Questions to Master Deshimaru

Question

Being different from others means being alone too. Is it possible, through zazen, to learn how to be alone, to accept loneliness?

Answer

If you continue zazen, your characteristics change. Your sad face is completely transformed, unconsciously, naturally and automatically. It's the Way that changes you, brings you back to a normal condition. You should not try to escape from loneliness by becoming too "diplomatic" or depending on other people. Solitude is good. Zen is solitude. Becoming intimate with yourself during zazen means being completely alone and also with the others, with the cosmos.