Questions to Master Deshimaru

Question

How do you reconcile the idea of "no-gain" with zazen in everyday life?

Answer

If, during zazen, you have no goal and are not hoping to get something, you are mushotoku. If you gain something without wanting it, that's good. You don't have to refuse it. But you must not try for it. During zazen you must not want to grasp something - illumination, satori, good health, calm nerves, no more anxiety, progress in Zen. It is not necessary to think that way. Just follow my teaching: concentrate on posture and breathing. That is enough. To want to have a goal not just in zazen but in everyday living, to want to get something or grasp something is a sickness of the mind.