Question
I am not here to complain, but in some way I feel limited by fears stemming from my family environment (an anxiety-provoking atmosphere). I am 23 and lack a little self-confidence, even though I know what I really want: to be the creator of my own life, no longer subjected to past conditioning. And yeah, I really want to learn throughout my life, open myself to new dimensions and perspectives, create, learn from masters and move forward, commit myself, jump in and make things happen—not fall asleep like a fool out of fear of others’ judgment or whatever. So here is my question: I would like to know whether diligent, regular zazen practice can, over the long term, transform us, allow us to drop old conditioned habits, truly develop what matters within us and really assert ourselves without fear, while continuing to learn… If the answer is yes, I am heading straight to the dojo!
Gassho.
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
You describe it perfectly: diligent, regular zazen practice can, over the long term, transform us, allow us to drop old conditioned habits, truly develop what matters within us, and really assert ourselves without fear, while continuing to learn…
That is a perfect description of what happened to me by continuing zazen.
Kosen