Shikantaza as NON-Method NON-Acting

[Jika]

Thank you, Jundo.

Deep bows,
Jika
s.t.

[Seishin]

Thank you.

[Amelia]

Without attempting to look too deeply, I think I know exactly what you mean, Jundo.

I often experience a kind of phenomenon, after watching certain documentaries or listening to talks (it could be anything really, not just Zen things), during which I kind of feel like I AM the person I was watching or listening to. I am suddenly able to drop all thoughts of "becoming" because I already "am", if that makes any sense. So Jundo is not describing that we try and drum up these visualizations of what we are trying to be, but to rather just become it, in an instant.

I think...

My point is, let's not look at this with too critical of an eye. It's not some grand hypocrisy. I believe he is simply saying to "fake it until you make it", as he has iterated a few times before. Studies have shown that simply believing you can do or be something, and having confidence, can greatly influence the "non-results."

Gassho, sat today, lah

[Hoko]

Thank you, Jundo!

Gassho,
Hoko
SatToday/LAH

[Kotei]

Hello,

I feel the power of reading thought provoking impulses, like "acting" or "fake it"‚ as description for something, I am usually exaggerating. :-)
Personally, after that initial "provocation", I put my mind with the following thoughts to rest…

We act in accordance with our self image.
Our actions are replicas of an already existing mental picture.
When it comes to learning really new things about ourselves, this might be in our way, because we ourselves are the originator of that image. Based on our perceptions and concepts.
We start building this self-image from day 1 of our existence. It’s well established and rules our thoughts and actions.
It’s so easy, taking this self-image for ourself.
It is not. It is also not a fixed thing. It is made by ourself with the tools, we still have in hands.

Method acting, or "fake it until you make it" is an outside reference.
A model, that is not generated inside ourselves, not based on our self image.
One ape learning from another ape by imitation.
Practicing this new model, being mindful, feeling what it does,
might teach our internal ruler (self-images mistaken for self), like a student teaches the teacher or the artist teaching the muse.
Slow, but steady.

When I think about it again... please take this post also as part of my answer on 'What is Zen' in the bookclub ;-).

Thank you.
Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[Marita Renee Rain]

Jundo, thank you for helping us see the path we are on.

sat today

[Washin]

Thank you for the teaching, Jundo.


Gassho
Washin
justsat

[Alfaiate]

I get what you mean Jundo, sit with the feeling "in the bones" that you´re already complete. But never tried it. Might give it a shot.


I just sit, alert, and watch/feel what´s happening.
If i get sucked into thoughts, a few secs later, effortlessly, i get back to watching.
(my brain seems to automatically shut down thoughts, after a few secs)

[Kaisho]

One convinces oneself through faith and method acting that "Zazen is complete, the one place to be and act needed in the universe."

This really resounded with me because particularly busy days challenged me. To feel that being on the cushion is the only place I can be at that moment just dredges up "mind waves" as Suzuki Roshi puts it.

In short, thanks for this Sensei.

Chelsea,
sat today.

[sjlabat]

Don't just do something - sit there. That, I find is a surprisingly hard thing to do. Many spiritualities, religions, whatever-you-want-to-call-its around the world seem to witness to that. It can especially be a challenge when you do not see 'results.' at least not right away.
gassho,
Sean
sat,lah

[Joyo]

Don't just do something - sit there. That, I find is a surprisingly hard thing to do. Many spiritualities, religions, whatever-you-want-to-call-its around the world seem to witness to that.
gassho,
Sean
sat,lah

Yes, this is so true. One of the reasons I was attracted to Zen and shikantaza in the first place.

Thank you for this teaching, Jundo. It's a good reminder, even for those of us who have been practicing for a few years.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today/lah

[Onkai]

Thank you, Jundo, and to everyone who added to this thread.

Gassho,
Onkai
Sat/LAH

[moyomoy]

Thank you Jundo,

Beautiful explanation,

Ready to sit.

Gassho


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kevin M]

Thank you for this teaching Jundo,
As a beginner this instruction is extremely clear and useful.

Gassho,
Kevin
#s@2day

[Gero]

NON-Method NON-Acting: this really speaks to me.
To me it is just more approachable, when I turn it inside out:
When sitting, it stops the acting.

Our usual perception of "self", the feeling of a subject being separated from objects ... what if this is just a role we play? And when sitting down, it is a chance to maybe glimpse the true nature of reality, or perhaps at least give the method actor a break, so he/she does not get even more sucked in by the assumption that the role might be the ultimate reality.

But while "I" speculate about if this idea of "mine" might help, it is just getting thoughts and conceptions in the way of experiencing reality.

Perhaps this is a time for me(?) rather to sit than to write. I'll shut up and get on the zafu.

Gassho

Gero (who sat only briefly today)