Zen Thoughts and Zen Poetry (Compiled by the Chinese Zen Painting Institute) 92. [Appreciation of Zen Poetry]

“Today, the dust is cleared and light is born, illuminating the mountains and rivers.” (Master Tulung)

From a psychological perspective, to eliminate troubles or break the attachment to appearances, one must start from the causes of these troubles. The method proposed by the No-Trust School employs psychological analysis, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, etc., all of which begin with eliminating the causes of troubles. This type of psychological therapy has its certain effectiveness. Zen, however, is clearly different from psychological treatment or salvation methods; Zen does not concern itself with what the causes are or what the nature of the troubles is. The focus of Zen is on the person. In the process of Zen realization, a person sees themselves clearly and steps out of the attachment to appearances. This is what Master Mazu Daoyi of the Tang Dynasty referred to: “When the horse cart does not move, one must whip the horse, not the cart.”

Zen is about directly penetrating doubts and straightforwardly stepping out of the chaotic dust and labor, liberating oneself from ignorance and troubles. Zen practitioners believe that life is an interaction between oneself and the environment, which includes both the external environment and the internal mental state (emotions, feelings, etc.). Psychology generally addresses life adaptation issues by changing the environment, which seems passive. Zen, on the other hand, is about awakening a person from that troubling environment and stepping out. Therefore, Zen is active and thorough.

The moon illuminates Zen; feel free to add and share the joy brought by the art of progress, stepping into the unknown secret realm of your heart.