Fukan-Zazengi 15: Idiots Welcome!



Master Dogen has just talked about how realised/ realising action happens independently of the thinking mind and perceptions - our own sitting is a manifest fact before our thoughts and perceptions of it, as are all actions in the real world. In sitting we come to realise this directly.


Therefore, we do not discuss intelligence as superior and stupidity as inferior. Do not choose between clever people and dull ones. If we single-mindedly make effort [in Zazen], that truly is pursuit of the truth. Practice-and-experience is naturally untainted. Actions are more balanced and constant.


Whether we have a sharp, intellectual mind (like a college professor) or the dull, slow mind of a dunce (like me!) it doesn't matter, because we drop off sharp wits and dim wits alike to realise the ascendant reality, the reality 'untainted' by thoughts and perceptions, of our sitting and all our real actions in the world.

When we settle into sitting, when mind and body begin to come into harmony, we aren't tossed around by seemingly random thoughts and discriminations and can enjoy our natural stability and balance.

Zazen is a bit of a leveller in this regards.

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