Question
Hello, Master Kosen,
In his kusen "Concentration and Observation," Master Deshimaru speaks of "right conduct" in practice: shi kan (concentration and observation). Regarding observation, he explains two kinds: relative and direct. I understand what relative observation is (of impurities/fujokan and compassionate observation/jihikan), but I do not understand direct observation: who or what observes whom or what?
Since Master Deshimaru teaches that this is the most important kind of observation, could you explain what it involves?
Thank you for your answer. I am grateful to you for preserving and passing on the priceless heritage of Zen.
P. Merley
Phi
Answer from Master Kosen
The frontal cortex rests, and the rhinencephalon, the primitive cortex, observes.
As for the thalamus, the middle brain, it is awake.
Kosen