Question
I discovered Buddhism at a very young age through the Tibetan and Zen traditions, and I have never been able to separate these two traditions in my practice.
So I took refuge with a Tibetan master and follow teachings from that tradition, but at the same time I do zazen.
Recently I met Roland Yuno Rech, and he told me that if I wanted to progress on the Way, sooner or later I had to choose a master and one of these two traditions, and that I could not progress by combining both.
This threw me off.
What do you think?
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
If Roland told you that, then I will tell you the opposite, so you will still have to choose between what he says and what I say.
I think you don’t choose to follow one master or another. If it isn’t obvious in your heart, why choose? And if it is obvious, there is no choice.
You can absolutely follow a Tibetan master and also practice zazen. No Tibetan master will criticize you for it; on the contrary, they greatly appreciate their disciples practicing meditation properly.
Kosen