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Question about the humility aspect of Zen

Brickjectivity

Turned to Stone. Now I stretch daily.
Staff member
Premium Member
The overview for the Zen Dir here says "...D.T. Suzuki thought the aspects of this way of life were: a life of humility; a life of labor; a life of service; a life of prayer and gratitude; and a life of meditation...."

Does Zen practice teach humility? Does it require humility? Does it encourage humility? Is it independent of humility? What does it mean by a life of prayer and gratitude? Prayer to someone? Prayer to everyone? Is it a different kind of prayer? Why is meditation necessary and what does it have to do with humility and prayer in Zen?

Thanks.
 

Twilight Hue

Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
The overview for the Zen Dir here says "...D.T. Suzuki thought the aspects of this way of life were: a life of humility; a life of labor; a life of service; a life of prayer and gratitude; and a life of meditation...."

Does Zen practice teach humility? Does it require humility? Does it encourage humility? Is it independent of humility? What does it mean by a life of prayer and gratitude? Prayer to someone? Prayer to everyone? Is it a different kind of prayer? Why is meditation necessary and what does it have to do with humility and prayer in Zen?

Thanks.

I think humility is something that occurs naturally. The better we understand nature by which we experience and observe, this in turn essentially removes the tendency to become apprehensive over those things that we cling to, as it comes and goes. Complacency and calmness occurs as a result because an understanding comes about of these things. Humility is a gem for which the dust has been blown off, exposing its brilliance.

The Ox herding pictures are great way of illustrating the chaos and turmoil of the unfettered mind for which through the rigorous process of "taming" there eventually comes a time where things calm down along with one's disposition in taming the ox. No longer struggling and getting thrown about. Everything disappears as in the last panel of the ox herding pictures.

Humility is the cessation of struggle.
 

crossfire

LHP Mercuræn Feminist Heretic ☿
Premium Member
The Taoist sense of humility (one of the three treasures) implies "not daring to take the lead in the empire," or "not presuming to be the forefront of the world." This might be compared to Jesus refusing the offer of "all of the kingdoms in the world" while he was in the wilderness shortly after his awakening.
 
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