4 ms·

How is this zen at all?

• birdyrooster 5y ago
  Being happy and not desiring anything?
  • nathanvanfleet 5y ago
    Not really sure if being rich and popular but not depraved and greedy really classifies as zen
  • thaumasiotes 5y ago
    I mean, the quotation includes a list of things he desires.
• hisnameisjimmy 5y ago
  I think many people use zen to mean “at peace”. A zen moment is one where everything feels ok. All his bills are paid. His wife is healthy. In this moment, he’s at peace.
• Communitivity 5y ago
  He demonstrates being content in the current moment, and being present in that contentment. This doesn't mean emotionless, but does mean recognizing that all states are transient - happy and sad. It also doesn't mean a lack of self-improvement goals, but may mean a lack of material goals. This is my understanding, as a Zen beginner. "I read all that but like I say, every time I think seriously about it, my cat comes and swipes his tail across my face." In my mind, this is nearly a koan if you meditate on it. The Walken Koan: A student approached the master known as 'The Weapon of Choice' while the master was dancing, and interrupted him to ask "Master, I read these many books on Zen, but I am not sure what Zen is. What is Zen?" The master looked at the student and answered "I read all that but like I say, every time I think seriously about it, my cat comes and swipes his tail across my face." The master then resumed dancing.