Question
Hello, Master Kosen.
I hope you are in great shape.
I still find it hard to understand your silence when certain
questions are asked. Sincerely. Can a spiritual guide still harbor contempt
for others? Of course, I have my own answer: NO.
But it is true that silence in the “mind-to-mind” process can
itself be an answer. I have in mind the image of a flower turning between the Buddha’s fingers, his disciple, and silence…
Lately I have had a string of shitty things happen. I feel nothing
around me is going right, emotionally or materially (and this follows a
series of positive things, such as your advice about the exhibition, the organizer’s
reaction, and above all my decision to become a monk). My life is
still too dominated by oscillation between extremes, heaven and hell, and despite zazen I cannot reduce that oscillation. So it seems more appropriate to wait before taking my vows (but perhaps I am wrong?).
Yet today, here and now, I have an intimate intuition that I am reaching
the threshold of an important new stage in my spiritual life (something must
happen!!!). Perhaps I lack stimulation at the moment? Perhaps I
have deluded myself? That is why I come to you
for compassionate advice (but no pity!).
With all my respect.
Franck Shin Sei.
Franck
Answer from Master Kosen
I have a lot of work, a lot of travel, and little time to answer questions at the moment.
Kosen