Zen Buddhism and Shuhari: The Journey to Mastery

Stop worrying about the attainment of enlightenment. Just do Zazen diligently. Zazen is the practice of sitting in stillness without a goal or expectations, reflecting the Zen principle that there is 'no attainment with nothing to attain.' As stated by Zen Master Seung Sahn (1927-2004), 'Only go straight don’t know. Then get enlightenment and save all beings.'

The Way of Shuhari: A Guide to Zen Practice

In Japanese martial arts, the concept of Shuhari is often used as a framework for the transmission of teachings. Shuhari has three critical steps:

There is a common misbelief that one can skip the initial stages of Shu and directly jump to Ri. However, the journey to mastery requires dedication and consistency. Meditation is a crucial component, as is the regulation of one's actions and speech. Repeating these practices until they become ingrained habits is essential.

From Shu to Ri: A Step-by-Step Approach

Imagine you are a practitioner of Zen seeking enlightenment. You might be tempted to break with tradition prematurely, but this is often a premature path. To truly understand and adapt the practice, one must first stick with the tradition. This means diligently engaging in daily Zazen sessions, meditating without a goal, and disciplining one's actions and speech.

The next stage, Ha, involves breaking with established traditions. However, this is not a simplistic rejection of everything you have learned. Instead, it is a process of reflection and understanding which parts of the tradition are still relevant and which may need adjustment. By this stage, you will have developed a deep understanding of the practice, and you are poised to innovate and create your own path, while still adhering to the fundamental precepts.

The ultimate stage, Ri, involves transcending both the tradition and your own personal path. At this point, the practice itself becomes your teacher, and you will experience a state of Mushin, or 'no mind.' This is a state where the mind observes, learns, and adapts automatically, without conscious control. Just as a spinning top requires energy to keep it in motion, the practice requires consistent effort to maintain this state.

The Role of Zazen in Shuhari

Zazen, or sitting meditation, is a central part of the Shuhari journey. It is through Zazen that practitioners develop the necessary discipline and mental clarity to progress through the stages of Shuhari. The process of sitting without deliberate actions or intentions, such as when you slip into a meditative state while waiting in line, is crucial. This state of calm awareness is the foundation upon which true understanding and innovation can occur.

Conclusion

The journey to Zen mastery is both a practical and philosophical one. By diligently practicing Zazen and adhering to the principles of Shuhari, practitioners can navigate the path from Shu, through Ha, to Ri. This journey ultimately leads to a state of Mushin, where the mind operates in a natural, effortless state. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, the key is consistent effort and a willingness to embrace both tradition and innovation.