Question
How can I concentrate and forget the thoughts that come to me?
For example, I practice tai chi and meditation. Whether at home or in a group, I would like to devote myself only to what I am doing, but thoughts come to me like: “I wonder if the little one is asleep?” or “I have a meeting on Monday” or “Oh yes, I should ask Master Kosen that question…” It happens especially when I am at home. “My wife is watching TV; what if the
little one comes and interrupts me? What’s that noise? How long have I been here? The phone is going to ring, etc.” There is no way I can concentrate. Likewise, when a car passes in the street, I am no longer really centered.
How can I manage it? Thank you.
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
Once we were sitting in zazen at the Paris dojo, and Étienne gave a kusen: “You must forget your everyday life during zazen!” My wife, who was sitting next to me, hastily got up and suddenly left the dojo. As I learned later, she had forgotten the milk on the stove.
I don’t know whether there is a moral to this story. If there is, it is that sometimes it is good to be beyond zazen.
Kosen