What is Zen?

Zen is not an ideology, philosophy, Eastern culture, conceptual paradigm, or belief.

“Zen” is the name given to the way things certainly are now, without self, without center, without intent.

What is meant by “the way things certainly are now”?

When there is “meow,” then “meow” is the way things certainly are. This is the way it is.

No belief is required for “meow.”

Conviction and understanding are also unnecessary.

Meow

So zazen (sitting Zen) is simply sitting, the way things certainly are now.

When there is “meow,” there is “meow.” This is Zen. So zazen is not about using concepts and creating or maintaining some kind of state.

(7 Feb 2022)