Questions to Master Deshimaru

Question

Faith is important in Buddhism, and in Zen there are various objects of faith - zazen, or the kesa, or the master. But what is faith?

Answer

Whatever you like. Each person is different. The object of faith differs for each individual. Each person must know and recognize for himself or herself what is his or her object of faith. You must believe in whatever impresses you most deeply. I cannot say, I cannot decide objectively. This is very important. In almost all religions you are told that you have to believe this or that, or in God or Buddha. I do not agree. You have to find for yourself, in yourself. The teacher can lead you to the river's edge but cannot drink in your place, or compel you to drink either. That is a subjective problem. So I answer, whatever you like. The most important thing is to believe. Believe in what is highest, ultimate. What is true? It is for the wisdom of the spirit to decide. God, Buddha, the Cross... People usually believe according to their genes, their heredity, education, family environment, physical habits. But in the end... The dog follows its master, it forgets everything else when it sees its master. Its brain changes; it is faithful, it believes in its master. True, deep love is important in faith. In the end, I cannot decide your faith for you. You must decide yourself. It is not just a question of form. I happen to he a Zen monk and, like Dogen and Nagarjuna, I believe in the kesa, the garment transmitted by Buddha. That is an eternal transmission. If you want to have faith in Buddha you can, but I cannot decide for you. You must find the answer by yourself.