Deming Zen Group

[What is true independence?  Zen Master Seung Sahn presented Zen as a synthesis of the Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist paths.  This excerpt from one of his talks is a clear example.]

In our world there are two styles of religion: depend-on-something religions, and become-independent religions. Western style religion has the idea of a God or something outside of us and tells us to believe in it 100%. We then follow something outside of ourselves. This is"opposites" religion. Absolute religion means to completely become independent.

Completely becoming independent is called a "religion" in the west but religion is a western word. The Asian word is "path." Originally Asia had nothing like a western religion, only path, "do." Path means the correct way, which means not dependant on anything. If you see clearly, hear clearly, smell clearly and feel clearly, then everything is clear. At this point outside and inside become one. The true way is to always become one. Then nothing in the universe is a problem. So, not dependant on anything means to completely become independent, which means complete. Complete is the absolute. That is a very important point. Other kinds of religion are dependant on something. But completely becoming one is the absolute. Believing in something is western-style religion.

Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism are Asian religions which all share this notion of independence, although they point in different directions. Confucianism is based on keeping a correct relationship within everyday life. Everyday life then becomes complete. A human being's job is first and foremost correct relationship: correct relationship with your country, your family and your friends.

For Daoism, the outside job isn't that important. You must make your mind completely open with no hindrance, not holding anything inside your mind. If you are completely open, then the whole universe and you become one. When this happens then a long life is possible -- you never die.

Zen Buddhism means attaining substance, truth and correct function moment to moment: how can I help all beings? That's very important! Confucianism and Daoism don't emphasize helping all beings. Zen means becoming completely independent. What is your job? What is your job with respect to your country, family and friends? When you become one with this then you attain "my job." It's not something from the past as in Confucianism; it's only your everyday life. Moment to moment, become complete. That's correct relationship.