The Seven Winds

I think that it is important to recognize that Zen is not a path to enlightenment, but a path of enlightenment.

To practice Zen is to practice the way, and that way includes realizing enlightenment. It is not some prize that you get only after decades of struggle. Realizing enlightenment occurs just as we are, whenever there is the practice of Zen.

I understand that it is easy to think that more is better. But this is not the way of Zen. It is better to know your true self, just as you are, than to search for some ideal that seems to be appealing, but after all, is not what you really are at one with.