Question
When Master Niwa transmitted shiho to you, Master Deshimaru had died. So
the question of following two masters at the same time did not arise
for you.
Yet you recognize both as your masters.
In the past, disciples commonly went from one master to
another. Sometimes masters themselves sent
their disciples to other masters, and some disciples had one, two,
or three masters.
Can a disciple follow the teachings of two currently living Zen masters
simultaneously and truly regard both as masters?
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
Everything is possible. That is the game of life…
The disadvantage of changing masters is that a master’s real work with a disciple is to corner them in such an uncomfortable situation that they must realize the only possible way forward is to evolve—or, if you prefer, “satori.”
In principle, everyone wants satori, but no one wants to evolve, except people in situations so uncomfortable they have no choice.
So as long as the master strokes you the right way, you will claim to love him more than anything in the world.
But the reality is that what you love more than anything is your ego. If anyone threatens it, you will find an excellent reason to protect yourself, and changing to another master who tells you he is extremely interested in your ego will be the dream solution.
Finally, your true master is your eternal true nature, the observer in your deep brain. You absolutely must deepen your relationship with him, although he is elusive and inseparable from every part of yourself. God the Father is entirely yourself.
Kosen