Question
Dear Kosen,
Dogen and Wanshi in particular do not recommend concentrating on the breath or points of the posture, whereas Deshimaru emphasized it.
After practicing this "concentration on" for years, I gave it up to make room for a presence open to the flow of life as it is, like the openness of the hands and the eyes not fixing on anything. Within it, I let zazen happen, welcoming without resistance whatever appears: breathing, bodily sensations in the posture, thoughts, emotions, but also sounds, smells, perceptions. Sometimes this free attention focuses on a point, sometimes it is panoramic; I let it be within this open grounding. All my energy is devoted to this receptivity that does not intervene or appropriate anything.
So why this emphasis on concentration? To calm the mind at the beginning of zazen, I understand, but beyond that it seems to me to sustain a risk of dualism, rigidity, and self-centeredness. Don't you find a global, free listening more in keeping with zazen? Once the posture is taken, Dogen recommends directly practicing the joy, peace, and happiness of the Dharma, and Wanshi recommends sitting in the very heart of Emptiness.
Thank you for your attention and your gift to practice-realization.
Funi
Emmanuel
Master Kosen’s answer
Air is everywhere, yet when you are hot you use a fan.
Best wishes.
Kosen