Shikantaza as NON-Method NON-Acting

[Tai Do]

Just found this thread.
I found this analgy with method acting very useful. I'll try it in my next sitting: acting like Buddha sitting in zazen, and, as with Buddha, not thinking about it.
Thank you Jundo.
Gassho,
Mateus

Sat today/LAH

[Kotei]

Thank you for pushing this thread up,
I just finished reading Shobogenzo Zuimonki and remembered Book 6 Chapter 7 (https://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/com...nki/06-07.html ), that I feel connected to this.

In China, there is a custom among lay people of gathering at their ancestral shrine and pretending to cry, to demonstrate their filial piety toward their fathers and mothers. Eventually, they actually begin to cry. Students of the Way! Even if you don’t have bodhi-mind in the beginning, if you force yourself to practice the Buddha-Way, eventually you will arouse true bodhi-mind. Especially beginners in the Way should just practice [the Way] following the other members of the sangha. Do not be in a hurry to study and understand the essential points and ancient examples. It is good to understand such things without misinterpretation when you enter the mountains or seclude yourselves in a city. If you practice following the other practitioners, you will surely attain the Way. It is like making a voyage. Even though you don’t know how to steer the ship, if you leave everything to the skill of the sailors, whether you understand or not, you will reach the other shore. Only if you follow a good teacher and practice with fellow practitioners without harboring personal views, will you naturally become a person of the Way.

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[Junkyo]

Exiting stage right, only to re-enter stage left! What a wonderful play!
Thanks for the teaching Jundo!


Gassho,

Junkyo
SAT