29 September 2024: Zen and Silent Sitting
9/29/20241 min read
A learned professor once went to visit a Zen master to ask about Zen. As the master served tea, he poured the professor’s cup full, and then kept pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. "It is overfull! No more will go in!"
"Like this cup," the Zen master said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"
"Like the professor, are you also full of your own opinions?
If the answer is yes, consider sitting down with yourself.
Zen teaches that there is only one remedy: silent sitting.
It is the most important practises in Zen.
Tai Sheridan in his book, Buddha in Blue Jeans writes, "Be kind to yourself. You don't need to be perfect, or strive to be someone you're not. Relax into who you are in this moment. Let go of trying to fix or improve yourself, and instead, appreciate your natural being. Self-compassion is the foundation for true happiness. When you can sit with yourself in peace, without judgment or criticism, your heart opens, and you discover the beauty of your true nature."
Can you try sitting silently today?