Intrinsically, we have the Buddha-nature. But knowing this is still only a matter of faith. It is not enough to save us. We still have to actualize this mysterious nature face to face. Those who tarry in the world of sensory consciousness and concepts, resting on their faith in the Buddha-nature, are only prolonging their stay in samsara.
The first part of the adept’s spiritual journey is learning what sensory consciousness is and concepts. Sure, it sounds easy just like a book about bicycle racing makes it seem so easy until you enter your first race (I remember that). But it is not. The adept is addicted to sensory consciousness and dealing with Zen Buddhism through concepts. That has to change.
Going to a Zen center or for that matter any Dharma center is not going to help all that much as regard direct insight into Buddha-nature. The adept’s huge problem is expecting the teaching to fit within the world of sensory consciousness and, secondly, wanting to learn new and interesting concepts about Zen. This can easily lead one astray not to mention hopping from one Dharma center to another or taking a trip to Japan or Katmandu in the belief that this will help.
It is important for the adept to realize at a gut level that awakening to their Buddha-nature is best done alone and in retreat away from other people who are a distraction. And yes, it takes time to get to this level when we actually do it. One first has to understand the peril of sensory consciousness and approaching enlightenment through concepts. Seeing our Buddha-nature is not a sensory attainment. Nor is the concept of realizing Buddha-nature the same as realizing it.
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