The Speculative Nature of Zen
There is a narrow agreement between Zen and Nichiren Budhism on the nature of mind, referred to by the word “Myo”. The character for “Myo” conveys the meaning of “beyond description: that which is mystic and wonderful”. Zen literature is focused on the mind itself (Myo), while Nichiren Buddhism is focused on (Myoho) - the inseparability of mind (Myo) and its physical manifestation (Ho) in the reality of life.
Excessive focus on the mental aspect of phenomena - is found in Zen expressions such as : “True Mind is No-Mind”, “MInd is Buddha - Buddha is Mind”. This perspective is based on duality and separation of the mental aspect of the mind and the physical aspect of behaviour and action in reality, and leads to abstract mental speculations, as the following example of Zen thinking shows:
Confession of a Zen Master
The following example of Zen mind is presented by D T Suzuki in his book Introduction to Zen Buddhism, page 57 :
Doko (Tao-kwang), a Buddhist philosopher, came to a Zen master and asked: “With what frame of mind should one discipline oneself in the truth?” Said the Zen master: “There is no mind to be framed, nor is there any truth in which to be disciplined”. “ If there is no mind to be framed and no truth to be disciplined, why do you have a daily gathering of monks who are studying Zen and disciplining themselves in the truth?” The master replied:” I have not an inch of space to spare, and where could I have a gathering of monks? I have no tongue, and how would it be possible for me to advise others to come to me?” The philosopher then exclaimed: “How can you tell me a lie like that to my face?...I cannot follow your reasoning!’ “Neither do I understand myself”, concluded the Zen master.
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