841Uif

194 I ENLIGHTENMENT EXPERIENCESFor some reason, many people imagine it is more difficult forwomen to come to Self-realization than for men. On the contrary,women usually attain kensho quicker, because their mindsare less prone to play with ideas than are men's. But both menand women, if they expunge every thought from their mindsand become selfless, can equally attain enlightenment duringone week of sesshin. Many have done so in the past and a fewdetermined ones will do it during this sesshin.Lastly, bear in mind that sesshin is a cooperative endeavor inwhich there is mutual support and stimulation only if all participatejointly in sesshin activities and do not follow their owninclinations. To indulge your own desires at the expense of thiscommon effort is an expression of ego and hence inimical to ourpurpose, both individual and collective.The roshi then concludes by exhorting all to do their utmost.Tea and cakes are now served, first to the roshi, next to the headmonks, and then to those assembled. The roshi sips his tea first and isfollowed by the others. Again he is the first to eat his cake, afterwhich everyone joins him.This ritual is not without significance. It symbolizes the joining ofall hearts and minds in this common undertaking. At the same timeit is an expression of the students' confidence in their teacher, by whomthey agree to be led, and of their faith in the Dharma which he expounds.This ceremony over, the roshi and his aides depart, and oncemore all bow to them as before.The nine-o'clock bell tolls and everyone retires to bed. In six hoursthe great venture begins . . . .Clang, clang ! . . . 3 a.m . . . . sesshin's begun ! . . .Slightly dazed newcomers rub sleepy eyes, fumble with quilts . . .seasoned hands alertly fold and store bedding, go to the toilet, brushteeth, dash cold water on their faces, dress, mount the tan (zazenplatform) in a quick movement, adjust their sitting cushion, beginzazen . . . no time, no effort wasted . . . lethargic beginnersclumsily climb onto the tan and their pillow . . . adjusting, wriggling,readjusting. . . .Minutes later the roshi silently enters . . . walking in the rear he