Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘My initial introduction, as an American Zen student, to understanding the nature of dharmas and self was through studying the Heart Sutra, which we recited almost daily. In this sutra we read, “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form, form itself is emptiness and emptiness itself is form.” Because the Heart Sutra is difficult  to understand, we begin by intellectually decoding these teachings. As we integrate intellectual with intuitive understanding into our practice, we begin to observe the veracity of the teaching and to respond to our life through that lens. Intuitive understanding reflects the experiences we have had outside the intellect, yet under- standing may also be dependent upon intellectual study to clarify what we intuit. We can think of intellect, observation, practice, and intuition as all functioning simultaneously within the context of what is needed. So, we should not think that intellectual study is bad and intuitive response is always good, or vice versa. All four aspects function together: intellectual, observational, practice, and  intuition. This inquiry is done through the self’s perception, under- standing, and practice. 

As we study the teachings of Buddhism, we find out about the self’s true nature and place in the world of dharmas. We come to see that we are impermanent and inter-being with all of reality. We are one with reality as part of a great process of becoming, and we are at the same time a particular being or dharma. Through this investigation we realize the meaning of studying the self. We may not believe it at first, but we go forward with faith in these teachings.’ (from Lion’s Roar)