Step by Step

In taking the path of Zen you are faced with decisions at every juncture. You might choose to go one way, with my blessing. I will offer my preference, for what it may be worth.

You might want to do your work at home, on line, before a computer. I would much rather do my work at home on my cushions and travel to sesshin.

You might want to change yourself. I would rather learn to accept myself.

Your purpose might be to become a priest. I would rather become a realized person.

You might consider kōans to be historical artifacts. I consider them to be personal guides along the ancient way.

You might consider each kōan to be part of a sequence. I would rather consider them to be my valued practice in and for themselves.

You might think of intervals between your seated practice as breaks. I think of them as practice.

You might think of your assignments during sesshin as jobs. I think of them as practice.

You might think your vow “to enable the many being": is to be something to recite. I try to take it to heart.

You might consider completing the last kōan of your assigned study to be the end of something. I would much rather consider it to be the beginning of something.

When you are made the master of your Zen temple or Zen center, you might expect to be called “Rōshi” by everyone. However it’s up to the Sangha members. Many Western masters continue to be called by their first names.

--RA