OneDropZen: Questions and Answers

29 December, 2020

Dear Roshi I would kindly like to ask for your advice.I am now studying at University again and I realize that after some years of training at Sogenji I seem to have lost some skill at the kind of learning that is now required of me. This type of learning is rational conceptual discriminative thinking. At Sogenji you often mentioned that from a young age we gather information as I am doing now in large quantities but that this is different from the type of knowing we strive to realize at Sogenji.My fear is that using this kind of conceptual discriminative and rational thinking and gathering this information will obscure my true nature further and block my wonder and awe for being alive. Are these two necessarily in conflict or is there a way to develop all these simultaneously? Thank you very much.

28 December, 2020

Dear Roshi many years ago someone near to me died. I wandered through the streets crying and entered a church to find some confort. There was no priest so i sat in front of a small altar. not paying attention to what was around me just cried and wondered why this happened. Only then i realised there was a flower on the altar. Then there was nothing. Only me the flower and a ray of sun from the window. And I started to laugh. everything was flower and me and sun and laughter and it had allways been there. and it was like it was even if there was nothing special. only joi even if there was nothing special and it has allways been so even before i felt this even if there was nothing or there was no me to be there. I only use this words because there is no other way to describe this. This was satori maybe a small one. how to realise this again? And can it last? Or is it allways there? How to attain this without seeking? Was it satori? Deep bow.

26 December, 2020

Will a new buddha arise and how will we recognize him? Are there not many buddhas masters already? Do we need a ONE perfectly enlightened being to guide the rest of us to true well being or does each person find their own well being on their own or through one of the many masters or texts available to us?

26 December, 2020

How can you tell the difference between helpful admonishing versus disparaging comments?If someone proclaims to know more and be wiser than you how do you deal with that especially if you can't understand where you are lacking? And when their comments often seem hypocritical?

21 December, 2020

Should the experience of your true nature lead you to a wisdom of the world and history that leads you to a course of action to change the trajectory of the world. To remedy injustices. To right the systemic wrongs? Or is it to be able to wisely manage yourself and bring your peaceful essence to those you interact with so you live by example and trust eventually when all beings can see that the system rights itself? I hope that is worded clearly enough.

18 December, 2020

Early on the path zazen helps one to find a relative balance which helps one to function in daily life in society. How would you distinguish this sort of balance from true equilibrium and equanimity?

15 December, 2020

And how do we know that Kensho isnt a kind of brain activity or mind trick?

14 December, 2020

Dear RoshiIn one of the answers you say Someone in society giving all to the work they are doing without looking around becoming one with their work making efforts in being completely present their mind can become calm and clear.I work as a computer programmer. My work involves creating a flurry of agitated thoughts I work with my thoughts. It also makes me feel the opposite of present since it involves concentration on ideas that have nothing in common with myself my body my mind real world or dharma. I view my practice as something I can do in my free time. How can my mind become calm and clear as a result of my work can you explain?

12 December, 2020

Dear Roshi Sama. How can we know our inner heart has not been defiled by a wrongdoing? Do we have the right to be confident in any situation? And if we do not even know we have done something wrong when can we know we have backtracked?

7 December, 2020

I feel I have experienced the bright mind you speak of. And I can call on it to find peace in difficulties. My question is if one has discovered that essence is forgiveness of others a natural occurrence? How does forgiveness fit into our buddha nature? If there is not past or future there is nothing to forgive. So in the moment if something is happening you would respond accordingly but not hold onto it afterward.

2 December, 2020

What is 'turning the light around to shine back' ek hensh that the old patriarchs' continually exhorted us to practice?Many thanks

26 November, 2020

RIght now in the USA the health care workers are being overwhelmed by the endless increase in COVID patients. They have worked tirelessly for months without support from many of the public and many in government. As the fatigue deepens for these dedicated people how can we help them with this inner pain so many are now expressing?

25 November, 2020

In the course of one's practice both on and off the cushion, how does one carry the dynamic tension of holding great faith and great doubt simultaneously?

21 November, 2020

Dear Roshisama thank you for your guidance and inspiration In our formal practice it seems like we always focus on transcending the needs of our body and our psyche. During sesshin this is a lot easier than in daily life. When we are living and working in society how can we balance transcendence of self and taking care of our human needs? In myself a lot of attachments and desires have lessened or disappeared Not through willpower but by being finally seen as unskillful for the wellbeing of myself and others. There still are countless needs desires and attachments tough. Please advise on how to deal with them while taking good care of myself. Thank you very much

17 November, 2020

Often one hears that we live in illusion and that life is a dream. On the other hand theres the concept of Anatta no self. Who has those illusions if there is no one? Who dreams this very dream?

13 November, 2020

If one has an inclination to do the training in the monastery how can one know it's genuine and not just an attempt to escape life within society.

8 November, 2020

What means SHIKARYO? What is that position in a Zen monastery ?

6 November, 2020

In Zen Buddhism one often hears that body and mind are one but in theory the the soul enters a new body after death rebirth. Are they seperated after all?

6 November, 2020

Please excuse the inexactness of this question I am not sure how to formulate it. You teach of purifying the mind. I wonder if you could address this a bit. From a standpoint of ongoing practice how does one purify one's mind? You have also taught that happiness following a pure thought we are what we think having become what we thought. This seems to relate to this process of purifying the mind. How might this be done from a practical standpoint if for example one's practice is only sussokan. How does one do this through the course of the day when random thoughts arise during the course of life in this complicated and conflicted world? Does one consciously try to generate a more positive thought when a dark thought arises? And yet we don't control the thoughts that arise. It is difficult and confusing. Thank you.

6 November, 2020

Dear Roshi I would like to repeat the question asked during teaceremony in Hokuozan this October so that much more practitioners could hear your answer What kind of lessons people should learn from whole Covidpandemia situation? And how we your students could help people to go smoothly through this situation?Thank you very much Gassho

6 November, 2020

Dear Roshi Sama .It is said that in the older time the masters who had a very deep and big experience after that experience they Let it ripen within them before they become a teachers .like the story of bodhiddharma that sat by himself for a long time in a cave and The Sixth Patriarch that went out of the monastery for a many years before he returned to teach .I wonder if you also had this process after your big experience and before you became a teacher for others ?if its ok to ask you how that time of letting the experience to ripe inside you was for you ?Deep gassho

4 November, 2020

Dear Roshi What is 'to polish one's mind' and how do we knowfeel that the polishing is taking place?Thanks for taking the time to reply

4 November, 2020

How can we counter all the fear that arise in children and grownups due to all the new restriction like wearing masks and also fear of getting sick?

3 November, 2020

While I feel a karmic connection to the practice of Dharma and to the teacher I also feel that it is time for us human beings to go beyond religious traditions rituals and ceremonies. Is this possible or am I being deluded?

2 November, 2020

How to meet with this world?

31 October, 2020

Dear Harada Roshi The teachings often emphasize the importance of faith in Zen practice almost as a tautology i.e. that faith is a necessary predicate of deepening. Yet belief is difficult for some people. In this world there are so many things that people believe that seem obviously false even foolish and yet people at least appear to believe them fully. Outside of experiencing something like kensho how can it truly be known then that Buddhism and zen is not just another belief that man has made up? How can it be known without experiencing it that the Buddha Dharma is true? My question is whether or not one can truly practice when the mind harbors such an uncertainty or stated another way if following attentively the mind of practice may still deepen even with doubt. Thank you.

31 October, 2020

If a deeply awakened Master dies and then is reincarnated why do they have to do shugyo to open their dharma eye in this new body?

30 October, 2020

I lost a heart for training. There was some kind of aspiration but it's gone like a dream. I feel urgency but it's not that fresh inspiration more like tax office naging. I can see the problem comes from deep dissapointment. And deep 'I suck' carved in my heart. I'm demandig toward myself but there is no energy that follows this demands. No spark. No joy. No aspiration. How to awoke them back to life?

30 October, 2020

I sometimes it difficult being a human there is so much suffering that one has to deal with on this realm. I am a longstanding practitioner yet am still plagued by this question. How can I fully embrace my humanness so I can really serve the Universe? Thank you so much for considering this question...

30 October, 2020

Dear Roshi Thank you for offering to answer our questions. So much of our practice is shaped around a time honored monastic model. In these evolving times those of us with lay lives and more recently so many affected by Covid restrictions are left outside our practice communities. Now in 2020 and onward can you clarify our direct path to realizing our true nature and saving all beings. With deep gratitude. 9 bows

29 October, 2020

Dogen says something like The walking of the mountain is satori. Satori is not an object and not something we can obtain. You continue to exhort us to work hard to break through. Isn't this a contradiction?

29 October, 2020

With a world growing more polarized each day how can a simple man affect reconciliation so that both sides of the argument understand each other's position and possibly start a dialogue to bring the two sides together?

29 October, 2020

Dear Roshi Sama Many people in my country asking me if its possible to experience deep awakening state of mind from practice in daily life in society?If its possible to have a deep experience like the experience that people can have from the training in a zen monastery?I will be very happy to hear a answer from you about this point .Thank you so much .deep gassho

29 October, 2020

Which kind of training do people adults need in this times? What ist the most important to learn?

29 October, 2020

What does Zen look like in the United States of America in a time like this?

28 October, 2020

What is the path beyond the Mind to the Not self?

28 October, 2020

Dear RoshiWhen we are in a committed relationship with someone and they are not being truthful about their feelings how do you break the chain of negativities that branch from those insecurities and unresolved conflicts?From a wisdom point of view it is empty but if that person cannot seem to be faithful and committed to telling her honest feelings about experiences how do you resolve this deception from the other person? This seems to have happened a long time ago when the relationship began and she never really opened up to expressing herself truthfully despite all the various difficulties it put us through as a couple. It seems to have destroyed a great amount of trustworthiness and makes me always think she is lying about various events in her life because she doesnt want to openly admit the truth or reality of herself. In return I am left feeling insecure and almost gaslighted in a way. Is this really delusion or is it a delusional convention?

28 October, 2020

In this time of great grief loss and suffering throughout the world is there anything you've found lately that is supremely funny that you respond with laughter?

4 August, 2018

A little over a year and a half ago I wrote to you about my mothers death and I asked if I should become a hospice volunteer. You encouraged me to do so. So I did. I want to thank you for your encouragement. Thank you very much But I have a question too. For every patient I try to make their time left a little more comfortable a little happier a little more satisfactory. But sometimes I have difficulty staying with them when my own thoughts lean towards uncertainty or fear. I do stay physically but in my head there is a storm. In those moments how can I calm that storm and be there with them 100?

2 August, 2018

Dear roshi samaI practice zen in a monastery for 5 years and than I went back to my country..Life here in society very disappointing I dont how to share my practice and most of the things I do become not successful even if I work very hard the reality become bad for me.Its look like all the fruits from my training is to be a person with many fail situations and a person that can not give any example to others because what I do is always fail.. can you help me on what to focus my life here?Thanks allot

12 July, 2018

Do you and along with Rinzai Zen in general believe in Mappo ?

9 July, 2018

I'm awed by the indescribable benefits of meditation. Can you explain which meditation techniques help overcome the basic needs of the body food sunlight etc for long periods of time? The story about the football coach who helped 12 kids survive for 9 days in a dark cave before they were discovered has left us speechless and bow even more in reverence

16 November, 2016

Within a week my father's mother died and turned out that my father has throat cancer. What is the best way to use my being, also bridging physical distances sometimes to help healing and facing death?

7 November, 2016

When starting a Zen practice how important is it to choose wisely your teacher? Also if I may be so bold why would one chose a Rinzai Zen practice as opposed to a Soto Zen practice?

3 November, 2016

I practice zazen daily about ten years. Once I was reading the records of master Bankei and something made a click on myself as I was catching something important. Since then I am feeling more relaxed and facing the events of daytoday with another approach enjoying what happens sometimes loosing me in doing things. I don't know to say what is good or bad events there is just my life. By another side nothing really change on me I'm not feeling that I improve myself or I became a better person and that's ok to me. Since it was nothing special experience since I continues with that sense of an I which is enjoying I wanna ask what type of experience was that? It was something or nothing more than intellectual knowledge?

16 October, 2016

My Zen lineage comes from Omori Sogen of Daihonzan ChozenJi in Hawaii. Omori Roshi focused on ZEN KEN SHO . Like you he was a master calligrapher. I have noticed that your calligraphy looks very similar to Omori Roshi and other Rinzai Zen teachers. Calligraphy and Zen seem to go hand in hand. I have also taken SHODO as a serious practice to complement my Zen training. How would explain the relationship between SHODO and ZEN?

16 October, 2016

Ive been practicing meditation seriously for two years already. I cant say that I was a pretty diligent in zazen but I had a feeling that practice is an important part of my life. During this time I had ups and downs in practice but my believe in it was adamant. I didnt want to become enlightened or something. I just tried to live in a present without desire to turn into somebody who differs from myself. Now I dont have that strong desire anymore. Sitting part is difficult and even negligible efforts to concentrate and get a clear state of mind is totally neglected by my mind. I feel as I lost something and this terrifies me a lot because strong belief in Buddhas path always was my creed. How can I get back that desire to practice despite a laziness sadness and feeling that I dont need it anymore?

5 October, 2016

I'm a Swedish typographer artist and Jujutsustudent who have been practicing Shodo for some years now. I find it extremely rewarding and fulfilling to learn more and more about perfecting my kanji. And I feel that I grow every day by mixing my martial arts training with Shodo and meditation. However I'm not that skilled in the Japanese language and have hit a dead end looking for an expression that in some way say the same thing as the English expression it's better to burn too much than to not burn at all. I've tried interpreters over here but they return it in katakana and are not able to return it as kanji. To me the expression has become a bridge I can not pass and It holds me back in my Shod like a musical piece that you can not play thru completely. How can I obtain a correct kanji of my expression that is true to my heart? I'm so inspired by your work that I thought I'd better ask the master. Thank you for making my life a lot richer. Arigato

30 September, 2016

My mother died nearly one year ago. Since that time death has become foremost in my thoughts. I see it everywhere from the poor bugs on the windshield of my car to the animals on the road to the news of war everyday. Of course these events are very sad but I wish to see death more closely myself and to conquer my own fears of it. I also think about dying well as I am not sure my mother was able to do so. I have been thinking about how I can help people who are dying. Maybe volunteer at a hospice? My questions are 1 how do I face my own death? 2 If I have not conquered my own fears about death is it wise to try to help others with theirs?

29 September, 2016

I am new to zazen only a few months now. Sometimes during practice there is shifting in my head like my brain is moving around. It usually happens when I start to go deeper. It does not hurt but it is curious. Is the mind just trying to get comfortable?

25 September, 2016

Is true Zen possible without cult of Buddha? Without altars sacrifices honoring of lesser and greater gods worship rituals and other such things?

10 September, 2016

Why is the moon and not the sun symbol for wisdom enlightentment in zen?

28 July, 2016

I am losing my Rinzai Zen teacher of many years due to the reorganization of our center. Not a monastery I have great sadness. I have been able to be around a teacher who I believe is a truly wise teacher. I know I am attached And there is really no other place to practice where I live in this tradition. I never thought of myself as a dependent person as he does not foster this. This is such a challenge.

28 July, 2016

Can Rinzai teachings which he gave in front of his monks who in turn were part of some particular and beautiful culture of China in the olden days be applicable to modern western people? The Mind is the same but the Ego structure is so much different Should not teachings be skillfully tailored to each particular case? I can imagine that the teaching will be different for a person who is actively searching the Way as compared to somewhat interested but passive person. Same is valid for other types of Zen students students of different stages of the Way etc.

17 July, 2016

I have a very serious question Is it possible to to achieve enlightenment by developing ourselves in martial arts Kendo?

15 July, 2016

We all tell ourselves stories about who we are and how we came to be. In zen it seems that the answer is to not hold on to or let go of these stories but just be there. Does a person need to know what they are holding on to before they can let it go? Or understand that they are fighting something before they can stop fighting?

14 July, 2016

I seem to be reconnecting more to nature and the earth by walking in barefoot type shoes and beeing outside in nature. I notice the sky and plants and animals a lot. My consciousnes is changing. It is slowing down. More calmnes. A very big compassion and togetherness comes towards animals and nature.But I also feel more pain from the humans... I am noticing more how disconnected the human world is. I feel I get more energy from reconnecting to the earth. I need less sleep and less food. I have more energy in the body. Where does it come from?I want to help the human world. I like to walk in town with my dog sometimes in our slow way. I see how it affects all that we meet. But human society is sick... I cannot have a normal job...it becomes unnatural for me. The way they want me to be. I am a contrast to society. It worries me sometimes. How can I better be valuable to this human society..? They dont seem to see or value my qualities...Thanks for your service

4 July, 2016

I have always considered myself to be an artist. I am now 35 years old. I became interested in Zen Buddhism around the age of 20 because I needed help both in my personal and artistic development. I didn't have a direction. I read everything I could put my hands on on the topic. I still got nothing out of it I don't know or understand Buddhism. My creativity and intellect seem frozen and yet I continue to have a very strong impulse telling me that I have to get over that barrier. It is like I am constantly hitting my head on an 20 feet thick iron wall. What should I do?

4 July, 2016

We are the only species which is able to reflect on itself thus we are the only species which creates egoproblems and the feeling of separation of life energy. We spend our lives figuring out that we are not separated and that our ego creates all our suffering. Even if we believe in the teachings of Buddha it needs a lot of effort to experience that. Why do we make our lives so complicated and cannot just accept that everything moves naturally as we see it in nature and with animals? If we understood that we are life energy we would probably not need to spend more time trying to figure out WHY we are here we would just be here. We would probably not have the desire to achieve anything in our lives in terms of status or wealth. Sometimes it seems to me we are like an experiment that went wrong. Is our consciousness actually a mistake?

3 July, 2016

A friend of mine is frustrated because he noticed that nobody around him seems to care about others and about the fact that people are literally dying from the actions we don't take. But so many people are not willing to change anything. There seems to be a general attitude that this is just the way it is. People are too ignorant to listen to ustheir intuitionthe teachings of Buddha.When I say Be the role model of how you want society to be. Devote your whole life to being a pure caring person and continue to spread this message it seems like my words are too weak and I cannot reach him. He hardly wants to talk anyone anymore and he feels exhausted. He says that meditation does not help as he already sees things clearly enough to know that we just needed to care about ourselves and about others but nobody wants to hear that and he doesnt know what to do.I feel sorry for his situation and his suffering made me realise that I cannot provide any answers.Can you help?

29 June, 2016

Recently i have gotten tinnitus a constant buzzing tone in my right ear day and night. I have it now for three weeks and there is a chance that i will have to learn to live with it for the rest of my life so it might never become silent again in my head. Can you give advice on how to deal with this? How can i continue practice despite this challenge and constant sound?

24 June, 2016

Is it possible to attain daigotetti whilst using Cannabis? Or is it impossible with use of Cannabis?

12 June, 2016

Can you please tell me if my practice is correct I stay centered in the tanden and from there maintain a wide open awareness with the intention of asking what this Life really is. I do not fix concentration on any particular object but let sights sounds bodily sensations thoughts and feelings come and go as they present themselves while practicing to keep the mind awake open and still. I do this with a questioning attitude but do not constantly repeat the words of the question. It is hard to explain but the sense of open wonder is more like the eye from which I experience this life instead of focusing on the question itself as an object of concentration. When I become distracted I remind myself of the question once and then continue the silent investigation of reality. Is this a right way to practice? Would you call this kind of practice working on the koan What is Life? What is reality? What am I? or is this more like a shikantaza based practice?

7 June, 2016

Right now I understand I am That. Just seeing hearing tasting smelling and touching. Conceptual thoughts are very limited. Not that it is an issue either this experience happens as it is or I get caught up in ego and day to day activities. How do you integrate that which is formless? I hear that realization can happen in deeper ways and take time. I know meditation is a gateway, vehicle but I am really waiting for a grace. Seems some people never reach full realization even with decades of practice.

1 June, 2016

Trying to live a difference between love and craving i get so tense cause when i do not follow my impulse i am only anxious and when i do thee perhaps it feels like too much. But I never know the others and what they wish for and their intentions. So may it be a light to not want to have someone or was it offending?

29 May, 2016

I have a strange problem. After I finished Shurangama sutra strange things have been happening to me.First of all I watch life like a movie, people are moving, doing their things but I don't present at this activity. This is a completely apathetic feeling. Unlike the serene, calm and joyful feeling that I should have. I don't feel anything to people at all, like they don't exist. I cant express my love to women I can't express my love to children like I don't have love and compassion anymore. If someone falls on the street I simply would move away and wouldn't even ask about his health. I don't have much time and do zazen only 30 minutes per day at best but it doesn't help. Worst of all is that my mind blocks my joy of things accomplishments and also blocks my negative emotions, it replaces them with apathy. Not sure but this might be the infamous chan disease. Or may be just my work is so hard and pushing on me that my mind develops such defensive mechanisms.

27 May, 2016

There is a personal situation what interweaves my weekday life come up again and again in the form of doubt with the question 'quitting from this or not'.I try not to think about it too much observing the waves of thoughts and emotions or just live what come next put all my energies into it and trust I'll know what to do if I live the moment.Since years now this doubt is still here in vain of putting so much energy into it I don' t know how to soften this squeeze now.How to know what is good what is bad with no judging thoughts and emotions at all? How to know when is the time of quitting anything or continue seeing the roots of it?

22 May, 2016

I have been doing zazen for over twenty years in the soto zen style shikantaza but for many years I have been getting tension in my neck muscles above my collar bones it starts as soon as I place my hands in position. I have asked several zen teachers and they have no answer they just say to ignore it. I live in London England would it be possible to meet you when you are next in Germany When are you in next?

20 May, 2016

I do not truly understand the first of the four noble truths. Why is birth suffering? Life has so many moments we can enjoy. Maybe the roshi can explain dukkha?

15 May, 2016

What about autism? as an Aspergian I find myself having many needs and impulses that the historical Buddha may never have encountered. For example I have a greater need for routine an immense impulse to absorb worldly knowledge and the ability to release inner stress through rushing about outdoors engaging with random thoughts. There's involuntary expressions of elation in hand flapping as well. I know my mind works differently to most people's and I'm not sure that conventional Dharma will work for me. To what extent should one twist Dharma to suit their own needs if they have a fundamental cognitive difference.

10 May, 2016

Why is work practice Samu so important in Zen practice?

9 May, 2016

What is emptiness??

3 May, 2016

It seems like Rinzai Zen teaches that we must abandon tradition with stories about burning or refusing precious relics and teachings. This seems to be in accord with the teaching of impermanence taught by Buddha. I can't help but notice that by abandoning tradition it seems like eventually there won't be anyone to uphold it. When the dharma is clearly revealed as valuable people will naturally seek it out and share it.

27 April, 2016

What are the three statements of Rinzai?

24 April, 2016

Up to the age of about fifty years I didn't really know who I am and what my needs are. I was the little helper of many people or people wanted to force their will upon me. Since several years I listen to me and my needs and I try to care for me. It seems as if I have to cut contact to many other people to nurture myself. Sometimes I am very sad about this on the other hand it seems to be my way.But the greatest problem are people who do not respect my borders. This behaviour raises a great anger in me and I am often not able to control this. I try to avoid contact to those people but actually I have one colleague who tries to dominate me. It is not possible to avoid her. Is there something you can tell me ? Thank you

23 April, 2016

I had an experience one day while sitting in the sun with my eyes closed. I saw a circle with a dot in the middle. Sometimes these are just reflections of what one looks at when their eyes are open but I opened my eyes and saw this was not the case. When I first saw this image I thought to myself That looks Japanese. Then I thought I have seen that somewhere before. After that I forgot about it until a few days later I was online looking for places in the US that have sangha. A web page appeared with that image and I became intrigued trying to find out what it was. It turns out it was an enso and in my image it looked just like calligraphy. However I cannot find much information about what an enso with a dot in the middle means. Do you know what it means and do you have any opinion on visions of this sort?

17 April, 2016

What is the way out of ignoring? The circle of ignoring is beeing passed on from the past and continues its grasp in this body in this life.

14 April, 2016

Some Zen teachers said that emptiness was broken into pieces in their satori. E.g.The cup fell to the ground.The sound was perfectly clear.Emptiness was smashed to pieces.The mad mind abruptly came to a halt. And some say that a necessary stage in our practice should be breaking emptiness apart. Does that simply mean that emptiness states should be left behind or is there some cue in their words about pieces or parts of emptiness?

13 April, 2016

You said that there is no self but we cannot realize this if we don't practice Zen 24 a day. What does it mean to practice Zen 24 a day? From your response I concluded that Zen is the practice of selflessness of noself. Am I correct about this?

12 April, 2016

Please describe the correct way to chant.

11 April, 2016

When I sit my vision gets darker when exhaling and lighter when inhaling is this usual?

11 April, 2016

What is intuition?

10 April, 2016

Dear Roshi is practicing awareness the main aim of Zen? And can zazen awareness be exaggerated is there such thing as too much of it? I remember a parable by Rinzai where he tells a master thief that the only thing he should do is to be completely immersed in whatsoever he is doing. So is awareness the first and the last thing in Zen does it carry you all the way across the river or is it simply an important side factor? Lovingly

9 April, 2016

While concentrating on the koan Who am I? or What is This? during zazen do you internally recite it on the out breath while stretching each syllable making the words long so that asking it once lasts the whole outbreath? Or do you repeat the question in a normal way during the start of the out breath and then let the out breath flow further silently until it finishes and then ask again at the start of the next outbreath?

31 March, 2016

When I do Mu in daily life it seems that the concentration on the word is keeping my awareness from opening up and being one with whatever I encounter. When I do What is This? it is much easier and natural to melt into whatever is before me. Is this my natural affinity to What is This? or am I doing something wrong?

31 March, 2016

Why does anger exist?

28 March, 2016

Dear RoshiIt is often mentioned in your answers 'working creatively'. What is it like? Thank you

26 March, 2016

You spoke about the five ways of seeing. You stated that these were spoken about by the Buddha in a Sutra. You mentioned the name of that Sutra but I have forgotten it. Could you please remind me of the name?

22 March, 2016

Last week I visit Japan. And went to see the Rinzai temple in Kamakura. There were not many people that they and we were invited to see a Kyudo teaching course too. The sound of the arrow was as the wind that was not blowing very nice to assist. I felt very inspired by the place and the people. I would like to start practice but in my own living place Haarlem next Amsterdam The Netherlands I cannot find any help.I just have a simple question. What do I have to do to become a practicer of Rinzai. Is there a guide or manual what explains in English vs Japanese what to do as ritual in the morning afternoon and evening ? I hope you can give me some help. Also I would not mind to have a teacher of distance from Japan. I like to do meditation and observe Nature by myself alone. When I was sixteen years old I wrote some kind of Koans. This is one of them Which intention stay's unchanged?

22 March, 2016

I have been advised not to deliberately build up power in the tanden in order to try to achieve something. Do you think there is any place for will in breathing? My teacher discourages us from going after results. But what about that wide open spacious mind? Aspiring for that is surely different from clinging mind.

19 March, 2016

I just want to know if this moment is Samadhi. Sitting still in a huge bubble and everything in it melts together as one.Body and mind disappearing and everything seems bright and clear.Any noise that I can hear dont bother me any more. Its like a vacuum and everything in it becomes me.

18 March, 2016

This and every moment is spontaneously arising in dropped off body and mind as dropped off body and mind. No inside no outside only this present moment. Still conceptual mind resistance and form keep reemerging. And they fall away again in the clarity of original face. Always free always bound. Is there any abiding in freedom or only this constant practice?

18 March, 2016

For several years I have been wanting to become a monk, but my mother is against it. She told me once that she was a monk in the time of Tang dynasty and very likely that she failed but this is my guess. She wants to keep me close to her, have a family and rise her grandchildren. She told me that I am weak and want to leave her alone for some unknown reason she doesn't believe in bodhichitta anymore. I tried to restore her faith, gave her several books about Zen and several sutras to read even translated Blue Cliff record and Book of Serenity into Russian language but she still doesnt believe in a single word of Dharma. She only believes in material things and that people need to continue their family like many Chinese people do. Personally I want to leave her but I don't want to hurt her feelings I am greatly indebted to her. Is it possible to come to an agreement with her? What can I do?Sorry for a very difficult question.

18 March, 2016

Am I correct that the only purpose of zazen as practice is just to clear our minds of all our thoughts? Can we use any tool we want to achieve this or do you think deep breathing as you describe it is the best way for everybody? Please describe the correct way to chant.

16 March, 2016

Harada Roshi im from Brazil and next to me there are no Zen Teacher or Master. But im try to learn readind some books Three Pilars of Zen Kapleau Zen Mind Begginers Mind etc and especialy practing Zazen Shikan Tanza every day more than 3 times of 20 minutes each day. Although all books say that it's necessary a master to teach me and help me about Zen and how to find Satory. What can i do to improve me practice? A master is essencial to achieve Satory? Im my case even though im practice Zazen every day i must find a master?Thank you very much for your atention.

16 March, 2016

Do you think it might be possible to see Christianity and Buddhism as Earthly expressions of the universal principles of Yin and Yang?

15 March, 2016

Born with a progressive lung disease I can't breathe deeply nowadays and can't go through meditation without coughing periods. This makes me sometimes both sad and angry but I continue at home being concerned about molesting groups in their silence. Is this deficiency in practice all right and do you recommend me to go on?

15 March, 2016

What is not empty of own being?

13 March, 2016

In SOTO zazen in front of the wall as Bodhidharma. In RINZAI zazen the back is towards the wall. Why ?

10 March, 2016

Long story short and to get to the question 2 years ago I went through a huge spiritual energetic awakening as I was increasing my meditation practice. I spent a good deal of time bedridden and probably not until 6 months later was I able to really interact with the world. At this point if I keep to myself stay out of densely populated areas and follow a particular diet things go somewhat smoothly. When interacting with others I feel tremendously exposed to their energy thoughts impressions and it follows me around for some time. This makes it very hard to live life in a social way especially since my work involves interacting with other human beings who are going through trouble themselves. This all seems to point out to me how we are in this thing together but it does not make it easy for me as an individual.Do you have any advice on how what direction to go from here? I have sat with you and your Sangha and plan on doing so again. Intensive meditation ramps the issues up.

9 March, 2016

I am a 15 year old male and have a question What is the point to living? I see no point in living and my mind is constantly moving it seems impossible to stop. Will zen help me with the issues in my life? Can I practice zen isolated where i am as there are no temples near me? How can I deal with the people here and now how can I find happiness and a point to living?

4 March, 2016

I meditate every day for several years already. However I'm still overpowered by emotions that devastate me anger disappointment and irritation. Sometimes those emotions arise right after a meditation session. How can I help myself and protect others from them?

4 March, 2016

What is awakening? Is it the realization of no self? How long do I have to sit to be liberated?

25 February, 2016

What is the use of a life dedicated to sit in zazen instead of 5 minutes being a happy man? What is the use of a life dedicated to the sitting often with suffering rather than simply to be a good happy man? Many of us devote to sitting in their life or part of it believing that wisdom will flourish in our lives and understanding. Often nothing is changing. Sometimes we become even worse for other people.The practice is associated with suffering. Life is also suffering. What is the point?

22 February, 2016

What is the Buddhist understanding of justice? In my practice I watch my own mind and my own behavior but at times I can't help wondering about those individuals who seem determined to do harm to actively inflict mental or physical violence and suffering on others. Is there a point where seeing malevolent behavior as a manifestation of someone's personal delusion crosses over to a need to protect those in harms way?

21 February, 2016

A deep compassion is beginning to emerge in me. Maybe it has always been there deep down but I am only now strong enough to let it be there..?I feel challenged though by feeling all the surrounding people and society's state of mind...many different stages of development many different types of confusion and as a result suffering... It can overwhelm me.. I know from deep inside that I am going in a direction I can feel it.

21 February, 2016

What is knowledge?

21 February, 2016

Ego seems to be the root behind every suffering of mine. My ego seems to be big and deep. I meditate an hour a day and come to sesshins when possible. Please advice what else do I have to do to remove ego with all of its roots?

21 February, 2016

What is God ?

18 February, 2016

Hakuin talks about fifteen stages of enlightenment. How many stages is enough to be recognized as a Zen Master?

17 February, 2016

Beyond manymany circles of 'love and hate' fresh eye is hardly found During the urgency of passing life what is that decide and join or cut a relationship of two beings?Thank You so much.

12 February, 2016

I have a question concerning Dogens Shobogenzo which I am reading these days. Dogen oftenly speaks in a very degrading way about humans not living and practicing in a right way i.e. Dogen is talking in a very very degrading way about lay people compared to monks which he considers the only true way of realisation. To be honest the degrading way he is speaking about people seems not very compassionate to me. Maybe Roshi can say something helpful.

28 January, 2016

When is a student ready for koan practice? How do you begin koan practice?

14 January, 2016

What is your view on Zen Master's Seung Sahn's teaching? There are many students of this school who practice in your school. Are the teachings different?

11 January, 2016

Im 33 years old now and i still don't know what to do with my life. I have an profession but i don't like my work too much. Its not that i don't like to make an effort i do but the work makes me feel false. I have been practising Zazen in a sangha regularly going to sesshins for 7・8 years and having some degree of opening but this problem still torments me. I feel like I'm not living my life that i didn't make the choices that lead me to this point but have instead been walking as in a feverish dream. It feels like I'm stuck in between two worlds not leaving not entering. Sometimes I dream of burning away everything and starting anew to become a wild animal. But i haven't found the courage yet. And sometimes i think i maybe should just surrender to the forms of my life but it feels so squeamish. I think i could do more be more and use my potential.

6 January, 2016

I am afraid of dying through realizing emptiness. I am also afraid because I have heard that it is possible to go insane at that moment. What advise do you have for me? Thank you.

2 January, 2016

This very place is the place of lotuses and this very body is the body of the Buddha. Most seems to misuse this principle in an hedonisticpassive way an easy road not because they understand Zen or but because they don't want trouble. Your mind on this matter plague ?

30 December, 2015

How does one practice Zen when involved in intellectual work where one's energy becomes very focuses in thinking and mental effort?

17 December, 2015

Inside a big huge bubble where everything is empty unmovable and together as one. Just watching the surroundings with total focus?

17 December, 2015

I have been meditating for a while now and can feel strong energy in meditation. In my sleep sometimes something very powerful shoots up from my lower belly region and different things happen its really painful sometimes. is this dangerous 'chi' what am I to do? I don't have any training.

16 December, 2015

Why breathe from nose not mouth in Zazen? Also why do we have to breathe from lower abdomenHara than from lungs? Should we always Breathe this way in our normal life? While running it s not possible to breathe from nose..

16 December, 2015

Should we help other people and beings? What is the best way of helping them?

14 December, 2015

Is it possible to become aware of the true mind in our modern society? I have the feeling that everything we do works against what we practice in zazen. Is therefore isolation needed for awaken to the true mind?

5 December, 2015

What is wisdom? What is the practical use of Wisdom?And what is the perfect mind?

28 November, 2015

If you know the Master to be formless is he needed? I have been with some Advaita Masters and i had multiple kensho's yet they'd never last. Is staying aware of your true being enough to reach the ultimate? Or is it better to enter a zen monastery to stabilize yourself in the truth?

27 November, 2015

I feel there is a fog in my mind keeping me from obtaining any peace. I struggle with bad memories that put me in a very bad mood. Sometimes I can fight them off by acknowledging them and letting go but a lot of times they put me in such a mood that I don't want to practice Zen. What can I do?

27 November, 2015

My partner and I have caused deep suffering to each other. I have accepted the suffering he inflicted in the past and am dealing with it thanks to Zen. But he cannot move on from the past. As a result he is causing more suffering to both of us. How can I help him? He does not practice Zen but I do.

23 November, 2015

Does reincarnation exist? Even if it does not exist does a part of us continue after death?

23 November, 2015

I have depression and social anxiety disorder.I practice for long but it seems zazen has no effect of that.The symptoms has great negative impact for all part of my life including body and soul. It is a great hindrance. What is your advice?

21 November, 2015

I can see that most peoples beliefs of freedom and life is rooted in limited ideas they have been taught by schools and society. But in reality I sense that this limited consciousness is being imposed on them by a small elite here on our earth. How can I help people understand the real freedom?

21 November, 2015

I have come to a point in my life that has positioned me to not desire anything at all. I like to reignite this spark. How can one that no longer desires light the fires of desires again without an outside spark?

17 November, 2015

I meditate 2 hours a day. With work and everything sometimes it is a tight squeeze to manage such a routine. I can feel myself becoming more uptight about time as an attachmentpossession. This contradicts basic tenets of buddhism. How should I realign my attitude in light of this?

14 November, 2015

I am mentally ill and currently looking for a sangha. I came across one whose rules state that mentally ill people are forbidden in the dojo. Are OneDrop's views similar? I tried to find information about OneDrop's views but couldn't find any.

12 November, 2015

The place i work is in the process of being sold and job will be gone. The level of anxiety and fear is high. How best to be in this situation to offer calmness and hope to others. Please advise.

7 November, 2015

Do you believe in a soul?

4 November, 2015

In the Preface to the recorded sayings of Zen master Rinzai it says Zen students who have the eye to see I entreat you not to exploit this text. What is meant by this?

1 November, 2015

Did the breath in tanden and the breath that we have in lungs is the same breath?

31 October, 2015

30 years ago I visited a cave in Sri Lanka were Buddhist monks were restoring an ancient Buddha wall painting. I gave a donation and the head priest blessed me. Then he hesitated and told me I had a very old soul. Is it really possible for someone to sense or see that?

27 October, 2015

Dear RoshiWhat is the good function of emotions? Sometimes when I see certain things which seems harmful or are careless I become so so angry which I know very poisonous for others even for myself. How can an unperfect mind find wisdom at the moment when strong emotions appear?

23 October, 2015

How does one know that one has met ones true teacher?

20 October, 2015

What do you think about Reiki - can it support our training ?

11 October, 2015

If one has a koan should one count the breath for 10 times at the beginning of each sitting? Or is counting the breath only done in the beginning phase of practice and when one receives a koan one only concentrates on that day and night without using counting at the beginning of a round of zazen?

7 October, 2015

Would you guide me from a distance in finding the miraculous?

2 October, 2015

Budfha got enlightened when he saw a star. Lingyun got enlightened when he saw peach blossoms. How did it happen? We should calm our mind with breathing at first and something happens naturally?

24 September, 2015

My mind is full of suffering of children starvation violence displacement exploitation. It is painful to consider. It gives me the emotions of fear anger grief and shame. This is attachment. How can I see the difference between attachment and compassion and act?

12 September, 2015

I wanted to try zazen. I saw your video on youtube on sitting . I sat and brought my attention to the point under my bellybutton and counted my breaths. After a while I sensed a tension in my abdomens where my awareness was like a little fist. Is that ok?

12 September, 2015

Dear Harada Roshi I am a practicing Catholic and also practice zazen in the Rinzai tradition. I have felt a strong desire to manifest both Christianity and Buddhist practice in my life. I would like to work towards receiving Jukai. How does one believe in Christ and follow the the Buddha?

7 September, 2015

On a video of you and a deshi in sanzen you uttered a kiai in response to a koan. With your kiai I felt it in my whole body and the thought arouse Here is a true teacher. Can you comment on the nature of kiai spontaneous expression in sanzen ?

6 September, 2015

The spider creates a web and entangles others but is free of getting caught. What is the spiders secret? What advice do you have for those of us who want to cut all attachments and be free of the ego this very moment but have been unable to do so up to now? Thank you.

6 September, 2015

The Dzogchen Tibetan view is all is pure and in the divine enlightened state from the beginingless time and is at the same time empty. All forms sounds minds are already enlightened. Bodhidharma says that all is emptiness nothing holy. Or is this only to be discovered through zazen?

1 September, 2015

What is the original character of human beings? Is it evil or is it good?

1 September, 2015

As I sit in Zazen for more than 45 minutes my breath doesnt get longer it gets shorter and shorter unlike you explained in your video. I start with long and deep breath concentrating on outbreath but after sometime I let go and the breath automatically becomes tiny and short. am I doing it right?

26 August, 2015

Assuming you observe two people for some time in their activities. One is enlightened the other is not. How can you recognize the enlightened person just by outside observation?

21 August, 2015

I´m sitting in a wheelchair since 2 years. MS. And I want to continue my meditation practice. I have pain during sitting in this chair. Maybe you have an advice how I can continue. I don't have a teacher and I do not participate a sangha.

18 August, 2015

How should I practise Zen in a garden? What is the role of nature in Zen practice?

15 August, 2015

is Celibacy important to Zazen? if so why?

31 July, 2015

Due to my trauma I have no job since 2012. I believe that if you don't work you don't deserve to eat. My parents and wife totally support my life. I feel depression and despite a practice I can't handle these emotions and just let them come and go away. What else can I do?

29 July, 2015

Since we are all ONE, there is no self to realize, we came from nothingness and go back there. The false self world and its content - everything is illusion. If this is the case, why is this game of life-death-world-drama-separateness being played in the first place? what is the point?

26 July, 2015

My practice is What is This? When I let go of the repetition of the words of the question the mind becomes more still and open and I silently investigate reality in the spirit of What is This but without any words. Is this correct or should I persist asking the question? Or switch to Shikantaza?

23 July, 2015

I would be interested in your opinion on so called mindfulness and the way it seems to be marketed alongside popular Buddhism.

18 July, 2015

I came to Germany to finish my studies in informatics. After working for one year at a company I feel suffocated with the corporate life. In an attempt to escape this mess I will start my masters soon. However I can't always live on my own terms. I've thought about becoming a farmer. What to do?

16 July, 2015

Isn't there a shikantaza like practice in Rinzai Zen? What are its aims and how is it done?

16 July, 2015

My aunt has liposarcoma and her condition is deteriorating. Do you think that giving ki energy through our hands is possible? What are your thoughts about cancer in general? Is it a sort of karmic lesson to learn ? Could you advise any sutra - prayer for her to contemplate?

15 July, 2015

I just cannot grasp the essense no matter how hard I concentrate all I reach is a slightly more peacefull state of mind how can this be of use to all sentient beings? Can it be more efficient help if I invest the time and money I spend on retreats on charity to feed the hungry and help the sick?

15 July, 2015

What is effortless effort and how to perform it?

15 July, 2015

In you video you have recommended slow and long breathing focusing on out breathe but it is difficult Can we not leave the breathe alone and breathe without manipulation?

9 July, 2015

How can I become completely open?

7 July, 2015

How effective it is to chant Lotus sutra and Na Mu Myo Ho Renge Kyo twice a day instead of zazen. What is your view on Nichiren shu and Lotus Sutra.

7 July, 2015

My insights have acquired depth but my motivation to work and practice are low. Are these the obstructions of ancient karma?

6 July, 2015

In everyday life with other people I have difficulties to distinguish when my ego construct tries to protect itself or when my intuition guides me for the best of all participants. Due to this doubt I end up doing nothing saying nothing or being too polite and mild. This does not feel true.

30 June, 2015

I experience a lot of energy moving up and down sideways with random pattern inside my body during meditation. It is strong and very powerful. Is this normal ?I try not to fear and stay in meditation but fear wins most of the time. I have never had any formal training. Any suggestions ?

27 June, 2015

It is easy to say Buddha said Do not kill Buthow to truly avoid hurting other human beings? For example Buddha left his wife and his son and went to search for the Truth. Were they hurt by the absence of the husband and the father? Would their lives have been different if he had not left? Isnt search for the Truth Original spirit based on the ultimate selfishness? Each time I dedicate myself to zazen or kendo keiko I wonder if someone is missing me and I feel that my spiritual training is useless for the people surrounding me and their lives needs. How to deal with this?

25 June, 2015

I feel indifferent towards mundane concerns of life and those of most people. This feeling is naturally increasing with practice as I focus more and more on ultimate reality and see worldly matters as hindrance. I feel like this attitude is ultimately not conducive to the path. I am at a loss.

22 June, 2015

I am thinking that zazen is like doing a job like digging a ditch. The thoughts come and I just count the breath like taking another dig with a shovel. It's no longer about being a certain special way but just doing the job. Is this correct?

13 June, 2015

In the Song of Zazen it says: The Six Paramitas such as giving, maintaining the precepts and various other good deeds like invoking the Buddha´s name, repentance and spiritual training. What is this spiritual training Hakuin points to?

3 June, 2015

When a teacher is humiliating a student does it make a difference whether it is an act of compassion, a skillful means aimed at the students ego OR whether it is the teachers mistake or even bad intention? Should the student be able to distinguish these two or can he throw himself away in any case?

31 May, 2015

Is practice a bit self indulgent and whether we know it or not we may be quite simply chasing after quite pleasant mind body states? Where the chasing is done in a fairly refined and skilful manner of non chasing and specific type of allowing. When we find that this practice can give rise to quite unique experiences of rapture, bliss and joy does that then not become the goal and not some noble or heroic search for truth or reality? I worry about this because people who are focused chasing their own pleasure are invariably quite selfish and unpleasant. Also we see that the Buddha often juxtaposed sukha joyful ease with duhka unsatisfactoriness or suffering. One translation of this might be simply fill the existential hole of lifes fundamentally painful realities with some transitory joy which is at best a fairly temporary and superficial fix. What do you think is a right view ?

28 May, 2015

It seems Tai Chi practice allows one to feel and even direct chi flow. It would seem that well established Tai Chi might help greatly during extended sittings and help to retain tautness. Is this correct?

28 May, 2015

The physical difficulty of sitting is sometimes great at others as if the sitting is doing itself. It seems that the best is of course when the mind settles into zazen. But I have also noticed getting to this point occurs when the body's form is better. How important is the physical component?

24 May, 2015

In society we are far away from the monastery, thirsting for sanzen, how to meet my true master?

23 May, 2015

The true man without any rank is dead in the past is dead in the future and dies the moment she is born. Is this correct understanding?

22 May, 2015

Each of us has inside a seed not only for peace but also for war. Can the seed for war actually be eradicated? Is our training about seeing clearly how the steps our word and action in this very moment will lead to harmony or to conflict? There are those who cover so well as they incite war.

21 May, 2015

What can we do if we have very little time to practice sitting zazen due to our work and family obligations?

21 May, 2015

Is there a kind of response from nature to the needs of animals and humans not only with food but also medicine?

20 May, 2015

Is it correct that to practice Zen is basically to build a habit of not believing and not following our thoughts? Because when we don't listen to our thoughts there is nothing else to deal with than the present situation. Is this view correct?

17 May, 2015

In the situation one fails to fulfil his duty as a parent and as a consequence his child dies is it justified for a person to stop living?

16 May, 2015

Does Enlightenment imply moral excellence? Is it possible for a man or woman to see clearly his or her true nature yet remain immoral? Conversely is moral excellence possible in the absence of Enlightenment?

15 May, 2015

Why do children die?

13 May, 2015

What is our function as Zen Buddhists if war comes?

11 May, 2015

It may happen that I find zazen boring? is it normal this feeling? if so what is the suggestion? I do zazen at 4:15 am alone. This is since 3 months. Then I go to work and often I feel tired during and by the end of the day. I keep concentrated on the breathing .Your suggestions would help me a lot. I am 60.

6 May, 2015

What does it mean to 'do not delude the true self'? Can the true self be even deluded?

5 May, 2015

Can be even any action be harmful to others not just for our own karma? Isn't it the 'bad' actions things or the ego itself also endowed with the Buddha Mind? How can be find a true direction in everyday life?

4 May, 2015

I cant control my movements and saying some words sounds. They arise without my will. I practise zazen about two years and these problem dropped down in beginning of practise but now it returns and strongly enough. I would like to know the reason of this disease and what I should do to get recover?

30 April, 2015

What is more important to plant a tree or to realize that the tree is empty?

28 April, 2015

Modern medicine is based on scientific research and a consistent part of the medical knowledge has been and will be acquired by means of inflicting the most excruciating pains to innumerable living beings. How can we take advantage of that knowledge and still feel at peace with ourselves?

24 April, 2015

As student of martial art I would like to ask you if zazen can be useful to develop any kind of skills in my practice .

21 April, 2015

I read and think a lot about Zen and Buddhism and it makes a lot of sense to integrate Zen practice in my life. I want to do practice but for some reason even the smallest excuse possible is enough for me not to do zazen. This makes no sense to me. I want to but I resist. What can I do?

20 April, 2015

Could you please explain what is this human selfawareness. If you look at it it becomes obvious that it doesn't point to anything. It looks like it just hangs alone out there. I am so and so changes but this selfawareness stays the same as if I would not change at all. How do you see this?

7 April, 2015

How does one maintain focus on the nonego part of mind in everyday life where thinking planning deciding work at a computer social life like e.g. TV with family and friends constantly drag him back into the ego ways? I believe lay practice is the best way for me but does it actually work?

7 April, 2015

The more ego pieces are broken away in the process of training the less wishes are left in me. It is hard to live as before when you are not driven by things as before. Now I feel that also my current motivation to practice comes from the ego. How do I pass this phase and continue to practice?

6 April, 2015

Willing to feel humbled in the face of a higher law like the 10 precepts I am in doubt why it is part of some rituals to prostrate one in group. Shouldnt it be enough to meditate and work in community to find the way of the heart?

5 April, 2015

What to do when the great question gets in the way of our lives? Our complex world requires me to show myself this world wants to meet some me but there's no I to meet there never was. I feel stuck between my practice and the society I roam everyday. How to face my real face in this situation?

4 April, 2015

How one should work with a fear of becoming evil? Is practice able to glue deep emotional division of good self and bad self or it should be resolved fixed before or simultaneously with doing zen practice?

2 April, 2015

After a long period of illness I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder where the body on a cellular level is no longer able to distinguish between self and other and proceeds to attack healthy tissue. Where is this small point of self that needs to be protected to survive?

1 April, 2015

Throwing oneself away is such an enigma. How can I ever say about myself I am not I don't exist? The more I look at this the more I feel my existence and its mistery . The sage says that there is never such a thing like me. Can you clarify this ?

28 March, 2015

After each retreat I find that the good habits I had cultivated there getting up early energy for effort falter quickly. My resolve weakens and I watch my mind grow dull even selfdefeating. By what method can I overcome this? Thank you

25 March, 2015

What are your hopes for the future?

23 March, 2015

From your experience do you think that intentionally slowing down certain activites like breathing walking writing washing etc is a good practice? It helps me quiet down my frantic mind but I don't know what would be long term effects of such practice.

17 March, 2015

I sit chant the heart sutra everyday I volunteer twice a week but i also feel useless isolated terribly alone in my tiny apartment when i come back home. I force myself to go out so that I am in touch with society. How to connect with people how to break out of my own self prison? Please help.

12 March, 2015

The morning star a stone hitting bamboo a monk beaten by a broom hikers intruding mountain solitude why do you need always an outside object to realize the truth?

9 March, 2015

In your teaching you talk about the consciousness of two as the world of egothe consciousness of one as the world of non dual samadhi and theconsciousness of zero as the source of all worlds.In what state of mind does one live in after kensho?

9 March, 2015

No body no mind no object of mind no mind consciousness: We are oblivious to all worldy affairs in this state of mind how then can we fulfill our Bodhisattva vow and help the world ?

7 March, 2015

I understand what you teach as. The world of two is the source of all troubles.The world of one makes no discriminations. Why must I go into the world of zero ?

4 March, 2015

When I sit down to meditate, my mind seems like a naughty child who does the opposite and runs to everywhere, I can not submit to the here and now might be because I have so much ego? or is there any advice you can help me I

2 March, 2015

In our sangha group we will discuss the 8th precept From the most clear profound and subtle mind do not be possessive with the dharma treasures. Please help us understand what are dharma treasures and how can one be not possessive with them?

2 March, 2015

How does one know when it is the right time to take vows and live as a monastic? I want to live in a monastic community and study and practice dharma. Yet each time I try to make a commitment I am also being called to serve others. Perhaps it is my karma and I can take vows in another life time.

27 February, 2015

There is a very deep rooted tension a fear of letting go. Who or what it is that is holding on to it? How to let go? Is it necessary?

27 February, 2015

What's the easiest method to let one see or realize that attachments like alcohol etc.. hinders you? I've been smoking weed for 15 years now and since 5 years I've been learning how to trade finance I realize my performance is inconsistent when I party or smoke weed even tho I at times enjoy it.

26 February, 2015

We should focus our attention to deep exhalation. What about inhalation? In zen we should pay attention to every moment. So when we inhale where to put our focus? Exhalation should be longer than inhalation that is all?

26 February, 2015

1. What is the relation between sussokan, zazen and samadhi?2. Is concentrating by focusing on a single small point correct zazen?3. What is the difference between kensho and satori?4. Is zazen always targeting kensho or is working on ones samadhi enough?

26 February, 2015

How shall we act if at a serious place of practice acts of agression and anger happen without anyone reacting to it and it becomes something that is perceived as a regular behaviour?

22 February, 2015

Is it possible to prove to others that being one with everything is not just a product of our regular consciousness but an attainment of Buddhadhatu?

22 February, 2015

Is there anything other then Form in this world?

19 February, 2015

You advice us to vigorously put our life energy into whatever we do and the present moment. Precepts demand from us to reflect past or future impacts of our deeds. How can one be completely in the present moment and also be guided by the precepts or paramitas?

11 February, 2015

Unexpected strong white Energy during mediation upon eyes. What to do next time ?

11 February, 2015

Sometimes I get engulfed in doubt, panic. When I can sit everything becomes clear, the mind calms down, but when I have to deal with the problems of this body, ego everything comes back to this stressful state. How to resolve this? Should just let them wear off and don't attach to them? How?

10 February, 2015

Is the body only just my sensation of my body? What is the source of my being consciousness is it impersonal or personal? Can you transfer a taste of this state of the source to another person and then they can work on deepening it?

4 February, 2015

I am interested in the moment when I see that I have been lost in thought. It is a moment when I can feel ashamed, embarrassed, angry that I have not maintained focus on my breath.

4 February, 2015

In everyday life my feelings overwhelm and keep me busy with them but as soon as I sit down to practice they disappear and come back as soon as I stand up. How can I practice letting go and not getting stuck on them in everyday life where I am surrounded with sources of feelings?

4 February, 2015

I learned that the emphasis of Zen practice is to keep one's mind focused on one thing like breathing tanden Mu. But I noticed that my mind likes to fixate on some feeling or thought and hinders the natural flow. Cutting just one thing out of this moment and fix on it does not seem right way.

3 February, 2015

I once had the experience that I came close to kensho but because of the extreme fear coming up, I held myself back to go any further. What can I do about it?

3 February, 2015

Often during 7day sesshin I am so tired that I do not do sussokan or any other technique just sit there and fight for staying upright. There is no thoughts and at times great peace. When I land into this state I stay there but is it a good way? Should I fight and try to do sussokan every round?

3 February, 2015

I have an instinctive feeling or belief that shame and guilt are two important emotions. But I am unable to decide exactly why or how this is so. Can you explain how shame and guilt function from the standpoint of Zen? Is this a question you have considered?

3 February, 2015

What is more important to experience kensho or samadhi?

2 February, 2015

I feel the surroundings Nature peoples emotions thoughts animals energy from plants. A Tibetan monk told me it is a gift and that I can help people. I however I feel out of place in this society. People are far away from a natural state. Shall I wait for society to ripen or leave? Thank you.

1 February, 2015

I have a broken spine. There is no medical way to fix it. I am in pain always and the pains sensation always shifting. I try exercise meditation medication relaxation and activity. Every day I try new. What else is there ?

30 January, 2015

Coming back from sesshin I am immediately in the midst of family and business affairs. Karmic afflictions are pulling one constantly towards the guest position. Please give me a living word for the host

4 January, 2015

In the last 30 years I faced always one main obstacle in meditation and still do. Entering and maintain a state without thoughts or observing the thoughts without being attached to them is doable, nevertheless I never experienced any profound insight in my mind or Kensho.

3 January, 2015

When phenomenal experience temporarily ceases does the Ox's tail pass through the latticed window?

3 January, 2015

How will one know following the heart if it is really the heart one is following? Especially when it causes pain to people who were close to one.

31 December, 2014

Is it correct to have the attitude that simple employment is most suitable for a lay person?

28 December, 2014

I sat Rohatsu Sesshin in the U.S. this year. On the 4th day I had a psychedelic like experience which eventually caused strong anxiety and panic. I had a milder experience without the anxiety at my first sesshin earlier this year. Is this normal or am I merely inducing psychosis?

25 December, 2014

The monastic places could also find a way to support their older sangha members with a special schedule for people 60 . I am almost 65. What could change in the schedule to support my old bones?

22 December, 2014

Can you please explain the function of emotions in Zen? Is it correct that feeling emotions enjoying happines and suffering anger and anxiety is Zen but recognizing these feelings as feelings seeing them as good or bad trying to somehow change them is not Zen?

20 December, 2014

What is your guidance for one who experiences Awakening - Satori without training or a community as in a tradition like Zen?

17 December, 2014

What is there to practice? Every practice is just ignorant mind thinking that it is practicing something. But this is just a game of mind. The only real practice should be a practice of no mind but that can never be a deliberate practice. Everything is really nothing so what do we practice ?

15 December, 2014

Can the true man enter mental states other than the four brahmaviharas (benevolence compassion empathetic joy equanimity) ?

10 December, 2014

I have only just started learning about zen but throughout my life I have found myself slipping into a meditative state where I feel as if I am deeply connected to the universe as if I become my surroundings. This feeling is what sparked my interest in Buddhisim. Could i be experiencing Mushin?

1 December, 2014

Could you say something about addiction to entertainment and information? I seem to have a more extreme problem than most people I know as it gets in the way of my workof my health of my relationships. I often think the only real solution would be to forcefully isolate myself .

29 November, 2014

How to know without doubt when we have to change terminate anything or when to accept continue what just is? Where is the place which is beyond free will and destiny? How to reach it at any time?

26 November, 2014

In the realm of feelings and emotions how do I distinguish my ego cravings or karmic influences which appear so real from the true man?

26 November, 2014

I tried to stay in the present 24 hours a day. This helped to reduce confusing thoughts. But now a new kind of feeling is developing. I sense some doubt that this is going to lead me anywhere. It is so scary that it often overwhelmes my efforts to practice. Is there a way to overcome this doubt?

18 November, 2014

I study Zen in a language which is not my mother tongue. This means almost every answer every verbal reaction I give during work with the teacher is incomplete and unfinished. Most times I do not find words to express myself at all and that hurts. How can I stay open and honest so that I can learn?

18 November, 2014

How should I envoke deeper zazen state in mind? And how should I keep the zazen state in every moment? Is it enough to concentrate my attention to breathing or should I pay attention to something else also?

14 November, 2014

What is laughing for you? Laughing and laughing at all the seriousness of myself and of others'. Everyone is very serious and worried about something isn't it? They are all very serious about themselves the spiritual practicers above all.

12 November, 2014

Do you accept life long vows students of Zen ?

8 November, 2014

In the introduction to Zen Mind Beginner Mind the author points out that there are two words that S. Suzuki never used satori and kensho. What if I never experience Kensho?

7 November, 2014

I've noticed that sincere happiness and peace comes when there is no fear inside me. Negative thoughts anf feelings are the result of inner fear only. Fear comes first and then all the negative. Can you say something about this please?

7 November, 2014

They say that when the student is ready the teacher appears. How will I know when I am ready? I think of Master Dogen and what he went through to find his teacher.

6 November, 2014

How about Koan practice in lay life?

4 November, 2014

What is the function of a zen teacher in a lay practice? Just koan work? When we practice with a teacher and the times get tought when the relationship feels like a heavy burden and no communication is possible how do we know if it is not the time to look for another teacher?

3 November, 2014

I try to do zazen in the traditional full lotus posture but after 11 minutes or so my left leg starts to go numb and very pressurized. I think the vein is being pressed or something. I can go on meditating ignoring the discomfort but should I? Could it damage my leg permanently?

1 November, 2014

What is required to love oneself?

30 October, 2014

Five years ago I felt very strongly and without any doubt that I am not related to anything. This life body ALL my past actions the suffering and happiness the good and evil disappeared. From that moment I'm a seeker. My question to master Harada Roshi is what is the obstacle to my own freedom?

28 October, 2014

When I practice sussokan as you advice where in the body should I keep my attention? When I think ooone twooo threee ... the attention is stuck in my head and it does not feel right. Should I keep the counting but focus on my stomach? That does not feel right either.

22 October, 2014

We are taught that desire leads to suffering. Yet without suffering there is no joy they are naught without each other. Is it wrong to enjoy both the suffering as well as the joy and to embrace all the colors that life has to offer?

21 October, 2014

When I start to count breath and watch that I do not get lost in thoughts the thoughts disappear and I end up in a dumb dead state. Counting runs by itself but I am not in contact with it. After such sitting I become numb and passive in everyday life. Please advise on how to continue practice.

21 October, 2014

Could you comment on words of Hakuin: Realizing the form of no form as form.

19 October, 2014

There is definitive freedom from action? Every kind of action. I'm not more interested at all to doing something better. To be good or to feel myself a good man. There is no end in that. I can see the illusion of everything I've done materially and spiritually. Where is freedom if I'm forced?

18 October, 2014

I see the power struggle and primitive pleasure seeking clearly in relationships. Its repelling to me. Is possible to have a steady relationship based on acceptance?

8 October, 2014

Buddha taught in the Heart Sutra No eyes no ears no nose no tongue no body no mind. But Buddha also taught emptiness does not differ than forms forms does not differ than emptiness...Also everything were come from emptiness. We have body can we say our body is Buddha Nature?

8 October, 2014

How should we practice when not sitting zazen in our everyday lives while working etc.? Should we just focus on what we are doing at the moment or should we at the same time keep being focused on our breathing and tanden? How do we do this when we are NOT in zazen? Do we continue susokan breathing at all times or do we go about our day simply placing awareness in the tanden letting our breath be what it is? How do we pay attention to our breathing and tanden outside of zazen?

6 October, 2014

I'm confused about the exhalation of the breath does exhalation comprise only of contracting the abdomen until all the air is out or is there also a stage of contracting the diaphragm and if so which should I contract first?

6 October, 2014

Why do we tend to compare ourselves to others all the time and what other reference point might there be in a capitalistic society? How can we overcome selfmeasurement?

4 October, 2014

Which brings us into deeper mind Sussokan or Koan practice?

4 October, 2014

Your bio says that day on the mountain you realized that there was no self to be bothered. When I was 18 I realised that this I does not exist, it's not what we are. We are emptiness, ingraspable. Names do not apply. Is that correct? Love matters. It heaves one above one's self.

3 October, 2014

Since when have Koans been used?

3 October, 2014

What does it mean to go straight on this path and to dedicate one's life completely to the Dharma?

2 October, 2014

What could be the connection between Kyudo (Japanese archery) and Zen?

1 October, 2014

My heart feels heavy because of my nephew who was sent to prison two years ago. He was isolated 23 hours a day because the examination of his case went on and the court was to busy. He will be punished with 7 years of prison because of betraying. How can I help him?

1 October, 2014

What is the nature of focus in zen?

30 September, 2014

If a question is asked does it not have to come from ego? How can it come from clear deep mind which is silent empty stillness? Does the ego not have to be engaged in order to speak?

26 September, 2014

Could you comment on synchronizing the breath with the pulse?During Golden Hour I practiced counting my breaths continuously while keeping an awareness of my beating heart. Each exhalation occurred during 8 heartbeats and each inhalation over 4 heartbeats. It felt very soothing like rocking a baby

25 September, 2014

Why do we keep our hands in the cosmic mudra during zazen? And what about the other hand position with hands clasped one hand holding the thumb of the other hand as is sometimes seen in Rinzai zendos?

24 September, 2014

I very much enjoy practising Zen. I try to remain clam each day but I find that my partner is a complete emotional wreck overreacts to everything is hyper and essentially disrupts my practice. Any advice on how to handle the situation so I can exist in a calm environment with her?

24 September, 2014

If my understanding is correct you are saying that not giving attention to thoughts will gradually purify my mind. But do these fears and desires truly vanish or do they just remain hidden and I will have to fight them in this way forever?

24 September, 2014

What is the role of faith in Zen? I see that if I don't have faith that my practice will produce something positive doubts and anxiety easily overcome my efforts. When you were a young monk how did you develop faith in your practice?

21 September, 2014

My heart feels heavy because of my nephew who was sent to prison two years ago. He was isolated 23 hours a day because the examination of his case went on and the court was to busy. He will be punished with 7 years of prison because of betraying. How can I help him?

11 September, 2014

For many years I experienced much peace while meditating and my general feeling was one of a calm and very peaceful person. Now I experience little to no peace. It is as though I have been reborn in the hell realms without dying and without explanation.

8 September, 2014

During the practice of Zazen I realized that something inside me denies that I am lovable. That something does not allow true and unconditional love for myself. Consequently I cannot meet other people with open pure and bright heart. How can I let go of everything when I'm not able to accept myself?

5 September, 2014

What is the use of years of meditation if around me I see lots of practitioners who after years of dedicated meditation are still caught up in their restricted minds and therefore led by their anger sex addiction abusive urges etc.

4 September, 2014

In your answer to a recent question you mention Naikan as practice to do before going asleep. Do you recommend this practice for your students living a lay life?

26 August, 2014

Since practicing Zazen I recognize that my love to other humans is growing. I call it love but what it actually is is a strong connection to others. But if brotherly love gets so overwhelmingly strong, how can I distinguish it from my love to a partner? Simply physical attraction cannot be the answer.

25 August, 2014

I'm a practitioner of Theravada school and I'd like to know what is the difference between practice of zazen and samatha vipassana.

23 August, 2014

If people are so blinded that they are able to deliberately cause pain to others, kill them, how can we reach the mind of these people? From a Zen perspective, can we do anything to make them see that they are separated from life? Meditating and trying to be open minded seem not to be far reaching enough.

23 August, 2014

The first precept says: do not kill. What about failures to render assistance? Western Governments provide weapons to opponents of Isis to support people on site to stop war. Instead arms delivery supports further killing. But just watching the slaughter of people in Iraq doesn't stop war either. Is doing nothing killing?

23 August, 2014

Can you suggest how to just sleep? Is it possible to continue zazen in dream realm and increase my experience, and not be distracted by my monkey mind through the night?

21 August, 2014

You point to the mind which perceives directly without mediation a mind which just sees hears smells etc. If this direct perception takes over, what do happens to my personal history, my personality, my social relationships, my karma - all relying on mediation and memory?

21 August, 2014

I wonder if the constant practice of letting go will develop indifference towards people that I only just met that the quality and intensity of our relationship will suffer as I am cautious not to get too attached to them so I can easily let them go when they leave. Could you please comment?

18 August, 2014

It seems that there is more conflict and less humanity in the world perhaps more now than before. Where do I resolve the conflict in myself between acting on injustice or doing nothing? What is the nature of the anger that builds inside? What's the reality of the conflicts and injustices I witness?

13 August, 2014

How is it possible that you have this huge amount of energy what is the metode to it?

12 August, 2014

One Time, our sun and earth will come to an end together with all life. What sense does it make then to save all sentient beings when they once will disappear anyway?

7 August, 2014

The second precept says From the most clear, profound and subtle mind to not consider anything as ones own. Human interaction is also about giving and receiving. If nothing belongs to me how can I give something to others and how can they receive it? And what happens to the idea of generosity?

4 August, 2014

Someone said after we die we reincarnate immediately to get another form. But there are people who do not agree they said that the deceased is Buddha Nature. They said the one Who said reincarnate to get another form was only accept the Buddha Nature and forget the body when the body is also Buddha Nature. So after death we integrate into the universe because Buddha Teaches One is all all is one. And Sutra teaches Form is Emptiness and Emptiness is form If so who was right? Roshi Please explain because I'm so confused now.

2 August, 2014

What time should we wake up to meditate in a Temple? And at home?

1 August, 2014

Who realizes the Self? Perception of the world is a product of the mind thought process. This perception obstructs the Self. How can the Self be perceived to be realized if not by the same mind that is obstructing the Self?

31 July, 2014

I believe I have seen our true nature however there is a struggle present to put this awakening into practice and to manifest in in my daily life for the benefit of all beings. What is my next step ?

27 July, 2014

You made it clear that zazen IS kensho and that we practice correct zazen with correct creative application. What is the correct creative application of zazen?

22 July, 2014

I'm new in Zazen and I'm trying to observe my natural flow of the breath. It happened that I interrupt it again and again or when I let it flow naturally I can't really notice any breath flow with my mind. As soon as I notice the breath then it finishes its natural flow.

14 July, 2014

Some people find that physical exercises like running or yoga can calm the body before we settle into our zazen so that our breath is gentle free and easy like a light breeze blowing through our body. Can you recommend any other exercises for keeping our abdomen flexible and easy.

10 July, 2014

Where is a correct balance to be found in preserving traditional Zen forms robes liturgy etc and ensuring that students don't get lost in and distracted by this thus missing the point of practice? Should Zen evolve in the West to integrate cultural forms familiar to Western practitioners?

7 July, 2014

I feel energy in the body. Recently I understood that it is just empty space. It makes me happy to feel this expanding empty space inside.What will happen when all of me become empty?

3 July, 2014

Many people have the experience of foreseeing future events, remembrance of ancient past, communicating with the Departed, Divine guides and helpers. Sometimes this happens for people without formal spiritual practice it is simply Awakening. I'm wondering if you could give your teaching on this.

26 June, 2014

I always thought that satori when achieved occurs suddenly and without warning. However sometimes I have the feeling I am slowly gaining insight in satori with life experience and spiritual wisdom. So does satori always come instantly or can it also come gradually, step by step?

25 June, 2014

There's a saying that a teacher comes when the student is ready. How ready the student should be?

22 June, 2014

I have severe ringing in my right ear. The sound began with the trauma of a fight with my parents and an accident 3 decades ago... I have practiced meditation for nearly 20 years the ringing continues to be a distraction. What can you suggest to help me work with this ringing in my practice?

20 June, 2014

How can I stop controlling my breath?

15 June, 2014

Many people resort to trying drugs to get in touch with their spiritual nature...even doctors and scientist are studying the use of drugs to change the mind body connection. Please speak on this.

14 June, 2014

In many Zen stories there is some sort of approval of unconscious competence. Is deliberately taken action always an act of ego? Is inadvertently taken action always an act of non ego?

9 June, 2014

At the end of the exhalation when working with Mu we can rest for some time without feeling the need to inhale immediately. At this time what is the focus of our sitting? Do we continue to mentally repeat Mu Mu Mu or do we just rest and wait until we need to inhale naturally?

3 June, 2014

I have all the symptoms of being in a quarterlife crisis. Fear in making decisions, procrastination, tiredness, worrying a lot, doubting myself. How can zen practice help me?

2 June, 2014

I can have an experience out of the blue that was clearly fed by thought and quickly becomes just thought again but in one very small moment there was no thinking. There is a memory of samadhi that quickly crumbles into thought. Thinking is fun and useful but goes nowhere. Greatful for any comments

29 May, 2014

Do you think the bones (Shari) of the Buddha are of great importance?

26 May, 2014

With a one pointed mind one can eventually see mind and its object stand apart like a bowl and kettle on the table. What is it that holds subject and object together and why does true peace emerge when the connection between the two has been broken?

22 May, 2014

When I practice zazen it is very clear where the focus of my attention should be. I do my sussokan and forget everything else. But in daily life there are myriads of things thoughts and feelings trying to draw my attention. I don't know what to focus on so my attention wanders. Any suggestions?

13 May, 2014

Why am I angry and sad? I have money and a happy family shouldn't I be satisfied? Can Zen help me?

13 May, 2014

I am a parent of young children. In Zen there seems emphasis on monastic training as the best way to attain enlightenment. I tend to feel 'less than' those who live a monastic life.How can I best practice as a parent? Where can I draw inspiration that indeed this path is as valuable as a monk's?

12 May, 2014

I heard about complex eating process in Soto. Have we something similar in Rinzaishu? Roshi please tell something about eating process for vegetarians cooking recipes dishes cutlery time frequency.

9 May, 2014

I first encountered Buddhism through Zen while travelling abroad. No Zen teachers back home but many Tibetan centres. I took formal refuge but now 15 years later I feel drawn back to Zen. How do I trust that this pull towards Zen isn't just the machinations of ego the appeal of difference?

6 May, 2014

You said that the goal of all approaches is to throw myself away. But of course I cannot intently throw myself away. This must somehow happen spontaneously by itself. What is preventing this to happen? If I just focus on my breath totally ignoring all thoughts and perceptions can this be enough?

5 May, 2014

I practice Zen Meditation since eight years without calling myself a Buddhist. I never felt the need for it. Since two years the wish is growing to call myself a Buddhist. What shall I do?

3 May, 2014

I have been practicing Zen and sitting meditation for about one year now. After some effort I can sit comfortably in a half lotus position for an hour or so. I am getting better at recognizing when my thoughts arise and then quickly letting them go to the point where my mind feels empty of thoughts for short periods. My question is about what specific methods or practices I should use to facilitate moving into deeper states of samadhi?

30 April, 2014

The nonsensical Zen language makes it difficult to have faith in enlightenment.

29 April, 2014

I begun zazen three months ago I'm very fascinated but I understand that it's difficult. What I'll find in zazen?

28 April, 2014

In Zen training is there any training which works with Lucid Dreams or Out of Body travel?

21 April, 2014

In 'Zen in the art of archery' Eugen Herrigel says in Japan he was told that no Westerner could ever hope to master Zen without at least some experience in one of the traditional spiritual Japanese arts. Is this so?

12 April, 2014

I'm utterly confused about the correct practice. Some teachers say I should develop samadhi, some that I should ask: Who am I? some that I should mentally investigate my body, thought, feelings etc. Can you clarify which practice will bring good results? How does satori happen anyway?

7 April, 2014

If I want to find the truth do I need a master? Why do you say it is hard?

7 April, 2014

Can you help explain the popular Zen teaching that everything is in truth mind? Is this speaking as mind in terms of Buddha or mind in terms of small mind?

6 April, 2014

There seem to be art practices like calligraphy, sumi painting, shakuhachi etc. that seem to go well with traditional sitting practice. What about Western art practices that seem to come from such a different root and energy. Could you please say something about this. Thank you.

6 April, 2014

Having visited Korea, they consider every style of practice: the belief of pure land, daily life and philosophical teachings of the buddha, koan practice and shinkantaza - all as expressions of the way to practice. Why is it so fragmented into different sects in Japan?

6 April, 2014

Buddha searched 6 years before he got enlightened and then started teaching for 40 years. Why do you train very hard for 20 years in the Rinzai tradition before you consider someone to have made serious experiences?

6 April, 2014

Is kensho necessary for there to be zen? I practice shikantaza and study mostly Master Dogen. At times I experience no self on the cushion but no kensho. I am more comfortable with shikantaza than mu and believe they ultimately start and finish in the same place. Please advise and bows

29 March, 2014

Time flies, the people we love disappear, we all will disappear, even mankind is threatened and in the cities we spend our time working, buying, running after everything and nothing. When I stand up after zazen I do not recognize the world around me. Why do we live in vain?

20 March, 2014

What is better for saving all beings: life in Zen monastery or practice as layman outside of monastery?

18 March, 2014

5 or 6 times during yaza on separate sesshins the breath has become like a fine machine and stops for long periods. The exhalation feels like riding on top of a wave with no effort required. Every object appeared very very distinct settled but totally separate. Should the objects not feel like One?

16 March, 2014

Why did we create an ego and divide ourselves into so many pieces?

16 March, 2014

You mentioned in your teisho about gathering concentration on the tip of a needle. When I do this I lose the connection to the wide flowing energy. How to proceed?

13 March, 2014

When I meditate in the evening I am full of energy and have problems sleeping at night. When I meditate in the morning I fall asleep during meditation and am still very tired. Why does the state I enter the meditation energetic sleepy have an effect on how I feel afterwards?

13 March, 2014

Despite practicing for some time I'm finding it impossible to pin down the tanden. What should this area 1 2 inches below the navel actually feel like?

7 March, 2014

When sitting deeply peacefully in sesshin one can feel the imperative of being gentle to oneself and others, to animals, doors, our own bowls. At this time it does not feel correct to go to sanzen just to bark out a shout to show my power. Is this wrong?

3 March, 2014

When I meditate I regularly I seem to become more introverted passive and feel stuck inside myself I love to meditate but I do not like this state. I feel that my meditation should take me outwards and allow me to connect more but I don't know how to do this. Any advice ?

25 February, 2014

What is Hakuin pointing out in his words: "The gate of the oneness of cause and effect is thereby opened" ?

21 February, 2014

Do you think it is better to approach zazen in a relaxed and calm way or in a more determined and energetic way? For example if before a zazen session I make a firm commitment not to remove my awareness from my breath no matter what is this OK or is this a mistaken thinking?

19 February, 2014

Can you explain Hakuin criticism to Unborn teachings of Bankei Yotaku which seems to deny the principle of transmigratory rebirth giving death as end all things.

17 February, 2014

I understand one drop ZEN as being thoughtful with resources not wasting even 1 drop of water and living in harmony with nature.On the other hand we fly around the world to attend sesshins. When flying we cause tones of CO2 emissions.How does this fit together? Isn't it better to do without travelling?

14 February, 2014

What is the role and function of will in Zen?

31 January, 2014

I have much doubt in my Practice now. I am the Work Leader at a very large Zen temple in the US. I doubt what Zen is really doing for the world. I know what it does for myself and I sense that it has a beneficial effect on others but I just don't think I'm doing enough.

27 January, 2014

I don't consider myself a very spiritually sensitive person and I hear many Zen teachers say in our zazen we should focus on or open from the hara or tandem but I've never felt any different energy there nor have really been able to do that. What do you suggest?

16 January, 2014

I practice sitting for 2 years and it seems that I just start to doubt everything in my life. I am 30 and studying sound design but my interest in it is fading away. It's like all my intentions for career etc are useless, futile. Yet Its hard to figure out, how decisions create karma?

13 January, 2014

Does name of the organization One Drop Zen a relation with the term mottainai (too good for me)? How name of the organization affects to the principles or rules of sangha?

11 January, 2014

During sesshin meditation retreat there is samu practical work Could you give some pointers to how do samu not the work of the hands but of how to use the mind please.

11 January, 2014

In one sesshin I attended there were only two required sanzen. The first and the last. In home practice there is no sanzen. What are your thoughts on this?

8 January, 2014

I have suffered with anxiety and panic attacks for many years...mostly the situations i fear never happen but i cant stop worrying Is it safe to do basic meditation if you have such mind problems? I don't want to make things worse.

3 January, 2014

What is the best way to quieten the mind during zazen? Thoughts just drive you crazy at times.Please advise.

30 December, 2013

Since meeting you and experiencing a Sesshin for the first time I haven't been able to adjust to my life in society. I used to have doubts but I know I'm here to awaken. I know If i commit to becoming a monk it will be the rest of my life. How do I find the strength to leave my family forever?

29 December, 2013

In the good article on Keisaku on this site it is written 'to not allow anyone to be sitting in a half hearted manner.' and 'This circuit is the best time to correct untidy postures.' When and how shall a Keisaku person interfere with half hearted sitting or untidy position?

28 December, 2013

What is the mind in Zen and what is it's connection to the brain? Is the mind more than the brain and does the mind continue after brain death ?

28 December, 2013

Can I practice with one of my own urgent life questions as a koan? For instance What is reality? What is life? or What am I? Should I focus on one particular question or can the words change naturally?

19 December, 2013

During zazen I can hardly keep the look low. What would you recommend?

14 December, 2013

I'm 22. From one point of view it seems my life is normal average. I love people around me. Love to make them smile to feel and touch new things around me. But sometimes it's not enough. I get tired very quickly. and my biggest problem is that I love people but I cannot feel it.

2 December, 2013

You wrote that only seeing nobody who sees and no visual objects. You have answered that is a deep state of mind, and should I throw it away. That is not enlightenment. I should continue to practice bravely. How can I do that? How do I throw it away?

1 December, 2013

Is it possible to meet my true self without a Master ?

23 November, 2013

How do I breathe when I'm working with MU? The beginning is Sussokan to samadhi but then? Carry on so deep and long in the lower abdomen with MU?

22 November, 2013

I am studying to become an Engineer so I can work on renewable energy and pollution. To become an Engineer I need to be prepared to work 8 hours a day in an office and have many sleepless nights. How is this life for enlightenment?

22 November, 2013

Since many years I meditate. There have been experiences of bliss of tranquility even moments of cessation but now since one year or more I can't sit still anymore jump up suddnly or even avoid to meditate. Can't continue but know I should not stop now. How can I find back to meditation?

18 November, 2013

When I was 18 I worked on a koan while living at a zen monastery in America. On the third day of rohatsu sesshin I was gripped by the koan like a fish biting a hook. I had a satori that lasted 30 seconds . 40 years have past yet I cannot rouse the doubt sensation with any koan.What to do?

7 November, 2013

Society does not allow for this continued connection. As a lay person in the midst of a busy city life, with a job that deals with the public, it has been difficult to stay connected. Then you find it too distracting and let go of such responsibilities. Is it really possible?

7 November, 2013

Is that enlightenment? only seeing no seer no seen object. Only hearing no hearer no sound object. No thoughts every breath only Mu. A life inside completely at rest, no holding on anywhere. Everything is peaceful. No self, no suffering. Buddha Dharma is truly the most precious in this universe.

6 November, 2013

Many times I really feel like not living anymore I fail both at school and my social life and feel that I am simply just stupid incapable. My mum brother care so much about me but I am such a shameful person. I am worthless hate being an embarrassment to my family.

5 November, 2013

My question is about proper breathing. I meditate for many years and never really thought about it. Since I practice Zazen in your lineage I have the feeling that my breathing is completely wrong. I can not breathe in the abdomen. It only goes to the diaphragm. Then seems to be closing. Can you give me advice?

2 November, 2013

How does sexual activity influence our zen practice and life? On the one hand it feels like an essential part of me as a human as children are not born in any other way. Often it feels like plain pleasure and disturbance just as drugs or alcohol.

2 November, 2013

I recently read about a Chinese Zen master who says not to synchronize the breath with asking a koan since this can cause difficulty with breathing and straining in the body. What is your advice on this?

28 October, 2013

My zazen although helpful seems ultimately powerless when faced with my addiction. In the moment when the fear that triggers my fleeing into relapse becomes overwhelming I try becoming one with that emotion or with the breath sussokan. However I can't withstand often. Any technical advice?

28 October, 2013

U.S. Buddhism appears to be highly selfsegregated ethnically and demographically an intense latent sense of duality appears to prevail in many U.S.American sanghas.This is ironic because our practice is to extinguish such nonsense.What are your thoughts on this as Buddhism grows this continent?

28 October, 2013

Can you please explain how to work on a koan? How does one meditate with a koan during zazen? And how can one practice with it in daily life?

24 October, 2013

I am able to focus on my object of meditation so that I forget the world around me. But still the awareness of myself that I am and of what I am doing the object still remains. I simply cannot break through this and forget myself and my object completely. How can I overcome this barrier?

12 October, 2013

I like going for a walk think about things is it ok to think about some things at times or should I practice being in the moment 24 hours a day? Why think of no thinking? The 'thinking mind' seems to be important both in life becoming enlightened thus it goes work practices 'studies'.

9 October, 2013

I am often nervous when visiting friends or family and do not know what to say. When I go home become calm because I realize I am fooling myself. But next time when I go out again the tension is there again. Although I am quite happy otherwise this keeps getting me down. What can I do?

4 October, 2013

Is it okay to eat meat? Are you a vegetarian?

2 October, 2013

Is the body the path?

30 September, 2013

Terlusollogie is the study of respiratory types formulated about 60 years ago by the musician Erich Wilk. It says that either active exhalation or active inhalation is the way to own power. Zen emphasizes exhalation more than inhalation. Is thus not respecting different breath types. What do you think of this?

24 September, 2013

When I breath into my hara my diaphragm doesn't open up properly. I find that my body breaths into the chest after breathing into the hara so that it opens up better as if the energy fills up starting from the hara. Is it ok to breath into the chest? What is the hara anyway?

23 September, 2013

How does one cope with all the devastating cruelty in this world without ignoring it ?

23 September, 2013

What is a student to do when they no longer find teachers helpful? They read all the books read all the scriptures and understand them as best as they can be understood by reading. Heard thousands of dharma talks and already know what is going to be said before it's even said. What to do then?

21 September, 2013

I read that you recommend counting the breath from 1 to 10 at the beginning of each round of zazen. Do you also advise that for people who meditate with a koan or is it better to concentrate always only on the koan?

21 September, 2013

Inside I'm hollow, empty. Don't know who I'm. Inside outside is beyond surreal. I've changed so much I don't recognize myself. Don't know who or what is inside me. This occurred after 10 weeks of intensive meditation. Using inquiry "who sees". What would you advise me to do?

19 September, 2013

I actually have too many questions in my life but in a way all of them may be expressed as this one big question: What does it REALLY mean to be a human? What are we supposed to do in and with our life? And is Zen the way to find out?

16 September, 2013

What is the most effective way for a student to learn from a teacher? What is the traditional formal way of behaving towards one´s teacher?

16 September, 2013

How important is it to accept with patience and tolerance the noisy breath of the one who sits beside you in the zendo? I hear the loud ticking of a clock until I let it go and it disappears. Is patience and tolerance not the essence of compassion? Is strict adherence to form more important?

13 September, 2013

How come it is so difficult to bring the state of mind from sesshin to my daily life with my family and work ? What can I do ?

2 September, 2013

I really admire your calligraphy. I practice Zen Aikido and Shodo. How can I improve my calligraphy? How do you use Zen to better your calligraphy?

1 September, 2013

I seem to be able to remember a spiritual practice that existed in Scandinavia in the Viking age or earlier. It's my body that remembers what to do but I also see Qigong like exercises. A yogi told me it's some type of early tantric path I remember. What do you think of this?

31 August, 2013

What's 'karmic connection'? How is it created?

27 August, 2013

When Hakuin Zenji encourages practitioners to press down with the soles of the feet during his recommended tanden exercise does he mean to press the feet down against the futon one is lying on or press them away from the body in the direction the legs are pointing in?

27 August, 2013

My question is if there any specific way how to recite the sutras?I realized that sometimes I can become one with the text and also the sound what I make is different from the way when I just read them.

25 August, 2013

I work for a company that usually does work for clients that help the world. Recently I've had to work on a project for a client that sells hunting products that promotes hunters including pictures of animals they have killed. I know now I must leave but I worry about the karma up to this point.

20 August, 2013

I felt great fear of dying when I realized that the moment of death will come to me earlier or later. How can I proceed knowing this? I feel that this means that it does not matter how long I live or how I live whether I help others or not as they too will eventually die the same death.

18 August, 2013

What are your thoughts on self power jiriki and other power tariki? Can they be combined in one practice?

14 August, 2013

Albert Einstein is someone who seems to be aware of this oneness. He says that time slows down when an object is going at the speed of light. Scientists have proven this to be true now. Do you understand this phenomena? How did Einstein understand these phenomena without zazen? Or is it by intelligence?

9 August, 2013

My partner recently lost her job and she has trouble finding a new job. I see her slowly losing hope and getting depressed about the situation getting rejection letters all the time. I feel this affects me too and that her mood is rubbing off on me. How can I best help her and myself?

5 August, 2013

Dear Roshi when I started zazen I was very happy and I liked it a lot. Now I began to see face to face my fears that blocked me for all my life and it seems that once again they are stronger. During zazen I again feel fear and I do not feel relaxed. What can I do?

4 August, 2013

What is the origin of the wato What Is This? Is there a koan story behind it? Most teachers seem to use Mu or Sound of One Hand or Original Face as breakthrough koan. How did What is This? come to be used in your tradition?

3 August, 2013

There is Quantum Healing to be found everywhere these days. How does Zen see this approach of returning one`s being instantaneously to true alignment and happiness?

30 July, 2013

Many teachings suggest that recognizing one's non existent nature is required for a true spiritual development . Yet when I examine in meditation what arise I must admit that everything seems to exist sounds sensations and even that defused sense of self. I can't deny this. How to proceed?

28 July, 2013

There are many ways to live the Dharma: as monk, as lay practitioner, householder, in relationship, marriage, with a family and as solitary recluse or hermit. I have largely been practicing the latter for the past 10 years. At times I miss having a sangha. Do you perceive pitfalls to hermit Zen?

26 July, 2013

When we get older it feels like we do not need the pressure of a sesshin anymore. Zen training seems to be mainly for the young ones. Should there be sesshins for older sangha members? How can we continue training? Thank you

25 July, 2013

I don't have a koan and teacher but I`ve been studying Buddhism in great depth. What if every day I do zazen and study Buddhism whenever I feel the need to, would I attain Enlightenment? And do I have to sit for hours to attain it?

21 July, 2013

There seem to be aspects of our small selves that are so closely stuck together that they cannot be separated without tearing the fabric. Maybe like two pieces of calligraphy paper stuck together by good glue. I am thinking of character personality culture. Can training help us see these aspects?

19 July, 2013

I think you know that I am teaching meditation to Vietnam Vets through the MBSR program and am teaching them zazen. Many of them are haunted by horrible nightmares of their experiences in Vietnam and it has wrecked their lives. One man in particular for years has been trying to repress these nightmares but still he have anxiety suicidal tendencies depression and nightmares that wake him and keep him awake. He wakes up wanting to kill or kill himself. He has found the meditation so helpful for his daily anxiety but still the nightmares wake him up. I am suggesting he meditate first thing in the morning and whatever nightmares woke him up to allow them just what is manageable to let in. And then to just work with it as a thought and let it go...He if terrified to do this....to let in what has haunted him all these years. I know it can be done but would like your guidance please.

18 July, 2013

I'm working with Koan MU. When sit I take a deep inhale and on the exhale I've asked What is MU from my Hara. At the same time I tried to look into the Hara to find MU there but look like I just saw the darkness in the middle of my forehead or nowhere.

16 July, 2013

What is the difference between the 6th and the 7th precept ? It seems to me that they are both about not talking and thinking bad about others and thus not raising our ego.

14 July, 2013

Doctors have proven that a patient with a transplanted heart received the information of the former heart`s owner. What does this kind of mixing of karmas do to us ?

14 July, 2013

Nowadays people have more second hand experiences than first hand experiences. Rather taking a video on their mobiles of a concert than simply enjoying the concert or ceremony. How do you see the development of society and humans mind?

12 July, 2013

Does awareness of dreams and deep sleep come with ongoing zazen or is there some specific preparation for this?

11 July, 2013

What is the reality ? This world is real or is it just a cosmic hologram ?

10 July, 2013

It is said that emotions arise according to belief systems. For someone who is pure in mind are there no emotional reactions coming forth?

10 July, 2013

Is partial or all night yaza meant to fill this gap and bring awareness even to hours of bodily rest? Do you know of any zenadept who are or were able to remain aware 24-7 even in deep sleep?

10 July, 2013

Sometimes unaware, unconscious sleep is said to be ignorance of one's true nature. One can be well aware when awake but when falling asleep there is unaware a gap... until one awakes again and this happens every day and night. I want to ask what zen tradition says about this gap and what to do ?

7 July, 2013

These two questions concern me deeply What is this reality that I see around me? What is my own mind? Should I pick one of these to focus on or are they somehow the same? How to practice with this question?

5 July, 2013

How can we deal with neighbours who seem impossible to support?

5 July, 2013

How can we deal with solitude loneliness?

4 July, 2013

Concentrating on the pain I can easier take it but the intensity stays the same. But often it switches and I found myself suddenly relaxed in the bird's perspective. Me and the pain than seem to be than somehow smaller and I'm able to become aware of the things around me too. What should I do? Conenctrating or trying to dinstance myself from the situation I'm in?

2 July, 2013

What do you think of chimpanzee Congo´s paintings being reality as the way that we find reality in form?

1 July, 2013

I try to help suicidal people get over their problems and suicidal thoughts online, but I'm overwhelmed by the darkness in the human mind, by the suffering in this world. I just feel sad, not my sadness but theirs - it is too strong. I ask for your advice.

29 June, 2013

When you met your later teacher Mumon Roshi at the bus you immediately decided to dedicate your life to Buddhism. Do you as a Roshi often have had this influence to future students?

29 June, 2013

How do I deal with idle thoughts in everyday life? In the video you recommend linking body and mind. How do I do that? Do you mean if walking or talking I should link myself with those actions?

28 June, 2013

Often you are chanting various sutras quietly to yourself. Why? What sutras do you chant? Is there any way in which you approach this?

4 June, 2013

Even when I am alone I suffer from extreme sense of selfawareness when I am sitting in Zazen. It makes my breath stick in my throat and I cannot properly do the breathing exercises. Do you have any advise for a beginner becoming more comfortable in the idea of hisher practice?

2 June, 2013

I practised zazen for many years but experienced a psychic trauma that has affected my ability to practice. Instead of gradually loosening and relaxing me zazen now has the opposite effect. Is there any alternative meditation such as chanting or Hakuin's butter method that you could recommend?

31 May, 2013

I have difficulty sitting in zazen. The posture is not the problem as much as the breathing exercise it's so contrary to my reflex that I find it difficult to do without the sensation of being extremely short of breath. Is this normal? What advice for an absolute novice?

23 May, 2013

The phrase "At every step the pure wind rises", does the wind arise naturally or through the effort of practice? Does it rise naturally but is seen only through the effort of practice?

16 May, 2013

I actively practice Rinzai zen since 1.5 year and my ground state is a state without thoughts. In everyday life I have difficulties making conversation as no thoughts are there to be expressed. I am a good listener but people need feedback and input. Should I force myself to think more?

15 May, 2013

I still cannot fully grasp the meaning of two sayings which sound a bit contradictory A. the Buddha: meditation should be like fine tuned string if you make it to tight you will tear it if it's to loose it won't make a sound... B. you have to put your full energy into it

10 May, 2013

When meditating should we concentrate on our breath watch ourselves feel the moment or simply sit and let things be without trying to attain?

10 May, 2013

What is the difference between keeping a koan in mind during daily life and just being preoccupied with a thought? Both seem disconnected from the concrete things that are happening in the moment like the taste of food or the feeling of the spoon in my hand. Could you please clarify?

9 May, 2013

Some zen masters in the USA have engaged in sexual misconduct and have really harmed people. They are abusing the power they have over their devoted students. This isn't enlightened behavior in my understanding. Why are they considered Dharma teachers when they behave so badly?

29 April, 2013

My practice over the years has been sussokan and for the past few months it seems that if anything my mind is noisier than ever. Its a bit discouraging to note that my focus is so unripe after so much time. I get pulled into mental elaborations perhaps more easily than at some times in the past several years but there is one thing that differs it is very clear that about ninetyeight percent of the thoughts are absolutely pointless to the point of absurdity having absolutely nothing to do with any matter that bears in any substantive way on my life or anyone elses. When I catch myself entangled in them or riding along on them I also am more fully aware that these thoughts are more like complexes composites of images memories, sounds, and grow unbidden from something like a thematic nenseed.

25 April, 2013

Taisen Deshimaru was very sad when a long time disciple of his died. He said he wished he would be able to see her again in heaven one day. His students said how could this be you are a zen Buddhist. Yes. This is so and one day sincerely I want to see her again in heaven. Could you comment please

24 April, 2013

After reading the question on the blog I wonder Is not the act of cutting one's hair the same as cutting weeds? Isin't the act of pruning to keep the garden healthy?

23 April, 2013

On this website I read your words If you want to know about the future look at how things are right now. How is this meant? Can a human being and his life not change completely by learning and efforts?

20 April, 2013

What kind of study should Zen people engage in to support their practice and living? What kind of books are good for beginners advanced and senior students of Zen? What would be good to read to get an insight into the Zen Buddhism?

20 April, 2013

What is this famous transmission outside the scripture in Zen?

19 April, 2013

My son suffers from depression and addiction. Is it possible to heal him from his ailments with practising Zen teachings? if so what would you suggest for me to do.

13 April, 2013

Does long years of training contribute to an understanding of history, economics, politics? Is the world of training separate from this world? Can it contribute to having clarity in this world? Big mistakes have been made in the past.

6 April, 2013

When sitting and in my daily life I focus on all body sensations, particularly the hara and count breaths while relaxing as deeply as possible. Thoughts come and go. I worry that this practice doesn't benefit others enough.

6 April, 2013

I have sat zazen daily for thirteen years, I have attended several week long sesshins, I meet with a local zen group one evening each week and I have developed unshakeable faith in the Buddhadharma. However I am sometimes discouraged by the tenaciousness of my storytelling mind. Help

3 April, 2013

Someone said that there are koans for the head and koans for the heart. Another person said that you have koans for the heart emotional koans on this website but I cannot find them. I work a lot with my head all my life. Can you give me an example of a koan for the heart?

3 April, 2013

Recently I experienced a deep personal loss. Through this loss I experienced in some small way going beyond my sorrow my loss and the person lost and experienced a moment of deep peace and abiding gratitude and yet to be able to stay with my loss and deep sorrow. Is this a teaching? Three bows.

29 March, 2013

According to Nietzsche humans have an amphibious nature. To be at home in both the water faith and on land doubt. From a western belief we are allowed to glance back towards land but never take the possibility of leaving the water. What does leaving the water mean for a Zen Buddhist?

24 March, 2013

i'm pondering the difference similarities between mushin and mindfulness and would be grateful for your insight on the matter.

23 March, 2013

Activity like work or traffic require our full attention. It seems that to concentrate on a koan during work or in traffic would be unnatural or even dangerous. Would it be a good practice to concentrate on the koan during zazen and during daily life focus completely on each situation and action?

22 March, 2013

Do you think that our existential feeling of discontent arises from our realization that we are separated from unity or wholeness and this will never be completely resolved until we die and return to that wholeness. We may have brief glimpses of this wholeness in our lifetime.

21 March, 2013

During sitting I feel a breath connected weight shift at the sitting bones. How should the tanden center of gravity move during out breath? In Qi Gong we move up with inhalation and down with exhalation. In makkoho we bent forward during exhalation. What idea for the body is best doing zazen?

18 March, 2013

You say true mind has to be experienced straightforwardly, being pure and prior to ego. Banging heads together, being a soldier in the killing fields, hearing a stone hitting bamboo -all seems to suffice for a break through. Why then do we have to train so hard spending so much time ?

16 March, 2013

In my profession as a teacher at an academey for social work I have many interactions with people and have to talk a lot. How can I practice well during those times?

16 March, 2013

In Chinese and Korean Zen the questioning is emphasized for example continuously asking What is Wu? in order to intensify the sense of doubt. But the Japanese tradition seems to stress become one with Mu and not practising with it as a question. Could you please comment on this?

16 March, 2013

When the Zen tradition was carried over to Japan the Chinese koan Wu was translated into the Japanese Mu. Why is the Japanese word Mu not translated into English now that the teaching goes to the West?

15 March, 2013

Could you please explain the difference between shikantaza and koan practice? For which kind of person would you recommend shikantaza and for whom koan or practicing with a life question?

13 March, 2013

sitting with eyes closed watching the shapes and colorsis it as good as sitting with eyes slightly open?if not as good is it acceptable?

12 March, 2013

How do we pull weeds or take down a tree when we know that all of life is precious. Even if we look at it in the through interconectedness where we see no things exist within the realm of things and forms or illusions the things do seem to exist.

12 March, 2013

I recently completed a four day sesshin. This was my first. It was a powerful experience for me. I can not see another path for my life. I see that there is nothing to do but follow the teaching. What can you tell me?

11 March, 2013

Zen practice and koan work require great concentration. Due to an accident I have suffered brain damage and my power of concentration is not strong. This condition might improve a little but the ability will remain limited. Is realization still possible?

11 March, 2013

What can you say about the Yogi practices in relation to Zen?

11 March, 2013

Shall I reach out and guide children or should I wait until they ask me?

11 March, 2013

How can I use the ability I have best?

6 March, 2013

Intellectually I can appreciate that that highest purpose in life is living the Four Vows. Does realizing one's True Nature give one a true realization of this? It would be a good motivation to keep practising.

6 March, 2013

How do we direct our lives toward being our true selves? Is there a way to know that we are living out our lives in a true way?

1 March, 2013

I was raped beaten many years in my past. My mind naturally goes to my past more easily. I find meditation has helped me not fall to the past as much as I used to when not sitting but I still have sadness difficulty ordering my mind when I sit. Will I ever be able to have a silent mind?

26 February, 2013

There are so many practices selfinquiry vipassana koan shikantaza counting or following the breath etc. How do I choose the practice that is right for me so that I can throw myself into it wholeheartedly?

26 February, 2013

Some say the Buddha advised practitioners to sleep about 4 hours per night. But when I sleep less than 7 hours my body feels unhealthy and my mind unclear. What is your view on sleep?

26 February, 2013

As a child I started to wonder what life really is. I would sit quietly in the garden becoming aware of sounds sights touch as they presented themselves observing without words but with a open and wondering or questioning attitude. Is this shikantaza or more like practice with a natural koan?

22 February, 2013

How do people who realise that there is no 'I' exist in the world where an 'I' seems to be necessary to exist?

20 February, 2013

Does ethical discipline help or hinder Zen?

20 February, 2013

6 months ago I became handicapped due to robbery. That's the problem for my practice now because then I walk outside I feel agression and abhorrence to people. I explore these thoughts and let them flow away but Iam worried about taking back my confidence and respect to the people

14 February, 2013

How to get to that place of spontaneous actions without concern?

13 February, 2013

Why is there a positive relationship between Zen and martial arts? On the one hand Buddhism emphasizes harmlessness and not killing as very central values. Martial arts teach fighting and killing skills. How can one understand this contradiction as a practitioner of martial arts and Zen?

12 February, 2013

Why have realized people still a personality habits likes and dislikes e.g. for certain foods or surroundings? Rinzai and Hakuin were strong characters with distinct features. Why does realization not lead to consider everything as equal and to very unremarkable outer behaviour?

9 February, 2013

When I can sit zazen in the day time I am alert and count breath without getting lost very much. But mostly early morning is usually the only time I can sit quietly then I find it difficult to stay alert and refrain from chasing thoughts. Not eating before sitting helps. What else can I do?

5 February, 2013

When practicing a koan like Who am I? you place the mind in the tanden. Does this mean that you ask the question in combination with the in and outbreath or do you become one with the question without connecting it to the rhythm of the breath but still stay settled in the tanden?

31 January, 2013

What is the Buddhist view on euthanizing our animal pet friends? I recently put my 19 year old cat to sleep. She had a great life being in her nature.

24 January, 2013

I would like to know what kinds and sizes of special Zen Calligraphy brushes you use and where you get them from. I also would like to know the kinds of sumi inks and papers you use and where you get them from as well.

18 January, 2013

My 5 year old son has an enormous amount of energy that is considered disruptive by his school. Do you have any suggestions for helping him come into balance? My husband and I both sit regularly but it feels difficult to access the deeper inner workings of a child this age.

15 January, 2013

1. What is the difference between enlightened mind infant's mind animal insect's mind senile mind Alzheimer's disease? Aren't they all mind without language concepts symbols?2. Is it possible that what we call enlightened mind is really just animal instinctive right brained mind? That zazen is just learning to ignore suppress our language symbolic left brained mind in order to experience through our non conceptual animal mind. Could we mistakenly be making a big deal about this state of mind because perceiving the world through animal mind makes us feel serene? Could we actually be regressing by focusing on a non language non conceptual non symbolic state of mind?

13 January, 2013

Sometimes there are moments where people ask about Zen practice. It is ok for them if I will use not my own thoughts but words that you are saying in numberless speeches and books? Or should I find my own way of expressing what Zen is all about?

12 January, 2013

As being the nutshell of Buddhism, Zazen had a great impact in countries like China and Japan where Buddhism had already been spread for 400 years. Isn't it necessary for Western Zen groups to explain Buddha`s teaching and philosophy on a daily life basis instead of the mere focus on Zazen?

10 January, 2013

Has 'love' any significance in the Zen tradition and in our practice? Can it be a clear attitude to others or is it something that should be transcend?

8 January, 2013

My Zen teacher ask me Show me that you have a Buddha nature and I got frozen. I know that I have a Buddha nature at least I think I know because if I really know how I cannot show my Buddha nature. I am really trapped.

8 January, 2013

I tried working on a koan like half year ago and dropped it out of frustration. Every once in a while out of the blue the koan comes back to me and it feels like a bubble expanding toward my head and once there as like my mind expands. I've never had instructions what is going on?

7 January, 2013

I would like to know more about the historical origins of keisaku. I find the keisaku very helpful but many of my Zen friends want to eliminate it.

6 January, 2013

Can someone be a policemen acting in justice of his country and also do not divide the things in good or bad like Buddha told us?

6 January, 2013

Where do our vows come from?

1 January, 2013

During zazen a lot of physical pain can arise. Isn't pain a natural sign of the body telling that something is not in order, that ki is stuck somewhere? Isn't it a natural innate answer to MOVE so that the energy can move again? Even so in zazen why do we stay STILL in the pain? How to go beyond the awareness of the body without destroying it? How to harmonize body and mind during pain?

29 December, 2012

Science says the Universe was created at 'Big Bang' and Christians, Muslims and Jews believe that God created it. How was the Universe created according to Zen?

23 December, 2012

Why do you make art?

13 December, 2012

Is the Mu practice similar to the Om meditation of Hindu yoga? To me becoming one with Mu seem very much alike becoming one with Om.

12 December, 2012

I feel I should be going deeper with my practice by spending more time at a Zen Training Centre but that this would cause me to be negligent of other committments and responsibilities. Do you have any advice on the matter?

12 December, 2012

During zazen should the attention be focused inward on one point as if you are digging toward the source of the mind or should the awareness be completely open and expanded and embracing everything?

11 December, 2012

Honoring the recently deceased. Is it always appropriate to chant a Heart Sutra after an offering has been placed on the altar? Is there an occasion in which a Dai Hi Shu is best?

8 December, 2012

Does Zen have a baptism like ceremony? How would a person claim to be a Buddhist? is it the water Ceremony?

7 December, 2012

When I practice Bassui's koan during zazen I become very sleepy as soon as I turn inward looking for the essence of mind. I do not have this problem when I practice this koan in daily life and I also never had this problem in the past when I did vipassana or mu. Why does this happen and what to do?

6 December, 2012

I practice without a teacher 2x a day. I count breaths. What's next?

5 December, 2012

What is essentially necessary for lay practice in the West? Which rules instructions and rituals can be changed and or neglected?

5 December, 2012

Is deeper dialogue between Buddhism and Christianity possible?

5 December, 2012

How do I transfer my immovable mind learned in training martial arts and meditation into my all day life and my actions against other humans?

3 December, 2012

I can´t concentrate more than 20´-25 minutes. I think that`s not a good thing for my zazen. Could I improve my effort to sit a little bit longer? Or may be it is just a trick of my ego?

3 December, 2012

I sit in seiza to practice zazen. But after 20-25 minutes of my zazen I feel like an earthquake in my body. My legs begin shake very much and I can`t concentrate my mind. What can I do and is this a good thing to use seiza for zazen or I should try to sit in other posture?

30 November, 2012

When will i get to a point to were i can successfully be at peace and awareness with everything around me? I have been practicing zazen for a long time but will i ever reach enlightenment? Or will this take my whole life.

26 November, 2012

Are there levels and development in zen training?

16 November, 2012

If I do not divide Samsara and Nirvana and then Emptiness stays how do I express this emptiness?

16 November, 2012

I work as a volunteer for a hospice. The woman who I visited there since June died on Thursday night.She is not a Buddhist and didn't have a special religious practice.Is there a way for me to care for her soul the upcoming time. And is it wise to do it?

12 November, 2012

Lately I've been experiencing a feeling of brightness and warmth in the head tanden and heart. Like an energy if I focus on it during zazen my breath slows and I feel as if I will be pulled into this Light but then I get a little scared and my breathing becomes faster again. What is it?

11 November, 2012

A moral question: I would like to know what comes to your mind thinking about it. Should I kill a person to prevent this person from killing many others?

11 November, 2012

I worry about hate that I have in my soul. I understand that it is just an emotion that was born in my mind, but I feel agression and hate towards the people that break moral rules and have no politeness to the people around.

9 November, 2012

What are your thoughts on Tibetan and Theravada teachings? I know Zen is Mahayana. This question is not to look for duality between different forms of Buddhism. What are your experiences regarding different forms of Buddhism?

8 November, 2012

How did Nagarjuna one of the claimed authors of the Heart Sutra die?

1 November, 2012

I feel like I need to enter a monastery and to do training before I can actually live this centered experience in daily life. Is that so?

30 October, 2012

Arriving at big crossroads, how to make the best decision?

29 October, 2012

Recently I saw a beautiful enso painted by a Japanese Zen master and it made a very deep and lasting impression on me. It was very fresh elegant and powerful. What is the meaning of the enso in Zen art?

21 October, 2012

For 10 years I've meditated every day. First 8 years c. 8 hours each day. Since last year the suffering ended but I can not remain fully aware during sleep. I consider a long all night sitting retreat at home. What could you say about spiritual benefits of meditating at night? And what challenges?

21 October, 2012

The Lankavatara speaks of the universal alaya consciousness where all experiences are stored as karmic seeds. At death the individual wave of mind returns to this all embracing Alaya ocean. Regarding rebirth this sounds like all people's memories karma become indistinguishable?

21 October, 2012

When practicing What is this? is it okay to shorten it to just What? after a while? Placing it in the tanden and on the long outbreath concentrate everything into this one word Whaaaaaaat? just like with mu koan. Is it alright to practice like that or should I stick to the whole question? I heard about 2 other ways to do What is this? 1. Asking it continously without gaps without connecting it to the breath. 2. Ask it once and stay with the sense of opennes wonder and perplexity. When the sensation becomes less ask the question again. Could you please comment on these ways

17 October, 2012

From where does fear come? What is a source of fear? In my childhood I remember that I felt fear all the time for everything, especially for my physical and psychological survival and for the health of my closest people. Now I am 44 and fear has gradualy returned back for the same motives. What can I do, where am I mistaken?

17 October, 2012

What do you say about this picture?

12 October, 2012

My beloved zen teacher is slowly slipping away from this life due to alzheimer. I woke up very sad and intensely asking WHY is everything impermanent?

10 October, 2012

In many koan instructions a state is described when absorption in the questioning doubt mass is so strong that even in daily life one becomes oblivious to sounds sights feelings perceptions etc. Is this not contrary to the injunction to be clear and mindful?

9 October, 2012

Koans like "Who is the master" are in the form of a question, so there can be both, concentration and enquiry. Why is the Mu koan not kept in the form of a question like "What is Mu"? but shortened into only "Mu". Isn't the questioning element lessened in favor of just pure concentration that way?

8 October, 2012

Usually I always was relaxing and let thougts come and go to come into zanmai. In the last time I see my mind or a mind who is grasping or graving thoughts as a object its like hunger or thurst. This mind wants thoughts as objects... so i can´t let thougts come and go. And I feel that all thoughts as objects are the cause of every struggle. How I can get rid of this tendency of the mind making objects out of everything what is appearing? For sometime it works when there is silence but it always comes back...

8 October, 2012

I was just wondering about form. I have very large thighs and find itextremely difficult to sit on the floor for any length of time without experiencea great deal of pain. Is it absolutley nescessary to sit cross legged on the floor on can i use a chair.

6 October, 2012

I meditate in the forest while my children play. I have a good meditation when active kids are being as kids. I went to the ocean alone. I found the ocean more disruptive than screaming children. I was surprised by this observation.

2 October, 2012

Could you please give one or two good foot holds for a sick and suffering sentient being to put these teachings (from the Vimalakirti Sutra) into daily practice in this difficult world?

28 September, 2012

We in the West live in unique pockets of culture spiritual ideas and movements. Although your students have trained with you to arrive at a deep appreciation for this training to cultivate zen essence, can we actually effectively assist others using different vocabulary and ideas for training?

22 September, 2012

In an earlier answer you said sitting with a time limit is no good and that it is best to sit until really satisfied. I always sit with a time limit because that would counter the ego's tendency to get up when it likes or escape when the going gets tough. Should I give up sitting with a set timer?

22 September, 2012

Why are people given a dharma name at a Jukai ceremony? Does it refer to a deep quality of the practitioner or does it point to something that has to be developed more?

20 September, 2012

During Zazen I reach sometimes a state where all thoughts subside, being watchful and attentive, this state can be prolonged and then even in normal life there is this total inner silence, the usual internal verbal chatter has stopped almost completly. Is this a good way to travel further?

20 September, 2012

Dear Roshi I have a daugter who suffer from epilepsy. Can I help her with my zen practice? Could you please advise what can I do as a mother and as a human to make her life better?

19 September, 2012

I vowed to save all beings and now am supposed to take medication which was developed by animal tests. The animals already died for me, but do I have the moral and ethical right to take the medication?

17 September, 2012

Would you please speak about the approach to master one's mind? Is there a balance between passivity and activity I should be walking?

11 September, 2012

I understand that the practice that you promote involves the end of duality the end of suffering as a separate thing? Tell me please where are the people who have actually achieved this?

8 September, 2012

Who is aware of thoughts and body when zazen happens? Has it the same quality in you in me and in other people? Why some people have different reception of it like something which is critical towards them. How can I help them? What should be trained in such case?

5 September, 2012

If the chance is given to practice in a monastery, isn't it the best decision to leave society, turn our backs on our relations and practice till the ego dies completely? Could the practice be as efficient while we live our regular life in the society?

1 September, 2012

Are there any differences between living a single or a married life in connection the spiritual practice? Why is there so few words about family in connection with zen practice? Why is that most of the spiritual masters didn't have a family but live single?

29 August, 2012

During Shikantaza my thoughts are dissolving just after I'm noticing them like broken film strips. I'm wondering if it isn't a form of control. I'm missing the experience of all thoughts rushing while having the capacity to see them all included on the sky of my mind. I'm impatient.

27 August, 2012

In Morning Dewdrops of the Mind I read about doing zazen with the question What is this? Could you please explain what this question is about? What exactly should we inquire into while asking this question?

27 August, 2012

What is the most fruitful or effective use of sanzen time. Is there such a thing. Or is it different for every student?

27 August, 2012

How to make one drop of water never dryed out ?

24 August, 2012

What is this mind from which all things seem to arise and vanish? When everything sensations emotions and thoughts just comes and goes it all just seems like a dream.

15 August, 2012

I have children 6 and 5 years old. I teach them breath and to recognize a thought in their mind. I tell them to let thought wash away with the creek water and I point to the creek. Is there something else I should suggest to them when they show interest? They ask about hand positions.

13 August, 2012

I am a former US Marine. I fought in Iraq three times. During one 2hour long gunfight with the enemy I felt suddenly awake in a way I had never experienced before. Life was suddenly real and there was nothing outside the moment. The real moment. Does any of that make sense?

10 August, 2012

Since a few weeks I experience my inner world as much more changing and unstable than the outer world which feels much more inert and stable. My mind seems to be always on the go. The saying The river stands still the bridge is flowing comes to my mind. Please guide my further practice

8 August, 2012

What is the role of emotions in our search for truth?

8 August, 2012

I am begginer in Zazen. I can not physically sit in lotus or full lotos so I am sitting in virasana on my knees. Does that influence quality of Zazen? When I sit together with other people I feel not so comfortable mentally because I am the only one in group who can't do even half lotus...

7 August, 2012

Please tell me how to deal with laziness irritability and critical attitude to the outside world?

7 August, 2012

How can we do our best in practice while living apart from monasteries and any members of Sangha? I mean how can we practice alone in everyday life? How often should we sit zazen and how long? Which sutras we can recite, when and how often? Is it possible to do any offerings or other rituals? Could you please explaine what can a lay person do to support practice in everyday life while living far apart from any Teachers and even practicioners?

7 August, 2012

Is sussokan as you teach it widely spread in the Rinzai Sect or is it limited to a certain lineage or lineages? What is the reason you place much emphasis on this teaching?

7 August, 2012

I am having a hard time with the ability of detachment. I love helping people ease their problems by letting them pour their emotions out to me. I attach myself to them what is a way to overcome and detach myself while staying true to helping others?

6 August, 2012

We are told that gathering in a sangha is important in our practice. Yet this practice requires individual effort. Perhaps some people don't need to be part of a sangha in order to train. Is this perfectly fine to work only on one's own?

5 August, 2012

Non contention. Surrendering to things exactly as they are. This seems like a challenge for all of us. How can we do this?

5 August, 2012

I often hear in the Buddhist teaching that the world is created by the mind and where it comes from the mind?

3 August, 2012

Is the tanden the area that is sometimes referred to by Westerners as intuition? Sometimes when I have interactions with strangers or people I meet I feel either a sense of tension and stress in the tanden or a feeling of comfort and ease in the tanden or some combination of the two working....

3 August, 2012

We meet weekly for Zazen and sutra reading. Subsequent to this we sit together for approximately one hour or a little bit more and have some tea cookies and smalltalk. Out of this came the idea to make our smalltalk time more practice oriented . We thought about reading pages from your books reading your teishos or sutras maybe then talk about questions arising. Would you recommend that? If so which text would you recommend?

30 July, 2012

Buddha Dharma is so calmly fulfilled and powerfully omnipresent that it has never moved at all yet it melts the iron wheel. Even though BuddhaDharma has never moved at all it melts the iron wheel. But why?

28 July, 2012

I know someone who I believe is my soul mate because around him I feel settled I know clearly what to do and I feel inspired. Yet Zen says to live from ones own strength. Is it wrong to have a soul mate on the path?

25 July, 2012

What will happen to the next generation? Seeing the children nowadays only playing with the pc no manners no interest in physical work interacting only virtually how will the human heart survive?

24 July, 2012

I am working at a bank I feel constantly put against the wall having to be tough and calculating. Whenever I am feeling and human I am being punished for my behaviour. Can I work on my true human heart in the midst of these circumstances?

18 July, 2012

Some modern meditation teachers in the buddhist tradition are beginning to accept that many students are unable for whatever reason to experience the fruits of meditation practice let alone enter the jhanas. Maybe 75 per cent of sitters experience nothing but tension pain and frustration. Why?

9 July, 2012

Sometimes when I practise zazen I hear something like a ghost. Should I practise and sit still or stop practising ?

9 July, 2012

You've said that we should use our desires and not be used by them. How do we do that?

8 July, 2012

In your experience what are the main obstacles that prohibit a regular zazen practice?

29 June, 2012

How about when I clean and there are spider webs in a corner? Should I protect them?

28 June, 2012

Your calligraphy presentation in Basel brought up a question. It only seems possible to make art from a meditative state with extreme limitation the strict tradition of calligraphy or self chosen repetitive structures eg. the grids of Agnes Martin.

27 June, 2012

No matter what i try there's always a lingering bit of self conscious tightness and anxiety holding out in my head and chest even after many hours of zazen. As i open the senses and settle the tanden this tension still remains in the background. Am i doing something wrong? Do i just ignore it?

26 June, 2012

I recently found beautiful Buddhist Temple. I do not speak Vietnamese but a gracious Monk called Alice took us for a tour. Everything was golden and magical with much to look at. Why is this Temple so ornate and Tahoma monastery joyously simple?

23 June, 2012

In your Zazen instruction video you say We receive the sky's chi the sky's energy through the top of our heads and pull up the earth's chi the earth's energy from below and these two unite in the lower abdomen. Should there be a conscious intention to pull energy from up and down to the center?

21 June, 2012

Dear RoshiBoth you and your teacher Mumon Roshi have worked with many Lay Students. Have you found certain elements lead to a strong lay practice? How important is a daily formal practice? Would you recommend a certain amount of hours of Zazen a day? Or do you feel it should be case by case?

19 June, 2012

It seems necessary to practice with the intensity of ones head underwater in sesshin or in a monastic setting. How does one develop this necessary intensity in a chosen cultural setting that makes this intensity well very weird.

18 June, 2012

My natural koan How to cope with the fact of suffering and impermanence? What is life? What is reality? What is mind? What is the meaning of life? What is the way? Should I choose one question to work on or allow it to flow into different words since essentially they are one ball of questioning?

17 June, 2012

If in fact everybody is a genius, how can we find both in everyday life and in spiritual practice which is our real Way our vocation, in what we can accomplish the deepest quality of our humanship? How to know that we are on the right Way to which we can give our whole life?

17 June, 2012

How can one differentiate between a necesseary tought and an unnecesseary one ? I am asking this question because living without thought in society, around me everything was breaking up and my body was broken as well in a few weeks. I have gone a bit cautious about not having any tought.

15 June, 2012

Dear Harada Roshimy name is Marcelo and I'm from Brazil. I live in a place where there is no zen temple or zen group so I practice zazen alone. Is this lonelyness an obstacle in my practice? Can I move forward without the personal help of a master? Can you be my master? Thank you.

14 June, 2012

During the Buddha's time there were many advanced yogis who routinely went through the material and immaterial jhanas. The Buddha went said that there was such a thing as wrong jhana and gave a detailed description as to how to avoid it. Can you please share with us your advice in this regard.

14 June, 2012

In my work as a lawyer I work with clients and others who are in a deep state of suffering and often do harmful things to themselves and others.How can I deepen my Dharma practice to understand and achieve a degree of equanimity with this?With a deep bow your response is appreciated.

14 June, 2012

Anger greed violence and warfare continues to rise.Humans continue to do harmful things.Beyond our Dharma practice with the intention to benefit others are the vast majority of us humans hopelessly doomed to remaining in samsara?Roshi with a deep bow I am grateful for your reply.

13 June, 2012

If BuddhaNature is the natural expression of human beings why then do we have to practice Zazen to find out? Why then 99 of human beings seem to be so far away from realizing it? What kind of sense does that make?

12 June, 2012

Case 12 of Mumonkan for a few weeks now. Feel it is a very strong practice on and off the cushion. For the first time I have the slightest idea what I am doing. I simply have no idea. This hasn't been a problem. In fact it is a place I truly enjoy being. Zero idea. Anything to watch out for?

11 June, 2012

Respected Roshi. After 20 years of seeking truth in different religions and philosophies I have finally come full circle back to Zen practice. I have a lower back injury which means I am always in pain when sitting. Is there a posture less demanding than half lotus that I can use? With a bow to you

10 June, 2012

Dear Roshisama I've observed in Zenpeople and other Buddhists that some of them tend to become dull and dry they lose their liveliness. What to do about this? How to avoid this?

10 June, 2012

following previous Mindfulness practice works really helps for calm and clarity deepening my mind. But koans like what is mind? what is this? connect to my deepest aspiration and my own life questions. Should I choose or combine? i.e. koan while sitting mindfulness in daily life?

10 June, 2012

We are now living in a time where many meditative traditions and cultures meet it can be difficult to choose from this huge variety. It seems that mindfulness as taught by vipassana masters and koanzazen and shikantaze have a common core. Should we choose one exclusively or be open to variety?

10 June, 2012

How can one concentrate on a koan whole day long while at the same time being mindfully aware of what is happening the sounds of the birds or bodily movements? I find this especially puzzling with regard to things that demand attention like cutting vegetables having conversations or teaching.

8 June, 2012

I am handicaped after an accident and illness. Because I can not walk normally、I cannot travel to buddhism conferences, groups, teachers etc. Is it ok that i learn zen buddhism trough internet podcasts and books?

8 June, 2012

How does one use tanden to cut through desire? It seems like when the anxious heady urge to follow through with a desire arises the awareness and functionality of tanden disappears precisely when I most need it.

7 June, 2012

Surely zen practitioners only sit because they are in fact attached to sitting and the feelings of peace and ease that come from sitting? In other words they just want an easy life for themselves a little more comfort together with the illusion of control. Is it worthy to seek only comfort?

4 June, 2012

Roshi san if time is being then as our everchanging form are we time itself? If that is true then what would it mean to be time itself? And if we were to deeply understand that time is being how would that change how we view the world? How would it change how we live our lives?

2 June, 2012

It is so hard to be a mother. I want to do my work. I want to be myself alone. The children are young and need me and this is my job now. But I am tired how will a mother ever know if dedication and sacrifice is beneficial to the children? How will a mother know when her work is done?

1 June, 2012

Terrible trials of my spouse whose condition caused much angst in me led to not only tremendous faith in practice but a sense of much deeper 'knowing.' I feel catapulted and strangely free. Can you comment?

31 May, 2012

What is breaking through?

31 May, 2012

When practicing in Osesshin there must be a sense of urgency. With urgency we have no patience but in practicing we need patience. In patience there may not be enough urgency. With too much urgency there may not be enough patience. How does one balance these two opposites?

29 May, 2012

Roshi san, the concept of time seems to be just a mental idea where the passage of time is marked by the processes of the phenomenal world. During zazen time does not seem to exist. What exactly is the nature of time?

28 May, 2012

Some times my vision get blurred after zazen. It is as if I got very near sighted and it takes about half a hour before my normal vision returns. What can I do about this?

27 May, 2012

Does a dead dog have Buddha nature?

25 May, 2012

Without the advantages of lots of sanzen I think most people are left with floundering around with their sussokan. I am not sure people are really moving along from their Mu breath to inquiring mind. The Roshi has written in beginning instructions to ask who am I? or what is this?

23 May, 2012

Realizing that koans are not for intellectual entertainment and realizing that it is foolish to engage in koan study without the permission instruction and guidance of a true teacher Case 12 of the Mumonkan has been running around like a rat in my attic for several months now. How best to proceed or not to proceed. Three bows.

22 May, 2012

Dear Roshi is satori as understood by the Rinzai school different from how the Soto school understands it? How do you see the difference between Soto Dogen Zen and Rinzai Hakuin Zen? Are they two approaches to the same goal or are they fundamentally different too? Is it a matter of choosing?

18 May, 2012

How do I practice Shikantaza? Your video for Zazen was very very helpful to me. Will be wonderfull if you may do one for Shikantaza...

18 May, 2012

Some masters say: Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, do not practice for yourself. for whom they do not practice?

14 May, 2012

Dear Harada RoshiShould an ordained monk who is grateful to Eido Shimano Roshi and had been studying with him up to his retirement ask his permission or say something to him before requesting sesshin with another roshi? What do you think of his situation?

10 May, 2012

Roshi speaks of becoming the whole Zendo while we sit. How does one actualize this same state of mind while in day to day activities at work, in traffic etc?

8 May, 2012

What does it mean to have a thousand year view?

4 May, 2012

Buddhism offers a way to end a person's suffering the eightfold path. However 99.99 of people who profess to follow the eightfold path fail to end their suffering. Is it not then fair to say that the religion of buddhism is simply a failure or a prime example if misselling?

23 April, 2012

Nuclear bombs and the threat of nuclear annihilation didn't exist in the time of the ancestors? Is there a nuclear annihilation koan or some other teaching about this possibility. Three bows.

21 April, 2012

The zazen that I experience when I practice at home is never as deep as that when I am in sesshin no matter my efforts. For some reason at sesshin it seems that it is possible to plunge right in. My motivation is still there at home and there are not great distractions. Why is this? Thank you.

21 April, 2012

Is the practice of keeping the awareness in the tanden something that was added in China from Taoism? I never saw any reference to it in the pali sutra's for instance the satipatthana sutra on mindfulness.

21 April, 2012

When practicing zazen with the koan What is This? should one aks the question on the outbreath similar to susokkan or Muuuuuu? Or should one become one with the question deep from within the tanden without synchronizing it with the in and out breath?

20 April, 2012

In Zen it is taught to keep ones eyes focused downwards. Would it be different to hold eyes horizontally directly forward? To me this seems to silence the mind more easily. In some schools of yoga eyes are held looking forward and up as if looking a star in the sky. What's the difference?

18 April, 2012

Bassui Zenji teaches us to look into our mind. In daily life he urges us to keep questioning Who is seeing? What is moving these arms and legs? Isn't this contradictory to becoming one with each thing we meet? Should we just become one with the sounds sights movements or keep enquiring?

16 April, 2012

Dear Roshi In Buddhism also in Zen there are deities such as Kanzeon Manjushri and others. What are they actually? Should we worship them? What is the benefit of such deity worship? Thank you.

15 April, 2012

Roshisama Sometimes I become aware of the presence of discarnate beings, dead people´s souls and such. I don't seek their company. What is the best way to help them? Do they need help? What to do? Thank you.

14 April, 2012

The Jhanic Zen meditations even at their deepest level both the material and immaterial jhanas were not enough for the Buddha. The Buddha's enlightenment came from taking a further. We find these teachings in the Pali texts. Are such texts not more useful than studying koans?

12 April, 2012

What is the relationship between awareness and mind?

11 April, 2012

Roshi san what is the state of mind that permeates through all space and time?

6 April, 2012

Roshi san you said that we should cultivate a mind that others can believe in. What does that mean? And how do we do that?

3 April, 2012

The quest for awakening seems noble and comendable. However are modern practioners not really seeking mere comfort joriki power and ultimately some type of magical great death experience. Can you explain who it is that experiences this great death?

3 April, 2012

The practice of zazen seems in many peoples minds to be linked with enlightenment. However if we look closely at the overwhleming majority of people who apply themselves assiduously to this practice we find that they are not in the least bit enlightened at all. Why is this?

2 April, 2012

How can a student know when a teacher is authentic?

29 March, 2012

Is having Dharma transmission the same as being a Dharma heir?

29 March, 2012

What is this thing that we call our personality? How is it related to the ego?

27 March, 2012

Roshi san you mentioned in one of your teisho that love and wisdom are one. How are they one?

27 March, 2012

Life in the city is full of temptations and commercials all poking our desires. Consume Consume It is difficult to put end to desires and live real simple. Is there a way to effectively cut the desires?

26 March, 2012

It is said that the fruit of meditation is a kind of peace and happinnes. If someone cannot find this calmness and joy in his practice just doubt arising, does it mean we are doing the practice in an incorrect way? How could we be completely sure that we are on the right way and that this is the best way of practise for us? How could we know that zen is our way? That we are born for it? Gasshou from the bottom of my heart

11 March, 2012

In Germany there's a new law that every man has to be asked by their health insurance company if in case of death he is willing to donate his organs for other people. People are proposed to make a statement an wear an organ donation pass. What is the Buddhist spiritual view on this complicated theme?

6 March, 2012

In zazen are there any other technic like breathing sussokan to what we can tie our mind to what we can return back with our attention?

29 February, 2012

I have withheld my anger many times for fear of being hit. I have realized my anger still lives unexpressed it has gathered inside myself . Anger is a knife I use against myself alone. I wish to remove my angry knife. How do I release my angry knife? I want balance. Sincerely respectfully Alison

24 February, 2012

On p. 21 of MOON BY THE WINDOW you speak of thoughts and desires coming between us and the moon. My understanding of the ego filter is that it is created by our emotions which might include anger as well as desire. Is that a correct understanding?

18 February, 2012

Who is this man that has no place among the ten thousand things?

12 February, 2012

How can I find everlasting bliss peace NOW?

7 February, 2012

Roshisan, what is this one last shout of Rinzai mentioned in the Rinzai Roku?

7 February, 2012

How can we enter the meaning of the sutras?

6 February, 2012

How can you manage to give Sanzen Roshi sama? Is it a gift you were born with or did you learn it from your teacher? Do you need to prepare yourself for giving Sanzen?

6 February, 2012

Nowadays many people do jobs that involve thinking and working with computers. How can we practice in this era?

5 February, 2012

What would be your advice to someone who gradually stops seeing the point of doing anything? To someone who feels useless incapable of doing anything right for example he starts writing a book but doesn't even finish the first chapter because he knows that if he continues it won't be exactly the same as the book in his idea or disgusted with himself for wasting time chasing stupid things just to feel good for ten seconds. Someone who is losing hope to find a way to live his life and feel good about living it. Who doesn't know how to let go of all these poisonous thoughts.

2 February, 2012

Are there any preparations needed in connection with the practise before going to a monastery for a longer period?

30 January, 2012

Roshi what I meant is the meaning of the expression opening the mountain there must be something deeper in there.

30 January, 2012

Roshi could you say a few words more about the meaning of opening the mountain?

30 January, 2012

Roshi has told Sozen to not believe in sickness. I was thinking about Mother Teresa whose main practice was to see in each person the eyes of Jesus. It seems to me that those two things are the same expression. My question is how when one is working with other people do we try to manifest that in a way that is real and not an idea? How do we practice that? Because I imagine that when Mother Teresa started that practice she also had a lot of ideas and became intoxicated by that practice but at some point she really could see the eyes of Jesus in every person.

30 January, 2012

What is the question?

30 January, 2012

Roshi you are really focused on the ego and how this is the fundamental problem societys problems and our problem its all this ego. So the ego must be killed and the ego Im not sure if you agree with this must kill the ego. Anyway somehow or another the ego is the problem. But theres the one the small ones like my dog Butler. Butler is magnificently manifesting this small one. Isnt that important too? I mean hes doing it and hes doing it so well just being that small one. Isnt that important in being this magnificent small one? For example take a person who can paint. They try really hard and work really hard to be a painter and paint beautiful paintings they work very hard to become a painter. And then finally because they are focused on this one of their particular one they paint a beautiful painting. So in a word do you Roshi have anything good to say about the ego?

30 January, 2012

I have a friend who wants to start practicing and start sitting. He has a lot of physical compromises from cancer treatment which includes very large tremors so he cant sit very well but he wants to. So I was wondering if Roshi has any hot tips for ways that you can help someone who is very sincere but has an extreme physical challenge with regards to being able to sit its a byproduct of the fact that he is still alive but he wants to sit. I cant figure how to help him start sitting.

30 January, 2012

You were talking in one of the teisho about the sickness of the body and how we must focus on the healthy part and not only focus on the sickness but see that it is transient that there is a being there. Can that also be seen for a country? Can a country be seen as the body? For example in Mexico instead of everyone just focusing on this horrible war and all of this debt just focus on the healthy so that we balance it and bring it back to its natural state of just being there being alive?

30 January, 2012

When David and Cynthia Trowbridge approached you a number of years ago to ask you about what to use this place Enso House for you were very clear in making this into a hospice service place. My question is why hospice? Of all the things in the world that we could have chosen of all of the things that needed attention in the world why hospice?

25 January, 2012

You explained in your talk in Hamburg the difference between samadhi and the state of original clear mind in the way that samadhi stops if the samadhi inducing practice is stopped but the experience of original clear mind never stops. Do you have special recommendations for falling asleep in the night and waking up in the morning?

23 January, 2012

We can read in the Platform Sutra of the Sixth and Last Patriarch this those who wish to train themselves may do so at home. It is quite unnecessary for them to stay in monasteries. Why would HuiNeng say that? He says if only we put his word to practice we can attain the Essence of Mind directly without the need of formalities or institutions. What is your opinion on home practice?

17 January, 2012

Master Seung Sahn wrote somewhat critically about the Japanese approach to practice with koan MU. Quote...Nowadays many people sit meditating in the zendo only keeping Muuuuuuu very very strongly. Everywhere they go everything they do is only Muuuuu What am I? This is samurai-style training, and not Zen. Cultivating a strong hara is very important. But placing this much emphasis on making a strong center leads to wrong ideas about the point and function of Zen meditation. So if you only emphasize Great Courange then there is no room for Great Faith and Great Question. If you only have a Great Question, it is like somewhere very fast, but not having a clear direction. Where do you arrive? That is why you need Great Faith, because it provides our direction and our try mind. So you can see why it is very important that three legs of stool function together to support your practice. What is the appropriate approach to this practice?

10 January, 2012

After Zazen I often begin to blame myself that I am such a bad practitioner and that I am not a monk. And I feel pretty bad when I understand that I'm just a layman spending some time sitting zazen every day. Is this normal? If not what can I do?

10 January, 2012

If Buddhism proclaims that due to your deeper seeing we can change our view and from there again change our actions which again changes the cause and effects in our life why is there any need for social work for salvation? It seems that all are walking the path towards enlightenment together at their own pace with their own challenges.

6 January, 2012

The books that I read about Zen usually used the term knowledge of the nature of mind but not complete freedom from suffering. I'm confused. Please tell me straight the practice of Zen can set me free from suffering?

4 January, 2012

If I place an altar in my zendo what should I look out for?

1 January, 2012

Are there any dangers of making longer meditation alone without the safe environment and support of the sangha and the zendo monastery?

29 December, 2011

Why is it that so many people who have lived a long life have no living wisdom in themselves which they could transmit to the younger generations?

29 December, 2011

Nowadays humanity and the world appear to be continually involved in complex situations so that ones own efforts for peace and understanding seem pointless. Are we always to suffer from the karma of the world turning always to problems and wars?

29 December, 2011

In my new workplace I was put under pressure by an older employee due to jealously of my abilities. She made my days so difficult that I had to give up the work. How should I have dealt with this situation?

29 December, 2011

How can we experience the life energy of the universe?

29 December, 2011

What are the standards of a Buddhist society?

29 December, 2011

Do our deep spiritual experiences have influence on other people?

29 December, 2011

Is our spiritual experience limited only to us or can we provide it to other people?

29 November, 2011

You told us Buddhism isn't Pantheism and you told this many times - but if everything is One then is this One not something like a God? Which is the difference? Is Spinoza so far from the Way?

29 November, 2011

In the middle of a zen dilemma when every answer to questions about zen always are pointing at new questions in an endless line what reason is there for asking questions?

28 November, 2011

In many traditions in therapy and in psychology there are various ways methods of reviewing ones actions and to let go of inappropriate patterns of actions and thoughts. How is Repentance done in Zen?

28 November, 2011

"Having finished the midday evening meal - Our bodily strength is fully restored. Our power extends over the Ten Quarters - And through the Three Periods of time and we are strong. - As to revolving the Wheel of Dharma - Let no thought be wasted over it. - May all beings attain true Wisdom." What is the ten quarters? What is the wheel of Dharma? And what does it mean revolving it?

28 November, 2011

At times I get in a real depressed mood as I watch how humans all around live. There is war oil spill hunger abuse pollutions etc There is so much egoism and lack of responsibility for Nature and fellow humans. Consumerism rules most peoples living and also the delusions about how one should make career, dress, think, behave and all. How can I do anything to make a contribution to change the course that humanity is heading?

28 November, 2011

Why are monks bald headed?

28 November, 2011

If before dying we take medicine to reduce pain and unsettledness will there be any negative karma to follow if we are not clear at the moment of departure?

28 November, 2011

At the resent sesshin at Houkuzan Sogenji you mentioned the four sea's in the opening or closing poem for the Teisho. What is the 'the four seas'?

28 November, 2011

An senior Aikido friend made a log post on Kibreathing and the word Kokyu. Could you please tell a bit about what Kokyu is?

28 November, 2011

The other day Eljas was very concerned for a 3 year old boy that has disappeared in a forest. I told him that the best he could do was to go our alter and pray for him. Now I wonder is there any use of prayers beside the good feeling we might get out of 'doing something' to help?

28 November, 2011

"From the most clear, profound and subtle mind, do not point out other's faults and mistakes" How is it possible for a father to not point out his son´s faults and mistakes? and purify his own mind? Same for a teacher and her student, or for a citizen and the nuclear´s energy faults. How not to talk about the faults and mistakes of others and instead to purify his own mind?

27 November, 2011

Why do we use Dharma names in the Zen sect and when did the tradition start? What is a Rakusu?

27 November, 2011

I don't understand this 'Good Luck' meaning on a calligraphy you made. Why? Good is that not the other side of Bad? A dualistic concept? Luck is that not just good karma manifesting in the moment? In my superficial understanding of zen this 'Good Luck' seems wrong its like a note in a Chinese Fortune Cookie. Would you please explain 'Good Luck' for me?

27 November, 2011

How does one deal with getting stuck or fixated with an emotion? Like getting irritable over anothers small habits or keeping thinking on the same difficult situation.

27 November, 2011

Now its been 1/2 year ago that the tsunami hit Japan and it make me think about what to do when these catastrophes happen. In Denmark we where very affected of the Norwegian youth mass murder some time ago. What can we do as laypeople in such circumstances? I would like to know what the traditional zen way to respond to catastrophes is.

27 November, 2011

Could you please explain the meaning of the words Kensho Satori Samadhi Awakening Enlightenment and the phase 'The Great Death' please.

27 November, 2011

Why is the bell hit 4 times at the start of the zazen period? Does the number hold any significance?

27 November, 2011

In the days of Obaku and Rinzai it was the practice to give 30 blow with a stick or just strike with a stick. Why have this way of teaching ended? Why did it work?

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