Question
Western culture is incompatible with Zen philosophy because we are taught to project ourselves into the future, and nowadays materialism is the rule. How can we really change under these conditions? In other words, isn’t it illusory to think we can practice zazen correctly under these conditions?
Answer: I do not think; I practice.
Anonymous
Master Kosen’s answer
I teach my disciples precisely to project themselves into the future and become materialistic, and yet I am an authentic Zen master of transmission.
When Master Deshimaru told us, “You have one week to finish the large building,” wasn’t that projecting into the future and being materialistic?
Kosen