People that I have discussed Zen with seem at times almost crazy when it comes to the matter of realizing their true nature which is one of the four Zen slogans. They think that understanding what their true nature is, or finding a synonym for it is the same as directly intuiting their true nature. Some even believe they’ve already realized their true nature. But this is really the work of imagination.
But understanding what our true nature is and its actual attainment by way of direct intuition are worlds apart.
It is the difference between wanting to climb a mountain like Denali in Alaska in the coming year and actually climbing it. First of all, to climb such a mountain like Denali we have to acquire some proficiency in mountaineering skills which is not easy and will take some time. This means that we will have to go on some kind of prep course given by the people who are operating this expedition. And we had better be in top physical shape.
Playing video games, not exercising, buying a book or two on mountaineering, even buying an ice axe to impress our buddies, will not prepare us for the long climb to the summit of Denali. All that we have demonstrated is that we are capable of reading one or two books on mountaineering. Let’s face it, we have no intention of actually climbing Denali. We lead our life at a superficial level.
Yes, we can have an understanding of what it is like to begin Zen and, eventually, try to see our true nature. But we are far away from climbing this Zen mountain. We have only a vague understanding of what our true nature is.
Even those who sit in zazen have only a shallow understanding of Zen. They know a lot of details. Still, they are far away from intuition which, by the way, sitting on a cushion doesn’t develop. And intuition is what Zen is all about, not sitting. The answer to a koan is not gained by sitting. The answer only comes by way of intuition. This fact is little stressed in the actual practice of Zen today because 99% of Zen teachers today follow Soto Zen which doesn’t believe in seeing your true nature. It is unfortunate that this tradition of Zen dominates. It doesn't even resonate with Buddhism.
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