Being Zen: Bringing Meditation To Life - Plot & Excerpts
As soon as the student sits down, the teacher asks, “What’s the basic human problem?” The student ponders this, then answers, “We’re not awake.” The teacher says, “Yes, but those are just words. You’re just thinking.” And ringing the bell, he sends the student away. Perturbed, the student continues to ponder, “What is the basic human problem?”, determined to figure it out. A week later he returns. The teacher says, “Well, have you figured out what the basic human problem is?” The student replies, “Yes. The basic human problem is that we think too much. We’re identified with our thinking. We believe our thoughts.” The teacher answers, “Again, you’re just thinking. You have to see the basic human problem in yourself.” The student leaves feeling very dejected. Wanting to find the right answer, the student pulls out all his Zen books to read and study. When he returns to see the teacher, he’s almost strutting, he’s so sure he knows the answer to this question.
What do You think about Being Zen: Bringing Meditation To Life?
