A Method of No Method
Calligraphy by Kaz Tanahashi, original in the Clouds lobby
By Jūken Zach Fehst, via Friday Night Zen
Zen is often called a "method of no method." This means that freedom is not an end that can be realized through means. It is not brought about by the diligent application of special mental techniques, chants, prayers, or physical forms and postures. In Zen, freedom is not understood as a product of anything, certainly not of one's own efforts. You "just sit" and experience the fullness of your own true nature, sitting. And yet, spend any time at a Zen center, and here's what you'll find: diligent application of special mental techniques, chants, prayers, and physical forms and postures!
How do we understand this paradox?
Questions to ponder
1. What is the place of technique or method in the practice of your inner (spiritual) life? What do you find helpful, and what might no longer serve you?
2. Is it easy or hard for you to accept various types of support along your path?
After first encountering the Dharma and beginning to meditate while living in South Korea in 2006, Jūken Zach Fehst (he/him) entered the path of formal practice in 2014 as a member of Brooklyn Zen Center, and received jukai at Clouds in Water in 2022. He has worked as an actor and writer, and is now a public high school teacher and musical hobbyist. He has an abiding interest in all forms of spirituality and religion, and holds a Master in Theological Studies from Boston University. He is currently in training to become a priest at Clouds.