Understanding Zen and Its Impact

Several years ago, I founded a Western Zen School called "Essential Zen." This school draws inspiration from traditional Japanese Zen while establishing its own identity. Similar to traditional practices, our methodology emphasizes meditation, direct insight into one’s true self, and the application of this wisdom in everyday life for the benefit of others.

In our practice, we prioritize direct understanding through zazen (sitting meditation) and engagement with a wise teacher (known as rōshi in Japanese or shīfu in Chinese), who often embodies an unconventional or rebellious spirit (A Noble Trickster). While we place less emphasis on doctrinal study and traditional rituals, we still incorporate universal practices such as chanting, precepts, simplicity, minimalism, and the exploration of koans and classic tales.

Zen equips us with essential tools to manage life’s stresses. Here are 14 psychological benefits:

1. Understanding Zen goes beyond intellectual comprehension; human wisdom is inherently limited.
2. Zen does not aim to eliminate emotions but teaches how to navigate them more effectively.
3. By minimizing focus on the "self," Zen cultivates empathy, countering the ego's growth.
4. Zen encourages a "clear mind" rather than the absence of thought.
5. It is impossible to fully articulate Zen; it must be experienced for true comprehension.
6. A genuine spiritual journey guides individuals on how to think rather than dictating beliefs; Zen, specifically, teaches what not to think.
7. In Zen, there is no hierarchy between the "higher" self and the "lower" self.
8. Claims of understanding Zen are often misleading; its essence remains elusive.
9. Zen practices aim to disengage the rational mind, allowing students to recognize their true nature.
10. The goal of Zen is to liberate the mind from the confines of language and logic.
11. Consistency should not be expected from a Zen master.
12. Zen students pursue enlightenment through their way of life and mental actions that seek truth beyond philosophical reasoning.
13. Zen focuses on reality as it is, without imposing interpretations.
14. Zen does not uphold notions of God, heaven, hell, or dogma.

These insights are shared through my newsletters, which delve into topics such as poetry, history, health, politics, culture, and psychology. In an age where social media inundates us with superficial content, these newsletters provide valuable and thought-provoking perspectives.

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Lewis

✍ — Published by Libby Shively McAvoy at Dancing Elephants Press. Click here for submission guidelines.