Question
Hello. I have practiced for six or seven years. Now I have no group to practice with because I am in a small town. I still practice. But I have tried to recover gentleness because discipline had made me a little selfish with the insight zazen gives me. I mean, I found great strength in zazen, and it showed me that much suffering is imaginary.
Over the past few weeks, I have felt a little weak because I give a lot of attention to other people’s small imaginary sufferings, but that makes me lose some of my strength and stability. I do want to feel strong and focused, because that is a way of working and creating things and energies that are good for others too.
Sometimes I think I am cold and selfish. Other times I think I have great passion for others but am not on their wavelength. It is difficult to be present to everything others may feel, but without that, communication can become noncommunication.
Where is the balance?
Jose
Master Kosen’s answer
Mind is one.
Kosen