Questions to Master Deshimaru

Question

You said that the true attitude of mind consists in not choosing, but in everyday life you have to make choices all the time. How can you reconcile the two?

Answer

That's the same as confusing metaphysical and physical problems. In searching for the Way, do not choose; in everyday life, choose. There can be no choice in seeking the Way, apprehending truth. In everyday life, on the other hand, what counts is making choices. But it is bad to be attached to one's choices, to limit them. You must choose but remain free to choose, and free in the result of your choice. I don't choose my disciples; some stay, some go away. My mind is at peace; it does not choose. Karma determines your decisions, but the cosmic order is not so precise: sometimes a misfortune produces good fortune, sometimes happiness leads to misery. But the spirit, the mind stays the same: calm and peaceful. Satori. In practical life wisdom is necessary. An object that is too intensely desired cannot be attained because the mind is attached to the desire, and the person suffers or goes mad. All things come to the person whose mind is peaceful and filled with wisdom. Wisdom means learning not to suffer from a failure, and learning to reduce one's desires. Return to the normal condition.