The word ‘journey’ has several meanings. It doesn’t have to be related to traveling a certain distance arriving at a certain place. For example, we can speak of a journey of faith or a journey into the realm of new experiences that provide us with new information or knowledge. A journey can be a journey into the higher reaches of consciousness. Zen Buddhism can also be a journey.
A ‘trip’ doesn’t have the depth of a journey. A trip can be relatively short. We all remember in our early school days taking a field trip. I can remember taking a train trip to San Francisco in the early 1950s. When our family arrived there, we took a trip to the zoo. Trip can also refer to a drug or LSD trip or a power trip; even a stimulating experience as in this is real trippy.
If we apply these terms to Zen Buddhism, Zen is all about a long spiritual journey. We are trying to realize our pure Mind which requires that we change in order to resonate with Mind. On the other hand, being curious about Zen; doing some zazen for a while, is really just a trip. Even joining a Zen center or a Dharma center can be just a trip which is far from being a spiritual journey. Yes, trips are nice but there is not the same kind of commitment as with a journey. With a trip no change is required of us. We are almost like tourists. We are here to see the sights.
To get anywhere is Zen Buddhism, the journey is an inward one. What is most primordial in us, which seems to be pushing forward, is trying to make its way through a huge dark jungle. There is no authentic joy in this. Occasionally, there wonderful moments but as yet no penetration through the dark covering in which we will see our primordial Buddha-nature in all its luminosity. If this is just a short trip we’ve have already planned to travel only so far. We have other obligations such as our family. We might even take a trip to India and visit Bodh Gaya where, supposedly, the Buddha gained enlightenment.
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