Question
Hello, I would like to ask about something that concerns me and already puzzled me before I first entered a dojo. I cannot grasp what the reality of mushotoku (which I understand as “without a goal or a profit-seeking mind”) could be, unless that reality is purely the result of chance. Let me clarify with a personal example.
I entered a dojo for the first time barely a month ago. I knew nothing about Buddhism or Zen. There is a dojo on my street, and I went in. Then I came back. I have a feeling I will come back again.
My question is: why did I enter that dojo a second time? Something had resonated positively within me the first time. It left a kind of imprint. Because this imprint exists and is gentle, I arrange my activities so I can return to the dojo. I cannot erase that imprint.
So how can I practice mushotoku?
I do not know whether my question is clear. It concerns me beyond zazen because I feel my actions can only be my actions if they resonate positively for me at some deeper or subtler level.
Thank you for your answer.
Charlotte
Answer from Master Kosen
You must understand and accept that human beings are not programmed to be mushotoku. For millions of years, they have been programmed—and this is scientifically established—with the absolute priority of surviving as long as possible, favoring, whatever their situation, this primordial, genetically innate, uncontrollable rule.
This leads me to conclude that the right way for a human being to practice mushotoku is to accept not being mushotoku.
Now, what you need to understand about zazen is that zazen is mushotoku. That is a fact. But zazen is the practice of Buddhas, not human beings. As soon as you enter the samadhi of zazen, you are mushotoku.
Kosen