Question
How can I bring harmony to a marriage with a wife who does not understand Zen or philosophy and is not interested in religion? Or rather, how can I help her understand why I meditate and what emptiness and compassion are?
How can I live when she pushes me to do or say things that are part of my philosophies?
Thank you.
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
Zen is everywhere and in everyone. If you believe it is a special philosophy incompatible with those who do not practice it, your Zen is mistaken and you are dogmatic. You think your partner understands nothing, when you are the one creating a problem. Keep your practice discreet and intimate. If you truly improve, your partner will certainly notice and become interested on her own in what has transformed you.
Kosen