Question
How do we empty the mind?
Is it necessary to empty the mind?
Anonymous
Master Kosen’s answer
First, the nature of mind is empty. There is nothing special to do about that. Now, if you are asking how to empty the mind of all thought or all consciousness, that is another matter. In ordinary life, you can stop your thoughts through willpower, and if you make a habit of it, it will become very easy.
You will ask me: what good could that do?
Well, if you stop thinking, you can focus your mind much more intensely, without being distracted by scattered thoughts.
During zazen, however, we do not use willpower to stop our thoughts. We let them go freely, but of course we do not feed them.
If your posture is good and your breathing deep, thoughts will vanish on their own.
Kosen