Was Dogen's strict form of zazen taught in the Sixth Patriarch Hui-neng's Platform Sutra? The correct answer is, no. To reiterate, the importance of physical sitting is nowhere taught in the the Sixth Patriarch's Platform Sutra while formal sitting (zazen) remains the alpha and omega of Soto Zen. In his book, Eloquent Zen, Kenneth Kraft observes: "Huineng, for example, criticized immobile sitting and redefined zazen without reference to any physical activity" (p. 97).
Zazen for Hui-neng or tso-ch’an is treated much differently as compared with Dogen’s grasp of it which is too literal. Sitting (tso) for Hui-neng is entirely symbolic. It “means without any obstruction anywhere, outwardly and under all circumstances, not to active thoughts” (trans. Yampolsky). Tied to this, “ch’an” (J., zen) according to Hui-neng “is internally to see the original nature and not become confused” (trans. Yampolsky).
With Hui-neng’s zazen or tso-ch’an it is not limited to formal sitting in which a certain posture has to maintained in a particular way for a certain period of time. Hui-neng’s zazen can be practiced whether walking or sitting in a car commuting.
Can you recommend any good books that deal with orthodox Chan thought or treat of its history?
Posted by: Ruairi | December 01, 2011 at 05:23 PM