The Easiest Path to
Enlightenment

To study the self is to forget the self. This reflection points to the dissolution of the ego as the path to unity with the whole. Ultimately, Zen is an experience of freedom.

It is not something to be understood with the mind, but to be lived. As an old Zen proverb states, Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.

Life does not change, but our perception of it is radically transformed. In Japan, Zen profoundly influenced daily life, transforming common activities into spiritual practices. Chanoyu, or the tea ceremony, is a classic example of this integration.

Each step of the ceremony, from preparation to consuming the tea, is performed with mindfulness and respect, reflecting Zen philosophy’s emphasis on living the present moment with simplicity and harmony. This ritual goes beyond serving tea. It is a meditation in motion, where every gesture expresses the essence of Zen.

Similarly, Zen has influenced arts such as calligraphy and gardening. In calligraphy, each stroke must be executed with full awareness and spontaneity, as there is no room for corrections. Each brushstroke reflects the artist’s inner state at that moment.

In Zen gardens, stones, sand, and plants are arranged to create a landscape that evokes tranquility and introspection, inviting silent contemplation. These practices show how Zen permeates daily life, transforming ordinary tasks into opportunities for profound connection. This is the difference between an ordinary person and a Buddha serving tea.

Time is a continuum without beginning or end. Practicing the way means being completely present in the moment we are in. This very instant is eternity itself, and when we fully surrender to it, there is no separation between time and ourselves.

Everything that exists is here, now. These are the words of Dogen Zenji in his teachings. In another moment, Dogen emphasized, the here and now is not something that comes or goes.

The present is the full manifestation of the way. By living this moment, we are realizing the entirety of time. True practice does not happen elsewhere, but exactly where we are now.

These words highlight that the present is not merely a fleeting point between past and future, but the very essence of reality. In Zen, the concept of here and now goes beyond philosophical musings. It is a living practice.

Zazen, or seated meditation, is one of the most direct ways to experience this full presence. During Zazen, the practitioner does not get lost in thoughts about what has passed or what is yet to come, but remains aware of the breath, the body, and existence itself in the present moment. As a Zen proverb states, the moment you sit, the whole world sits with you.

Mindfulness of the present extends to everyday activities. In Zen, simple tasks such as washing a bowl or sweeping the floor become opportunities to live in the here and now. This reflects the teaching that there is no separation between spiritual practice and ordinary life.

As Master Thich Nhat Hanh said, when washing the dishes, just wash the dishes. The act itself is not as important as the quality of presence brought to it. This focus on the present also frees the practitioner from the suffering caused by fixation on the past or anxiety about the future.

Zen invites us to let go of these attachments and experience the freedom that comes from being fully immersed in the reality of now. The now is all we have, Zen masters teach, and by recognizing this, we find profound peace and clarity. The here and now is therefore the gateway to enlightenment.

There is no need to seek something far away, or wait for the ideal moment. As an ancient koan teaches, when you walk, just walk. When you eat, just eat.

This simplicity encapsulates the depth of Zen. Living each moment fully is the realization of the way itself. Zazen is the central practice of Zen Buddhism, a deep meditation aiming to guide the practitioner to a direct experience of reality, beyond discursive thought and distractions.

The term Zazen comes from Japanese, where Za means sitting, and Zen means meditation. Thus Zazen is simply seated meditation, but its meaning goes far beyond the physical action. It is a state of full mindfulness, absolute presence in the moment, where the practitioner lets go of the constant flow of thoughts, and opens to an experience of simplicity and depth.

Zazen is not just a meditation technique, but a true philosophy of life. It teaches us to transcend the duality between subject and object, dissolving the boundaries between the meditator and the world. The practice of Zazen is a path to liberation and spiritual awakening, as it aims to achieve Satori, the direct insight into the nature of the mind and reality.

As Zen Master Dogen explained, sitting in Zazen is the practice of Buddhism, and the practice of Buddhism is the practice of our life. For Dogen, the simple act of sitting correctly can bring awakening, because true practice is not merely a technique, but a deep dive into the present. While Zazen is simple in form, it is profound and challenging.

Beginners may find it difficult to keep their minds calm and focused, but it’s important to understand that the practice is not about suppressing thoughts, or controlling the mind. Instead, it is about observing those thoughts without clinging to them. If you feel anxious, simply observe the anxiety, and invite it to meditate with you.

Choose a quiet place, a peaceful environment free from distractions. Many practitioners use a small altar with incense and a Buddha image, but this is not essential. Silence and calm are the key elements.

Sit in a comfortable yet alert position. Traditionally, a round cushion called a Zafu is used, but you can also use any firm cushion or a meditation bench. The posture should be stable and upright, with the spine straight, head and neck aligned, as if a string were pulling the crown of your head upward.