Question
Do you think the intellectual knowledge we acquire in this life—for example, musical studies—leaves a trace deep in the soul and can resurface in a future life?
Second question: can music provide access to the center of our being in the same way as zazen? Basically, does active meditation (music) have the same aim as passive meditation (zazen)? To me, one is a key and the other a door… What do you think of the arts? How can we gain access to non-thought while practicing an art?
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
Well now, that is a lot of questions.
Zazen is not passive meditation.
Anything practiced single-mindedly—that is, with the soul and without distraction—is similar to Zen.
There, are you happy?
Kosen