Question
Hello Master Kosen: I read John White’s book “What Is Enlightenment?” in which ten figures—Sri Aurobindo, Krishnamurti, Ken Wilber, and others—speak about their experience, and they all seem to agree that “the path” of meditation practice is dangerous, even “terrifying,” and that you can get lost in it or become paranoid. Is this true? Please do not answer YES or NO; explain a little. I have practiced zazen for a while and have met the Spanish master Dokushô Villalba, and you seem surprised that he practices Zen. How is that possible? Is he not a true master? I think he is, but you seem to know much more.
BEST WISHES AND THANK YOU.
José Angel
Master Kosen’s answer
The path of Zen is simple and is not dangerous. Do not think about enlightenment; zazen illuminates life unconsciously. No problem!
Kosen