Taking the path of Zen is an encounter with the immediate world: the world as it is right now. Prajna means wisdom, specifically transcendent wisdom. However, this notion itself can create quite a few delusions if we idealize it, think it is separate from our ordinary life, or attempt to achieve it as a goal. This can make Zen perplexing at times. What is it, this transcendent immediacy.
The wonderful words of Hui-Neng ring clear: " If you open to understanding of the teaching of immediacy,you do not cultivate practice grasping externals; you simply activate accurate perception at all times in your own mind, so afflictions and passions can never influence you. This is perception of essential nature". He is asking us to awakening our wide mind that includes everything and that is always manifesting in the present moment.
But this business of passions and afflictions? It seems perfectionistic and unrealistic to think we will never be influenced by them, and this is why we sit and practice endlessly. We are human, and a path of Zen refinement helps us examine our knee jerk reactions to life, the passions and habits and addictions that drive us, and hopefully helps us discover the calm and essential nature that can be a bedrock of spirituality, a refuge form the ups and downs, and a joyful experience of repose as we celebrate the immediate moments of intimacy that themselves are the blossoms of our essential nature.
Just Now
