Zen can be both refreshing and perplexing when teachings are of the 'not this not that' variety, which often threads it's way through Zen literature and dharma talks. The straight line from A to Z, our certainties about things and how they work, and our proclivity for self centeredness can't seem to find solid ground in the sea of the unlimited openness of universal nature.
What is 'not this not that'? It is the way of total inclusivity, of no separation between self and other. As a baseline for working with your life, it is a compass for examining when we identify with something, when we value some object over another, or when we get hung up on thinking we've 'got it down', whatever 'it' is. I know my conditioned tendency is to label objects, judge people on a variety of traits, and value or de-value some things about myself over others. Although this is a conditioned tendency for everyone I think, it also limits the openness and connection to life.
Zen can help balance the world of 'me' with our Universal Nature, and the complete acceptance of everything that occurs this moment. At a very practical level, when I am hung up mentally or emotionally or physically, I often ask myself 'am I being one-sided about things?', where in my uptightness can I find openness and acceptance? I may not find out, but even by asking I tend to soften, relax, and begin to flow with my activity.
Zen Paradox
