▶️ If you would like to learn about Zen mediation then I have also created the Zazen Compilation ALBUM (The Complete Zen Collection to understanding Zen, Zazen and Kinhin, including guided meditations), follow the link.

What does No Attachment to Dust mean? What is the purpose of a Zen koan?

Welcome to the Ancient Wisdom / Modern Mind blog and today I would like to share the Zen kōan “No Attachment to Dust”.

If you are unfamiliar with the term kōan, then in short kōan means riddle or puzzle that Zen Buddhists masters would use to help students unravel greater truths about the world and about themselves, and these riddles, puzzles or stories have be traced back to a collections of sayings amassed by Chinese priests in the 12th and 13th centuries

This short kōan is designed to illustrate the virtues of a humble life, which is at the heart of Zen, and the student that seeks enlightenment. Contemplate and absorb these words and you with need not greater guide on your journey.

Zen nature is act mindfully, detached from the emotional impulse of the ego while becoming aware or mindful of our intent. Zen is about letting go in the acceptance of humility. There is nothing to prove, there is only the Way.

This Zen statement is understood if we understand that Zen is purely subjective and variable, but also it is like a hammer that is used to break up conventional thinking., Zen instructs us to have courage, and says again and again, “All that can be shaken shall be shaken!” and if nothing remains, so be it.

 No Attachment to Dust

Zengetsu, a Chinese master of the T'ang dynasty, wrote the following advice for his pupils:

While living in the world do not form attachments to the dust of the world, this is the way of a true Zen student.

When witnessing the good action of another encourage yourself to follow his example. Hearing of the mistaken action of another, advise yourself not to emulate it.

Even though alone in a dark room, be as if you were facing a noble guest. Express your feelings, but become no more expressive than your true nature.

Poverty is your treasure. Never exchange it for an easy life.

A person may appear a fool and yet not be one. He may only be guarding his wisdom carefully.

Virtues are the fruit of self-discipline and do not drop from heaven of themselves as does rain or snow.

Modesty is the foundation of all virtues. Let your neighbors discover you before you make yourself known to them.

A noble heart never forces itself forward. Its words are as rare gems, seldom displayed and of great value.

To a sincere student, every day is a fortunate day. Time passes but he never lags behind. Neither glory nor shame can move him.

Censure yourself, never another. Do not discuss right and wrong.

Some things, though right, were considered wrong for generations. Since the value of righteousness may be recognized after centuries, there is no need to crave an immediate appreciation.

Live with cause and leave results to the great law of the universe. Pass each day in peaceful contemplation.

Of course there is more to Zen than this, but these few ideas should suffice as background for the understanding of your spiritual journey.

So there you have it, “No Attachment to Dust”. I’ve enjoyed sharing this Kōan with you, and I encourage you to explore and learn about yourself and to continue your journey, and If you have the time when let me know in the comments about your understanding of the spiritual path or how your journey has changed your life, an podcast version is also available follow the link below......

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▶️ If you would like to learn about Zen mediation then I have also created the Zazen Compilation ALBUM (The Complete Zen Collection to understanding Zen, Zazen and Kinhin, including guided meditations), follow the link.

Related posts:

Human agreement | The Enlightenment Trap | The Rational Side of Awareness | Understanding the Over-Evolved Ego | The Impeccability of Stalking Awareness | Atman Awareness is the Real Essence of Existence | What is Enlightenment and how it can be Achieved | The (real) Overlooked Reason the Hermit becomes Enlightened

References

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