Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘I still think that “encountering thoughts in relaxation” is a consistent principle in the Buddha’s approach to dealing with unwholesome thoughts. It is a way to develop an attitude of relaxation, awareness, equanimity, and compassion that is completely different from the fight-or-flight reactions that we tend to bring up. Sitting upright in zazen is, in fact, only possible on the condition of deep relaxation of body and mind. The state of “thinking of not thinking” or “beyond thinking” is a state in which thoughts are flowing freely and naturally as thoughts without resistance or obstruction (a state in which “no chasing, no dispelling” or “letting go of thoughts” is achieved), and it is only under such conditions that it can become a reality.’ (from the Soto Zen Journal)