Sunday, June 12, 2011

Epilogue - Zen Mind

"There is nothing but fish."--Shunryu Suzuki

This is the conclusion of Buddhism and the conclusion of my project. I started my commentary to express the true purpose of Zen practice.

But the best way to practice zazen may be not to say anything at all. And if I had to say something, then I would encourage you to give Zen a try:

If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench. It could mean jail. It could mean derision. It could mean mockery--isolation. Isolation is the gift. All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it. And, you'll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds. And it will be better than anything else you can imagine. If you're going to try, go all the way. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It's the only good fight there is. Charles Bukowski (Factotum)

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