THE ZEN EXPERIENCE
What is A Zen Master?
A
Zen master is a teacher of enlightenment. In my experience
that is about the only thing any two Zen masters have in
common.
Each Zen master has his own style of teaching. Some Zen
masters are strict and somber; some Zen masters are relaxed
and funny. Some Zen masters are very easy to talk to, while
other Zen masters rarely say anything.
Some Zen masters accept students readily; while other Zen
masters put a person through a series of very difficult
tests before working with them.
Some Zen masters are vegetarians. Some Zen masters eat meat.
Some Zen masters have girlfriends. Some Zen masters don't
have sex.
Some Zen masters live alone in the mountains. Some Zen masters
live in crowded cities.
Some Zen masters wear robes. Some Zen masters wear suits
and ties.
All Zen masters, if they are truly enlightened, are friends
to the rich and the poor, the sinner and the saint, the
famous and the infamous. They see the Buddha in all beings.
They don't care for codes of conduct or the praise or blame
of societies. They cannot be bought or coerced, and they
always tell the truth. They are essential enlightenment.
They reflect reality wherever they go.
Reprinted from "The Zen Experience"
© 1987 Rama Seminars Inc.