Question
What is a Zen master, and what is not a Zen master?
Shéhérazade
Answer from Master Kosen
Dear and respected Shéhérazade, this is a very difficult question.
A master is first and foremost a disciple.
Master Dogen says: “A true master’s age does not matter. All that is necessary is that he has penetrated the true law and himself received certification from a true master.
What matters in him is neither written words nor intellectual understanding. Divine or cosmic energy and will must express themselves through him.
He is not overly attached to his personal views and does not stop at knowledge from the senses.”
Being a master is not an acquired status or a rank. There is always, to our great happiness, a master greater than ourselves who can teach us.
Ultimately, being a master means following the cosmic order, as my master said.
In your tradition, you say “being on the path of guidance.” It is not personal wisdom. Even if we strive to improve ourselves personally, we can do nothing without divine providence.
Kosen