Questions to Master Deshimaru

Question

But if you practice mushotoku, how can you make plans and have desires?

Answer

Everyday life and zazen are not the same. In everyday life you must gain; a businessman has to concentrate in order to make a profit. I am talking about the inner spirit, the subjective aspect. When you are mushotoku, even if you lose you are always free. In everyday life you need wisdom. You must use your wisdom. At the same time, it is necessary to be mushotoku in your dealings with everyone. But the minds of most people are never mushotoku; they think, "If I give him this maybe he'll give me that in return." It's a problem of the spirit, the mind.