Question

I have read that the Buddha travelled India trying to teach rulers and merchants to be just and wise. It seems he was not only preaching his way, but also practical advice for the layman. Is it possible for me to be an enlightened person while also striving for social causes, such as the equal (or fairer) distribution of resources, or the preservation of the environment? I can see that perhaps these beliefs should not exist as something distinct or dogmatic, but as a natural part of one's overall intuitive view. Sometimes, though, I hear it said that one's vocation does not matter as long as one is following the way. Surely this does not make sense! If the samurai used their insight to build a happy and prosperous world, instead of killing each other over territory, surely this would be better for everyone by any sane standards! They had plenty of opportunity to do so. Is this a question of balancing intuition against beliefs, or just having better intuition than the samurai had?

Answer from Master Kosen

If one day you are enlightened, will not ask yourself this kind of matters any more.

Mondo On the same theme : Everyday life

Goals

We are advised to practice zen without any goal, since it is the path, the process and practice themselves that should be the center and it is through them that we attain our goal. Is it the same in life at large? Should I abandon my goals in life and concentrate on what life gives me?
...

Daily living

How do we live a spiritual life with so much dysfunction around us? I feel it is much like my practice. Sitting without wanting an outcome but wanting an outcome none the less
...

escape?

Dear Master!I`m writing from Norway, where I got back 3 times to take a job, try myself and get to know myself. i feel the same all the time, I can`t do it, but insist on it to fullfit my dream and attain the knowlidges and find myself even if I`m alone and am among uknown people. If I feel the pain in my stomach in hara it means i have to ...

Burned out

I started practicing Buddhism more than ten years ago, I did retreats, etc., but my life is just as miserable as before, or even more. I have lost my faith in chanting mantras or sitting because it had not made me any happier or wiser. I feel old and kind of burned out, I do not feel the slightest inspiration to sit zazen, chant mantras or ...





To know more about mondo

You may want to see other themes of this mondo online, or ask your own question : see Mondo online : questions to zen Master Kosen Thibaut

Subscribe to our YouTube channel


Zen meditation : retreats

Next sesshin : from 13 June 2024 to 16 June 2024 - Information and registration to this zen retreat

Sesshin of the kesa 2024 led by Master Françoise Kosen Laurent


Turn your light inside and make a half-turn, The infinite and inconceivable source can neither be faced nor avoided Meet the ancient masters and be intimate with their teaching. Tie up the grass to build a hut and never give up.

Sekito

Donate to the Sangha

Let's help the Kosen Sangha and the Yujo Nyusanji zen temple


Mondo

Questions to zen Master Kosen

Boddidharma, buddhist monk

Master Kosen

Follow his teachings in the Montpellier Zen dojo and in the great sesshins at Yujo Nyusanji zen temple


Kusens

Listen to and download last teachings (in french) of Master Kosen in Montpellier's dojo