Many people think Zen is something difficult. May all beings awaken to their innate freedom! To the many people who have assisted me in preparing this translation, I would like to express my deepest gratitude. By introducing Harada’s teaching to a wider audience, it is my fervent wish that this book will help foster the true Dharma in the West. I think people are also very much attracted to the Zen teaching that we must liberate ourselves by our own efforts. More and more people are attracted to Buddhism because of such teachings as the law of causality, the fundamental equality of all beings, and the necessity of always living in the present moment. This is Harada’s message, as clear and sharp as a diamond, and is one that people of both East and West are longing to hear. If it is accomplished, there will be a transformation, in that we directly realize the Self that is without beginning or end, the Self that transcends time and space and is one with all things. This isn’t an easy task, but it is a necessary one. In order to attain true peace of mind, it is imperative that we forget the small self-the grasping, demanding me that is never satisfied. Open the book to any section and the underlying message of Harada Roshi’s teaching is quickly apparent. In short, this is a book for all people-regardless of age, experience, gender, race, or creed-who seek the Dharma, the natural principles of things, and keenly desire to know their true Self.įor me, this book is the warm body and breath of the buddhas and ancestors who have transmitted the Dharma in centuries past, akin to the records of past enlightened Zen masters. For those who have attained a measure of comfort and ease in their practice, but still wonder if it is possible for them to attain-in Zen Master Dogen’s words- the culmination of totally realized enlightenment, Harada emphatically says, Yes, it is certainly possible. For those who have been practicing zazen for many years but feel that something is lacking in their practice, Harada gives advice and encouragement. For those who have an intellectual understanding of Zen but have never actually practiced zazen, again it provides a clear explanation of the method of sitting in zazen and why it is necessary to go beyond intellectual understanding. For those who are curious about Zen Buddhism but have never read about it, the principles of Zen are clearly explained. Many sorts of people can benefit from reading this book. It consists of a collection of relatively easy-to-understand talks on Zen that were given to Westerners to explain the timeless concepts of Buddhism and the principles of Zen. This is a translation of Sekkei Harada’s book Zazen (Zen Meditation), which was published in 1993 and is now in its fifth printing.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |