The perception of Zen Buddhism as a path of emotional detachment and indifference is a common misunderstanding. This article explores this misconception, highlighting the true nature of Zen through a personal anecdote involving a prominent Japanese businessman and a revered Zen master. This narrative challenges the idea of “Zen indifference” and reveals a more nuanced understanding of this spiritual practice.
Contents
Beyond the Stony-Faced Monk: The Vibrancy of Zen
The popular image of Zen often conjures up pictures of monks with impassive expressions, sitting motionless in meditation. This imagery, while evocative, can perpetuate the misconception that Zen is about suppressing emotions and cultivating indifference to the world. However, this is far from the truth. Zen, like all forms of Buddhism, emphasizes compassion, connection, and engagement with life in all its richness. The Dalai Lama’s joyful demeanor serves as a powerful counterpoint to this stereotype. But a more personal story further illuminates this point.
A Golfing “Genius” and a Zen Master’s Fury
In 1972, I worked for Yamada Mitsunari, the president of Nippon Shinpan, Japan’s largest credit company. Mr. Yamada, a man with a quirky personality and an unconventional approach to learning English, took me under his wing. He even attempted to teach me golf on the rooftop of his apartment building. My unexpected aptitude for the sport (thanks to childhood experience with crazy golf and cricket) earned me the fleeting title of golfing “genius” and the promise of a new set of clubs, a promise that ultimately went unfulfilled.
Mr. Yamada had a peculiar habit of staring intently at one’s eyebrows during conversation, a tactic he claimed was designed to disconcert. One day, during one such eyebrow-focused discussion, he shared a story about Kajiura Itsugai Roshi, the Chief Abbot of the Myoshinji line of Zen monasteries, a highly respected figure in the Zen world. Kajiura Roshi was known for his rigorous practice, including an arduous 18-hour meditation on a cliff edge, a practice where loss of focus could mean death.
Mr. Yamada, as chairman of the council supporting the Myoshinji line, knew Kajiura Roshi personally. He confessed to the Roshi his concern that Zen monks seemed devoid of feeling, echoing the very misconception we are addressing here.
Mr. Yamada’s description of the Roshi’s reaction is telling: “Kajiura Roshi positively exploded,” he said, staring deeply into my eyebrows. “I’ve never seen anyone so angry! I was really shocked!” This outburst from a renowned Zen master, a man known for his composure and spiritual depth, shatters the image of the emotionless Zen practitioner.
The True Heart of Zen: Embracing Life’s Full Spectrum
This anecdote reveals the heart of Zen, a tradition that is not about indifference, but about fully experiencing the world, including the full spectrum of human emotions. The Roshi’s anger was not a contradiction of his Zen practice, but a demonstration of its depth. It showcased a passionate engagement with life, a far cry from the apathy often mistakenly attributed to Zen.
Zen is about being present, about experiencing the world with clarity and compassion. This includes joy, sorrow, anger, and everything in between. It’s about appreciating the flight of a bird, the beauty of a flower, and the complexity of human relationships. It’s about living fully, not indifferently.
Conclusion: A Call to Deeper Understanding
The idea of “Zen indifference” is a simplification, a misinterpretation of a rich and complex spiritual tradition. Zen is not about suppressing emotions, but about engaging with them mindfully. It’s about being present in each moment, experiencing the world with all its joys and sorrows, triumphs and challenges. The story of Kajiura Roshi’s passionate outburst serves as a powerful reminder of this truth. Let us move beyond the stereotypes and embrace a deeper understanding of the vibrancy and depth of Zen Buddhism.