Question
Doesn’t practicing zazen here and now (in my case, in Europe in the twenty-first
century) also mean shedding a number of things
inherited from another culture, rather than from Zen, such as
clothing, objects, and a language? Why do European practitioners
borrow so much from Japanese folklore? Why are so many of the terms used
Japanese rather than their French translations? All these
things seem to make access to practice unnecessarily complicated. For
some people, it even seems this folklore distracts them from it.
What do you think?
An additional, equally anecdotal comment ;-): I really appreciate that
Zen wisdom does not lack humor. That is true of your
answers. Thank you very much.
Guy
Answer from Master Kosen
I think Master Deshimaru left us just the right amount of ceremonies, Japanese words, and guidance about them for us to deepen our understanding throughout our lives. They are accessible and adaptable to everyone in every country, and always specifically attuned to zazen itself. This teaching is perfect and exactly measured; it is the true universal Dharma. We simply must not fall into routine and habit, but fill every action with the power of the mind.
Kosen