Already complete – Mindfulbalance

People often ask, ‘How do I attain enlightenment?’ But these questions themselves are the problem. You are already complete – nothing is lacking. The moment you seek something outside yourself, you move away from the truth. Zen is not about acquiring knowledge or achieving some special state. It is about realizing what has always been here, before thought arises.

When you sit in zazen, just sit. Do not try to become a Buddha – Buddha is already sitting. Do not try to stop thoughts – just let them come and go like clouds in the sky. The more you chase after enlightenment, the farther it runs away. But when you give up all seeking, even the desire for enlightenment, then – without expecting it – you may suddenly see. Let go of everything, even the idea of ‘letting go.’ Then, for the first time, you are truly free.

Yamada Ryōun Roshi, Japanese Rinzai Zen master