Questions to Master Deshimaru

Question

How do you see the world situation in terms of human evolution?

Answer

Some things are not developing; on the contrary, they are regressing. This is a major problem of civilization. Some people believe that civilization means progress, others think that it is the opposite. Who is wrong, who is right? Are humans going forward or backward? If the central brain and hypothalamus are both growing weak, then that is not evolution; or if the inner brain becomes weaker and the outer brain stronger. [In speaking about the brain, Deshimaru Roshi uses "inner," "central," "old," "primitive" as synonyms and "outer," "forebrain," "hypothalamus" also.] What is indispensable is harmony and balance between the two. When the inner brain and hypothalamus both grow strong, then there is true evolution. That is why zazen is important. I am always talking about balance. If there is no balance between the inner, primitive brain and the outer, intellectual brain, there is weakness. How do we harmonize the two? That raises the problem of human education. It should be changed. Here in this dojo you receive a good education, a true education.