Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site mgweed.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!floyd!whuxlb!pyuxll!eisx!npoiv!npois!hogpc!houxm!hocda!spanky!burl!we13!mgweed!wfs From: wfs@mgweed.UUCP Newsgroups: net.sport Subject: Zen and Intuitive Response(part 6) Message-ID: <2115@mgweed.UUCP> Date: Wed, 13-Jul-83 16:04:33 EDT Article-I.D.: mgweed.2115 Posted: Wed Jul 13 16:04:33 1983 Date-Received: Thu, 14-Jul-83 21:37:04 EDT Organization: Western Electric - Montgomery Illinois Lines: 66 Zen and intuitive Response(part 6) Any attempt to rationalize response to the koan lesds the student into intellectual turmoil since all logically reasoned answers are constantly dismissed as inadequate. Pushed to a state of bankruptcy and logical impasse, the only course left to the student was abandonement of the intellectual process. In so doing the student opened his consciousness to inherent knowledge, a conscious unity of thought and action where questioner and question merge as one-and the answer to the koan shines bright and clear. The purpose of the koan exercise is to inculate what Zen mystics refered to as "no mind" (wu-hsin). In wu-hsin consciousness suspends intellectual inquiry and rational deduction and is returned to a child-like state in all its suppleness, and receptiveness; always fresh, alert, intuitively aware and active in the present. The principle of "doing without doing" (wu wei) or swimming with the current is an outgrowth of the passiveness and reflexiveness of wu-hsin. "Wu wei is the supreme action, the precious suppleness, simplicity and freedom that flows from us, or rather through us, when our private egos and conscious efforts yields to a power not their own". The art of judo, the gentle way", is based on the principle of wu wei. Yielding to an opposing force rather than meeting it with equal energy, judo "brings one's opponent to the ground by unexpectedly giving way with effortless resilience to his passionately delivered attack, thus turning his own strength against him." When consciousness is in the supple, receptive child-like mode of wu-hsin, it intuitively senses the flow of an opposing force. Rather than confront it directly, it can redirect or rechannel the energy with little expenditure of its own. That is why "sittingmeditation" (zazen) is done at the begining and end of each dojo session. A good instructor understands the importance of wu-hsin consciousnessm in the transmission of the Arts and therefore promotesit through meditation. One usually sits in a seiza(legs and feet tucked underneath) or lotus (leds crossed, feet tucked in) position. With eyes closed, spine straight, and hands resting comfortably in front, the student begins diaphragmic breathing- deep inner cleansing breaths designated to clear and open the lungs, speed oxygen to the brain, and generally open the Ki meridians of the body...........................(to be cont'd. in the next & final part )