The text presents two summaries of Zen.
First, Larry says:
"'You know, in Zen there's no bow, no arrow, no archer; there's just the shooting. I believe in letting the world happen.'" (p. 39)
Secondly, Byron says:
"'Or, as they likewise say in Zen, if you have a pile of dirty dishes to wash, you need not wash them twice.'" (ibid.)
When asked whether he is involved with Zen, Byron replies:
"'Not really... But I've read, talked to disciples and even masters... I'm not a committed type, mainly I'm an observer.'" (ibid.)
Reading is only an introduction, like a menu or recipe. "Books on Zen are legs on a snake." Talking to practitioners is better. Commitment is necessary. "If you want to find it quickly, you must start at once..."
Kaor, Paul!
ReplyDeleteI agree, any kind of serious reading can only be a start, a beginning. Anything more has to being with instilling ideas, beliefs, customs, that will persuade people not to simply take what they want by brute force.
Ad astra! Sean