Bill,
I think that's nicely said. Your reply should lead no one astray.
I'll mention that I'm reminded by your post of the wording in THE
DIAMOND SUTRA, too:
"Abiding nowhere, let the Mind work".
Ch'an or Zen is by no means just an empty state, although of course we have the
experience of emptiness, after an awakening; but it is
a state in which "everything goes". There may later sometime be
thoughts, but they don't stick to us, nor do we with them. We "abide" nowhere,
and yet the mind "works". Things come to, and
through, and from us, just as conditions arise. No decisions, no
problems, all is available, and everything is cooperating, even if
we know nothing of the mechanics of all this (and we don't).
"Abiding nowhere, let the mind work", is a description, not advice, however.
It's like the Precepts being the "behavior of a Buddha".
And Compassion and/or Wisdom being the mind of an awakened being.
It can serve as a touchstone with which to test our awakening, in
case we find ourselves without a teacher at some time(s).
Thanks for posting!
--Joe
> "Bill!" <BillSmart@...> wrote:
> That to me is shikantaza.
>
> Zen practice then is to perfect your ability to appreciate and integrate both
> direct experience and intellectual activity (illusion) - without falling into
> the trap of becoming attached to the illusions.
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