Zenchi Uno, who is active in conveying the philosophy of Zen, which is attracting attention from all over the world, in easy-to-understand words, has been involved in many activities related to mental health and delivers messages that lighten the hearts of people who are struggling with life.
What kind of advice can a monk from a 2,500-year-old history of Buddhism and Zen offer for the various problems people are experiencing today?
“I don’t find joy in anything I do.”
When I see people in real life or on social media striving towards their dreams and goals or immersing themselves in what they love, I feel envious. I can’t seem to find anything enjoyable or something I can get passionate about. My days pass by uneventfully, but is it okay to continue like this?
Start by doing things that make people say “thank you.”
I want to enjoy my days and find something I love and can be passionate about. This feeling seems to reflect the belief that if you can find something enjoyable and engaging, you will be happy. In the world of Zen, the way to achieve happiness is clear. Many people misunderstand it as ‘attaining enlightenment through personal practice.’ However, it’s actually about contributing to someone’s life and having them say, ‘I’m glad I met you.
A person who puts aside their own concerns to help others in need is called a “Bodhisattva” in Buddhism. That is why Kannon Bosatsu and Jizo Bosatsu are objects of worship. Like Shakyamuni Buddha, they are senior figures we admire. Since they are not real people, they are the objects of our admiration.
If you don’t find anything enjoyable, why not follow the example of the Bodhisattva and do something that will make someone say “thank you”? For instance, you could treat it like a game and ask yourself, “How can I get three people to say ‘thank you’ to me today?” Being thanked by others will certainly give you strength and is much better than spending money on odd hobbies. If you repeatedly experience your existence being affirmed through interactions with others, you will surely notice a change in your heart.
Even just wishing for someone’s happiness in your heart is considered a “good deed.”
The feeling that nothing you do is enjoyable might be the flip side of wanting to get something enjoyable from someone else. But it’s better to think about how you can contribute to others. People who support someone else’s success or help those in need often feel more happiness and fulfillment than those who succeed on their own. Above all, they are wonderful as individuals.
Let’s start with what you can do. Say things like, “Are you okay?” or “Can I help you with something?” to the people around you. Becoming a Bodhisattva happens through daily life. It is through our actions that we embody the spirit of a Bodhisattva.
Some may say, “I’m not good at anything,” “I’m too frail to help others,” or “I’m too busy to take action.” For such people, it’s okay to simply think in your mind, “I hope that person’s work goes well,” or “I wish that person good health.” In Buddhism, our actions are called “Shinkui (body, speech, and mind).” “Body” refers to our actions, “speech” to our words, and “mind” to our thoughts. Not only physical actions, but also the words we speak and the thoughts we have are considered actions as well.
Think to yourself, “I hope my colleague’s presentation goes well.” When it’s over, you’ll naturally be able to ask, “How did it go today?” This makes your colleague happy, knowing you cared. It also makes it easier to say things like, “If you need anything, let me know,” or “I’ll help if I can.” In Buddhism, this is also an important part of “practice.” Some people might imagine practice as retreating to a mountain far from daily life, but practice that is disconnected from everyday life and society has little meaning.
Buddhism is a treasure trove of wisdom for navigating modern life.
Many people might see Buddhism as a teaching from textbooks, with little relevance to modern life. However, we believe that Buddhism is a robust and universal teaching that has been tested and proven through thousands of years of change and challenges.
One of the key concepts in Buddhism is “impermanence” (the idea that everything in this world is constantly changing and nothing is eternal or unchanging). Another concept is “four pains and eight sufferings” (the difficulties in life that cannot be avoided no matter how hard we try), which I have discussed in this series. Despite the 2,500 years since Buddhism’s inception, no one has achieved immortality. Even with advances in medical treatment, diseases have not been completely overcome, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic is still fresh in our minds.
Buddhist faith is sometimes described as “awaken” rather than “believe.” It is not about simply believing, but about realizing and awakening. Instead of blindly believing in the Buddha or some other great figure, each of us should explore how to gain awareness in our own time and consider how to become a Buddha or a Bodhisattva. The question is, “How will you become a wonderful person in this era?” We are entrusted by the Buddha with the responsibility for this era.
I am far from reaching the level of Shakyamuni Buddha in my speaking or writing. However, through zazen and breathing, I feel that the Buddha was a human being like me, living with the same absolute equality and facing the same “four pains and eight sufferings.” Recognizing this, I am motivated to do whatever I can, even if it is just a little.
If you ever feel that life is difficult, try exploring the wisdom of Buddhism. You’ll likely find something written that offers useful hints and guidance.
Have a try !
For information on Zazen, please refer to the Soto Zen website.
（https://www.sotozen-net.or.jp/sotozazen）
