The Purpose of Zen

I discuss two passages of DT Suzuki and ask the question: how do we implement Zen into our daily lives? What's the point? Support Daily Zen here: http://patreon.com/dailyzen

Meditation helps us know ourselves. It makes us more comfortable confronting difficult thoughts and feelings without getting carried away. In social situations, this translates into a healthier form of confrontation. We can solve problems and engage in conflicts without getting carried away. Support Daily Zen here: http://patreon.com/dailyzen

In Zen we cultivate the Middle Way, attempting to find balance as life pulls us into various extremes. When we separate our lives into Work and Life, we face challenges and a lot of suffering. We shouldn't spend time doing things we hate. Instead, we should learn our strengths and weaknesses, be honest with ourselves, reflect, and make calculated changes. Doing so allows us to approach our lives holistically and uniquely. Support Daily Zen here: http://patreon.com/dailyzen

Meditation teaches us to appreciate tasks for their own sake, but how do we apply this to our daily lives? How do we make the most of each day focusing on the process instead of the results? Support Daily Zen here: https://www.patreon.com/dailyzen

Our expectations and desires often keep us fearful, delusional and hesitant. When we turn our attention inward through meditation, we can go with the flow of life successfully rather than trying to change it to fit our projections. Support Daily Zen here: http://patreon.com/dailyzen

We spend so much time feeling insecure, judging others and judging ourselves. We neglect ourselves, which leads to egoism, a lack of confidence and poor relationships with others. But when we meditate and get to know ourselves, we uncover a deeper experience and discipline that allows us to appreciate others and walk confidently through the world. I discuss this and more on today's podcast. Support Daily Zen here: https://www.patreon.com/dailyzen

Gratitude is the single most important tool for achieving peace and happiness in this short life we live. I explore why on today's podcast. Support Daily Zen here: patreon.com/dailyzen

What can we learn from old Zen stories? What purpose do spiritual texts serve in general? When we start to ask ourselves these questions and others, we uncover a new dimension of life that can bring a wonderful sense of play and meaning into our days. I explore this on today's episode. Support Daily Zen here: www.patreon.com/dailyzen

What does it mean to live in a world where nothing is permanent, where everything (including yourself) is in an unrelenting state of flux? I discuss impermanence on this week's episode, featuring text excerpts from Dogen and Alan Watts. If you like Daily Zen, become a premium subscriber for access to exclusive weekly episodes and essays here: http://patreon.com/dailyzen

Support Daily Zen here: http://patreon.com/dailyzen