Question
Hello, Master Kosen,
It is an honor to write to you, and reading your reply will be an even greater one. As a master whose name escapes me said, the Spiritual Path truly is a Long and Lonely Road. GOD alone knows!
I am Cameroonian and have practiced zazen for almost nine years, and I can say it has changed my life. I had the grace of stumbling upon it by chance (researching personal development and reading the biography of Steve JOBS, the father of the iPhone). I can affirm that Africa, and Cameroon in particular, need this philosophy of life more than ever. As Master DESHIMARU said, it is time to find new fertile ground for Zen (as once happened in Europe through France, or in the United States with Master Shunryu SUZUKI).
I have never had a master (to tell me what to do or guide me), never known a sangha, much less a dojo. I taught myself everything by watching videos of you, Master Roland Yuno RECH, Master André Reitai LEMORT (for posture), and Master Olivier Reigen WANG-GENH (for other basic principles). Know that what you do is Good! Without all these videos, I do not know where I would be in life. It has not been smooth sailing, as you know!
I have always considered myself a bodhisattva, and from what you write, the sangha is vital for bodhisattvas. What do you recommend for someone with my history?
Hoping to read you soon, please accept all my admiration.
Yannick
Yannick JOB
Answer from Master Kosen
Your letter makes me very happy, and I hope we will soon meet in a dojo to practice the great sitting together.
Kosen