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In our Zen Practice …
… to be intelligent is a hindrance, if we are overly analytical, philosophical, lost in words …
… while being simple is a ‘natural zen’, if we are accepting, present, open to life.
Yet to be intelligent is a benefit, for we can study the philosophy of Buddhism, learning from the perspectives of Zen teachers …
… while ignorance often leads to superstition, closed mindedness, greed and fear.
Further, all should learn from the trees, stones, mountains, walls and tiles …
Shika areba sunawachi jôchi kagu o ronzezu, rijin donsha o erabu koto nakare, sen’itsu ni kufû seba, masani kore bendô nari. Shushô onozukara zenna sezu, shukô sarani kore byôjô naru mono nari
Therefore, we do not discuss intelligence as superior and stupidity as inferior. Let us not choose between clever persons and dull ones. If we make effort devotedly, that is just wholehearted pursuit of the truth. Practice-and-experience is naturally untainted. The direction of effort becomes more balanced and constant. [Nishijima]
This being the case, intelligence or lack of it is not an issue; make no distinction between the dull and the sharp-witted. If you concentrate your effort single-mindedly, that in itself is wholeheartedly engaging the way. Practice-realization is naturally undefiled. Going forward is, after all, an everyday affair. [SZTP]
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