THE ZEN EXPERIENCE
Is Zen Practical?
I
would say that something is practical when it is energy
efficient, useful and beneficial to the tasks and situations
that we encounter in daily living. If this is the case,
then Zen is certainly practical.
Executives, college students, commercial artists, recording
artists, martial arts instructors, computer programmers,
professional athletes, doctors, film stars, attorneys, teachers
and thousands of other persons in stressful professions
whom I have worked with over the years have found zen to
be invaluable in meeting the demands and opportunities of
their business and personal lives.
People who practice Zen correctly are not spaced-out or
unrealistic. They are balanced and grounded.
The Zen approach to life is to pay attention to details
without becoming so absorbed in them that you forget the
point. The point is to be happy and to deal impeccably and
efficiently with every aspect of your life.
An old Japanese proverb tells us that wherever a dog walks
his tail must follow. If your mind is clear than your life
will be clear. If your mind is cloudy and stressed-out,
if your long term and immediate goals are uncertain, then
only confusion and unhappiness can follow.
In Zen you practice zazen, mindfulness and other forms of
introspection to find out who you are and what you want,
to balance your spirit, develop willpower, increase your
sense of humor and gain wisdom. You are then prepared to
successfully follow the road of life wherever it may lead
you. I would say that this is the height of practicality.
Reprinted from "The Zen Experience"
© 1987 Rama Seminars Inc.