VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 SPRING 2015

they wish to get rid of reveal to them in their full power, in their real form. But most of the people obviously do not want to confront their dark sides. How to deal with it? K: In Zen it is good to meet and practice together with others, on so-called sesshins [Ed. note: longer, usually several-day meditation sessions]. On these meetings, which generally last three days, we don′t speak about ourselves, we do not talk about our problems. We concentrate only on Zazen, work, meals, on the way we sleep, and on how we relax. We do not think about other things. So, slowly we get to the presence. But, on the other hand, it is important that people live through their problems and their suffering. Each existence is unique. Every person has to walk his or her way till the end. One cannot fear suffering, nor illnesses, or complications in life. We need to live them through without fear and unnecessary concerns. Zen is not a recipe on how to put an end to suffering, nor is it a recipe on how to live a better life. Because there is no better life that the one we are living “now”. But we always want something else. We always try to search for other realities, and then we cannot find them. This results in our suffering, hardship. However, it is not necessary to come up with some new reality. You say that sesshin is a several-day practice. After that, one returns to an ordinary life and is buried in advertisements, stress, and is exposed to various pressures. He or she finds themself in a world of marketing based on the fact that everybody wants to get money from him or her. Does the performed practice not get lost in the everyday reality? K: The fruit is eternal, because you are eternal already. You are already enlightened [Ed. note: ridden of clinging to anything]. The entire universe is actually enlightment. You yourself are that enlightment. If we are truly present also in such complications, somewhere deep inside we are motionless. I know it is not easy. Mind cannot understand this. Where is then the motivation in people to sit in Zazen? For the most part, we are not able to do things for the things themselves, without reaching goals. This is perhaps an ability of some artists, but how can be motivated to Zazen, for example, a finance person, who needs to give and get back? For such people Zazen has probably no sense. K: One must have a goal in their life. We have to try to achieve something in life, but when we accompany it with Zazen, we are more concentrated, more attentive. Also emotions are calmed at practising Zazen. We do not experience anger, jealousy, or similar feelings. Everything is more real. But we mustn’t lie or steal at doing it. How do you evaluate situation with Zen in Japan? A traditional country turned into a modern one in the second half of the last century. The young generation of Japanese is already detached from the tradition, which has always been represented by Zen as well. K: I have recently been to Japan. That tradition of Zen is deeply rooted there, even if people do not practice Zazen. But it shows in Q Q Q A A A A Spirituality Studies 1 (1) Spring 2015 93 (3)

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