Question

When I practiced Soto Zen I fought a lot with it. It goes against our
western mind set. But with a great deal of (non) effort I eventually
settled in to a good-deep meditation. It effected my dreams. They were real
and I was in control of them. My sleep seemed to be just another state
of mind, somehow I was aware that I was sleeping and could interact on an
intelligent basis with those I met in my dreams.
Eventually I worked my way through several layers of my active mind, and came
to differentiate between my ego self and my real self. The distinction was
clear and didn't require definitions or explanations. My ego seemed like an
evolutionary necessity given our huge, inquiring brains necessary for survival.
Shortly afterward I could feel a mental isolation of sorts. My brain and body
seperated and my mind seemed to float above my body, which took on wierd
dimensions - it fell through the floors below me for instance.
I could feel an amazing energy rise within me that disappeared as soon as I
took note of it.
It was like electricity through my body.
The little book I was reading called "Beginners Mind" took on layers of
meaning. As if I understood exactly what the author was saying.
My creativity was enhanced. I could draw the images in my mind as if I were
looking at a photo.
One day I walked outside after meditating and everything fell into place.
Thats all I can say about it. Suddenly everything seemed to fit, to make sense.
It was an amazing feeling. I couldn't really put it into words.
But I did understand that much of what goes on in this world today would
change if everyone felt this - just once....
I wonder what happened?
Is this sort of experience typical?


Answer from Master Kosen

yes

Mondo On the same theme : Awaking

death and enlightenment

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effortless being?

After having spent much energy in Zazen and daily present moment awareness, can one reach a sustained natural state of surrender indefinitely? Do masters fall back into suffering occasionally?
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Is the Awakening permanent?

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Is the awakening conditioned to the seated position?

When we say that zazen is the practice-realization of the awakening, this awakening remains conditioned to the seated position? Is it different from the Awakening realized by Masters when they are not on the zafu (during the Transmission of the lineage or in an answer to a phenomenon stemming from nature)? Is the Awakening impermanent? ...

"me" the Buddha.

Some time ago you answered to my question: Who is there beyond Zen?You answered me: “there is you.” If I am only one illusion, must I understand, "me" the Buddha, the interior Master that I am supposed to discover? (We often have the answer to our questions in the question itself...) Gassho
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A sudden comprehension of the awakening.

Tozan had a sudden comprehension of the awakening, innate. He had a sudden realization. After him, Sosan developed the theory of the degrees, Go I. Your book tackles this subject and brings it up to date, in a way, for those who need it, to give some reference marks. In the sudden way, there is no more reference mark, all the directions have ...


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