Question
“Isn’t it better to gather teachings here and there, including from books, practice zazen as one pleases, and remain free of all influence?”
Honestly, I would have liked to meet Master Deshimaru; unfortunately I was too young at the time. Following his teaching must have been a source of happiness. Also, from things I have read, he had a great sense of humor, something essential that we sadly lack today.
I think we are lucky to meet someone like him only once in a lifetime, if that… Unfortunately, I only meet “humans,” as you call them. I feel real bitterness, and paradoxically it strengthens my belief in zazen.
In any case, humans are everywhere, even in dojos and surely in “nirvana.” But honestly I am tired of choosing between leprosy and the plague, and worse, between the ordinary and vulgarity. At least leprosy makes us see our ego differently.
Didier
Master Kosen’s answer
Honestly, if I exaggerate my criticism, it is to wake people up, whether old disciples or new practitioners. We all need to awaken, and we are all only ordinary humans, but through our choices we can change our destiny and Zen’s along with it.
But think a little. Can you imagine me believing in my master Deshimaru and at the same time not believing in his dear disciples??????????? Roland, Michel, Rafou, Philippe, Pierre, Katia, Eveline, Liliane, Poupoune, and all the others—how could I doubt them when they are the flesh of my own master, and he himself had no doubt they would become great bodhisattvas?
Kosen