Dogen emphasizes that in zazen, practice and experience are one. The act of sitting is not separate from the experience of enlightenment, and there is no need to distinguish between the two. The practice itself embodies the experience.

How does Dogen contrast the ancient and modern approaches to zazen?

Dogen refers to historical figures like the Buddha and Bodhidharma who were deeply committed to zazen. He uses their example to highlight that zazen was not just an intellectual pursuit but a physical and spiritual practice. He suggests that modern practitioners should strive to follow this example and not abandon the practice.

What does Dogen say about intellectual pursuits in relation to zazen?

Dogen warns against getting lost in intellectual work such as studying words or seeking states of insight. He advocates for the 'backward step' of turning the light of awareness inward, reflecting on the body and mind to naturally drop attachments and attain the original state.

What is the importance of physical posture in zazen, according to the speaker?

Physical posture is crucial in zazen because it helps align the body in a way that supports stillness and concentration. The speaker stresses that while Dogen mentions specific leg positions (full or half lotus), the more important aspect is maintaining a balanced spine and a posture that supports a relaxed and alert state.

What does the speaker mean by 'the thought of non-thinking'?

The 'thought of non-thinking' refers to the awareness that in zazen, you are not supposed to engage in intellectual considerations. It’s a reminder to let go of thoughts without judging them and simply allow them to pass by without attaching any meaning or narrative to them.

How does the speaker describe the experience of 'non-thinking' during zazen?

Non-thinking is described as a state where thoughts arise and pass naturally, without interference. It's different from regular thinking because you are not actively considering or reflecting on thoughts, but instead letting them flow in and out, maintaining a sense of awareness without intellectual engagement.

What is the role of donations and community support in the speaker's work?

The speaker mentions that donations via Patreon and PayPal are crucial for their continued work. Book royalties and speaking fees are insufficient to cover their expenses, so community support plays a vital role in sustaining their efforts to produce more content and continue sharing teachings.