SO TO ZEN - Shasta Abbey

f. What is the Role of Sōtō Zen Practice?1) Since its introduction in Japan the world view of lifewhich S‡t‡ Zen teaches has served as a spiritual cornerstone.This is because serene reflection meditation or silent prayer isthe basic structure for all religious exercise. It makes religioustraining of both mind and body vital and essential, rejecting theillusion which mistakes the side path for the main road.2) The practice of meditation breaks through the impasseof present day cultural weaknesses and provides a powerfulreinforcement for true culture, based on the cultivation of thehuman spirit. Because of its inherent profundity, simplicity andvital freedom, it can enable present day culture to cast aside itsunessential complexity which has resulted in the inability toknow the Unborn.3) In our present life which has become so mechanizedand is filled with anxiety, Zen provides time for quiet contemplationand introspection which can greatly enrich our lives andassume great significance for us.4) In the communal living conditions of monasteries,upper and lower classes are equalized and work is carried on insuch a manner as to make life very democratic. Trainees meditate,eat and sleep in the same room according to the Zen136