01
Apr
If it is possible control oneself mind, who controls oneself controller?
01
Apr
My consciousness is totally impossible to define, but I still stays as mediocre in my every day life…
QUESTION (resumed) :Une fois que l'on a retourné son regard vers soi-même et que l'on réalise que l'on "est" une sorte "d'espace" (en fait, l'unique espace), doit-on simplement approfondir cet état? ou au contraire cela doit-il aussi perdre toute importance? Devenir cette sorte de miroir 3-D ok, mais les phénomènes restent hors de ...
01
Apr
A hungry ghost searches teacher acoording to Dogen Eihei.
A hungry ghost searches teacher acoording to Dogen Eihei. Can you give me a list of sutable teachers in holland ?(Please, no financial interests.)Many thanks, Richard. There is no list to give, because there is no other teacherof the Dogen lineage than me in Amsterdam. * Retour: Kosen online
01
Apr
How can I be sure that the way I decide to go is the correct way ?
How can I be sure that the way I decide to go is the correct way ?
I mean, is it possible to be certain about one's dharma ?
A trip I have made to the USA gave me the strong feeling that I must follow certain way, that has do with studying for helping people in the future... I feel this is correct but many people think I am ...
01
Apr
I am confused and saddened, practicing zazen makes me feel better, but i can not practice all day, what am I to do ?
I am confused today, and saddened. I have observed myself through the stagesof the development of this sadness. Many times i have seen this repeatitself. But i do not see the way to break the chain. Practicing zazen makes me feel better, but i can not practice all day, i must work. I can see no answer other than to just not care anymore and face...
01
Apr
Pourquoi la solitude fait-elle souffrir?
¿ Por qué la soledad duele?
01
Apr
Could you explain me the relation existing between each of the parts of the Buddha's formulation about `the Depending Origination' or the `conditioned Genesis' ?
Could you explain me the relation existing between each of the parts of the Buddha's formulation about `the Depending Origination' or the `conditioned Genesis' ? I don't understand how the Ignorance gives birth to the Intention and so on. Please, help me to understand it.
01
Apr
I would very much like to know how to control my emotions.
I am recently practicing meditation and when I have seen your site, I find it really super but the answers that you give to the questions leave me puzzled ??? I would very much like to know how to control my emotions. I have a job which asks for a lot of patience and self-control and lately I worked while being sick. That is not easy but I know ...
01
Apr
Is the zazen posture and the zen attitude the very same thing ?
Is the zazen posture and the zen attitude the very same thing ? But, as one cannot be a buddha at the very first day, I wonder : the technique of the zazen posture AND the attitude, is it developed synchronous
01
Apr
Is it possible for me to be an enlightened person while also striving for social causes?
I have read that the Buddha travelled India trying to teach rulers and merchants to be just and wise. It seems he was not only preaching his way, but also practical advice for the layman. Is it possible for me to be an enlightened person while also striving for social causes, such as the equal (or fairer) distribution of resources, or the ...
01
Apr
Which path?
I want to become a buddhist monk, but i do not know which path to choose, how do I know which one of the buddhists schools is the rigt one for me, Kosen?
20
Nov
My future religion.
My name is Laury, I am 12 years old and I would like to get information a little more about my future religion. I would like to know what is Buddhism because I seek a way and I would like to be a little better informed on this one. Please answer my request, that would help me enormously. Thank you for your understanding
01
Apr
What is the difference between the jewel and the lotus?
What is the difference between the jewel and the lotus?
01
Apr
How to learn how to practice, if there is no place for it close where I live ?
How to learn how to practice, if there is no place for it close where I live ?
26
Oct
Spiritual pride.
Our person in charge of the group is beginning to show the symptoms of an alarming disease, spiritual pride, and wants to educate with grind rules and conferences, while leaving us a little between a rock and a hard place (we are the two who have more experience than the rest of the group, therefore being able to see this kind of game, ...
01
Apr
Where are we the safest to practice zazen? I would like books on life. By which ones should I start?
Dear Master Kosen,My knowledge of Buddhism isn't big. It consists of reading a few web pages. These include Master Deshimaru's questions and answers and your questions and answers. When I read some of the answers I get a feeling through my body which I feel is true. Basically I have a few questions, and if you would answer them I would be most ...
01
Apr
Is there anything to expect from the practice or not?
Is it fair to say that when you tell people not to expect anything from Zen practice, this is to prevent the destructive effects of anticipation and expectation? Surely, once this is achieved there is some real benefit, though I can understand that perhaps you see it as futile, or counterproductive to express this real benefit to people in any ...
01
Apr
Is it wrong to follow my feelings without a terrible guilt ?
I am gay. Is it wrong to follow my feelings without a terrible guilt ?
01
Apr
What would be the action in a zen society ?
Good morning! I am not especially interested by money or power on the other people; I have no political vocation - anyway, money is in process to win; I know that I will die one day - tomorrow or later, and I try to love the ones I love without succeeding in it the way I would like to (well, a bit like everybody I guess). If I tell you all ...
21
Dec
What can you teach me?
Kosen (to tell the truth, I never know either how you to call...) what can you teach me? In a friendly way.
01
Apr
Is there a reality that is not emptied out?
Is there a reality that is not emptied out? Is that what people mean by God? I die and the world dies. It is reborn (as Am I) in the same moment. My own teacher (Soto Zen/ White Plum lineage) is traveling and so I ask you. When she returns, I'll ask her.
01
Apr
Is there an environment which is best for zazen?
Hello, I am student in architecture at the University of Idaho. I am doing a research about meditation. What interests me, is the type of environment that is appropriate particularly for the practice of zazen. I would like that you give me comments on this subject, or recommendations of specific books which deal with this particular problem. ...
01
Apr
Can we practice zazen too often ? Would it not be escaping from reality ?
Can we practice zazen too often ? Would it not be escaping from reality ?
01
Apr
When I reflect on the number of hours during which I should still practice, I feel overtaken and it looks impossible to me. Does it create a wrong energy ?
I have been meditating some years, but without the Buddhas instructions in mind. Several months ago I realized the potential in this meditation and began to practice as I have read about. (I have never received any formal instruction). I have been so happy with what is taking place I am afraid that I will become complacent with my new happiness ...
01
Apr
The problem of the questions is that the answer comes up only when one has detached from the question.
The problem of the questions is that the answer appears only when one has detached from the question, perfectly "Mushotoku". The answer does not then have interest any more. Koan... Why is that I have a question?
01
Apr
Is there a difference between the outside and the inside ?
Is there a difference between the outside and the inside ?
25
Oct
- You are my successor!
Abrupt mode: instantaneous and progressive mode: which takes time and maturation. Question: Don't you think Master Kosen that as a Soto Master, it is possible for you to say to somebody whom you see for the first time in your dojo, for his first zazen, somebody who would not be perhaps even ordered, it doesn't matter his age or his sex, and to ...
13
Mar
Posture
Hello Master,
In a previous mondo, you recommend alternating the crossing of the legs during the practice of zazen to balance the body. Why not also reverse the mudra? (left leg on right / left hand in right, right leg on left / right hand in left)
Master Dogen seems to insist that only the left leg should sit on the right one, the left hand...