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[19] Walking is Zen, sitting is Zen; (from The Shodoka) by Yoka Genkaku (Yongjia Xuanjue) (665 - 713) Timeline English version by Robert Aitken Original Language Chinese Buddhist : Zen / Chan Taoist 7th Century Walking is Zen, sitting is Zen; Speaking or silent, active or quiet, the essence is at peace. Even facing the sword of death, our mind is unmoved; Even drinking poison, our mind is quiet.	Themes   Death   Silence       Recommended Books Buddhism and Zen, by Nyogen Senzaki / Ruth Strout McCandless
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

This verse from the Yoka Genkaku's Zen classic the Shodoka is not telling us about some ideal state of mind we should strive for. This is not a statement of "should" or of possibility. This is simply a statement of fact.

This verse is a description of the state of awareness that already exists, that perpetually exists, beneath the agitated surface of the busy mind.

We are being urged to look for that eternal stillness of awareness, the witness whose "essence is at peace" whether "active or quiet." Even when faced with the great fear, death, the true awareness is unperturbed.

This is the true Self. This is the Divine within. This is Zen.

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2009 by Ivan M. Granger.
All other material is copyrighted by the respective authors, translators and/or publishers.