Question
When we say zazen is the practice-realization of awakening, does this awakening remain dependent on sitting?
Is it different from the Awakening masters realize away from the zafu, during lineage transmission or in response to a phenomenon in nature?
Is Awakening impermanent?
Gassho.
Anonymous
Master Kosen’s answer
The question is good; that is something already. 1) Awakening is not dependent on sitting, and yet sitting is the fullest awakening. 2) It is no different outside or during zazen, and yet the dimension of zazen is beyond everything.
It is like a car: whether you are in first or fifth gear, it is the same engine, but if that same engine runs at 5,000 rpm in first or fifth, the speed will not be the same.
Kosen