Question
What does balancing polarities mean? And how should we “react” to duality?
A “stupid” example: I feel great joy. Should I enjoy it fully? I would say yes. I feel great sorrow. Should I experience it fully, or avoid it?
…
What is balance in all this? Experiencing nothing fully? Experiencing everything fully?
We read many little Zen stories in which masters do not “react” to misfortune or happiness because no one knows what those misfortunes or joys will bring… Yet I have trouble feeling that Zen is this “non-reaction.”
What is balance? :)
Thank you.
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
Having happiness and being afraid of losing it: polarity. Being anxious and not accepting it: polarity. Having work to do and not concentrating on it: polarity. We must immerse ourselves completely until we see its essence.
Kosen