'What is the best way to quieten the mind during zazen? Thoughts just drive you crazy at times. Please advise.'
'In daily life we live a life based on thoughts. That is why we constantly think in the midst of our busy life. And then when
we sit, it is as if we concentrate on creating even more thoughts. To
cut those, isn´t that zazen ? If you pay attention to them, they are
overwhelming and there is no end to them. Yet sitting and seeing how
overwhelming they can be at times, if you decide it gets too much and
give up, that is the end to this. So concentrate on your breathing, feel
your actual breathing. To not pay attention to the thoughts is correct
zazen. You cannot sit half thinking half breathing. You need to put your
life on the line, or else you are wasting your time. From the top of
your head to the ground under your feet, you need to throw all of it
into your concentration. Like Shido Muman Zenji said: "While being alive
to die and to die completely and then everything you do is good."
Please keep repeating this to yourself and I pray for your continued
efforts.'
More inspiring questions & answers from Harada Roshi here: http://onedropzen.org/teachings/questions_and_answers
