ABSTRACT
You say that you want Zen, and want instructions where to find it. But you have it. As the Egyptian Hierophants said long ago, 'The Light is within thee-let the Light shine !' This is not mere mystical jargon, but profoundly true. There is indeed no search for Zenonly the removing of the obstacles which prevent our normal consciousness being aware of our Enlightenment. In your case the worst obstacle is thought. You say that now you have retired you will have time to 'think things out.' This is an admirable programme, to help you find what you are, what you want, and what you propose to do with your leisure. To get your philosophic bearings, so to speak, to know what you know and believe, and certainly don't believe, all this is excellent, and far preferable to the usual round of golf, library books, gossip and beer. But all this is only the preparation for the approach to Zen, not even the preparation for it, much less a near approach. I agree that it is necessary to get things straight, and to think clearly before beginning the journey beyond thought. But you cannot appreciate too soon that none of this 'planned thinking' brings you even within measurable distance of the practice of Zen. Zen is not a new hobby, an added factor in a life of leisure. It is actual awareness of the Absolute-EverythingAll. Is this what you want? Then you must pay for it!
