When I consider Zen Master Seung Sahn's teaching words, one phrase seems to go against the grain of Western identity:
Together action
Together action means: let go of John Wayne-mind and act in harmony* with others.
For Dae Soen Sa Nim, this wasn't just good advice.
It was the basis of all practice. Because, harmony arises only when we put down our opinions and ideas.
No wonder I struggle so much with together action - I would actually have to let go of my very good opinions!
So, to help people like me, Dae Soen Sa Nim created impossible projects and situations (see yesterday's post about preparing the grounds of the Providence Zen Center). And his dharma heirs continue to encourage the impossible.
Those of us foolish enough to attempt these tasks (Three month retreats! Travel the mountains of Tibet! Teach in Communist-controlled Europe!) have the opportunity to learn something new about ourselves.
We're not separate. No matter what we think.
* Harmony does not mean being polite or stuffing feelings, of course. It simply means: just do it!
The basis of all practice and the most difficult to establish. To surrender individual desires for the cultivation something wider, deeper and more powerful? Can I write a cheque instead?
Posted by: Genju | September 08, 2010 at 06:43 PM
Yes, just send your check to my address. Thank you!
Posted by: Barry Briggs | September 08, 2010 at 08:20 PM