Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘People often ask me if zazen can ever be of any practical use in these complex and turbulent times. By way of answering, let us consider the concept of aligning. The word align signifies the idea of situating everything in its proper position relative to everything else. First we align our body, then we align our breathing, then we align our mind. And once these things are accomplished, we find that we cannot be satisfied with aligning only our individual minds, but that we must finally align ourselves with the Mind of the larger Self that pervades all existence.’ (The Path to Bodhidharma)

I was trying to find something to respond to a student’s question, and digging through my notes always throws up interesting quotes. This was from notes for a talk given in England a few years ago, though I am sure I have posted it on here as well.