Question
I had barely been in touch with that friend for some time, but he was very dear to me.
Yesterday I spoke with his best friend from the last few years, and he has had the same feeling since our friend died a year ago. We feel sad, without fresh energy, and we say that this is partly because we have realized that things are not as we thought: society is not caring or reasonable enough, especially in our town, and that saddened our friend, who had a certain psychological disorder and ended up taking his own life.
Sometimes I wonder whether, to grow in Zen, I must surrender to my sadness. But at other times I think that reasoning and thinking vigorously when I have ideas to explore, which may seem rebellious in other people’s eyes, is my only way of living healthily. Is this un-Zen?
Sometimes I have thought that perhaps it is my way of escaping my own smallness. I mean that sometimes I try
to acknowledge my humility, but I am proud and cannot trust this society.
Heartfelt greetings
José
Answer from Master Kosen
Hello, José:
Thank you for your letter. There is not really a question; it seems to me you are talking to yourself… Look at the simplicity and beauty of life. For example, look at how delicate and specialized your body is. What magic!! What an extraordinary thing! A marvelous creation that we must keep in good condition. Then try to look at, to observe, the dimensions of your consciousness. The world is infinite and beautiful, and it has much to teach us.
If you do not like society, do not live with it, that’s all. Do not complicate your life. Better to find a real dojo and practice zazen regularly.
Warm regards
Kosen