meditating on MU

chanratt

when they talk about meditating on MU (n the three pillars of zen etc), do they mean us to repeat the actual word without meaning as a mantra, or grasp what it means intellectually then analyze it?

federica

Yes.





(The latter, I believe.)

Cinorjer

Actually, you have to meditate on the word "No" or "Nothing", as it relates to the question about the koan.

"Does a dog have Buddha Nature?" Keep in mind that in these cultures, dogs were not cute pets. They were guard dogs and food, mostly. Why did the monk answer, No, when everything he was taught said even the trees have Buddha Nature?

seeker242

To grasp the meaning. However, some commentary on this Koan goes like this:

"Attempting to solve MU by rational (intellectual) means is like attempting to break through an iron wall with your fist."

zenff

We can leave Mu as it is and simply concentrate on the word.
Or we can attack it with our intellect, our wit, our heart, our perseverance, our everything.

The bottom line is that when we fight we lose, and whether we fight or not, Mu wins.
We just have to experience this defeat, one way or the other.

We can not pass koans.
And we can only find out the hard way.

Cloud

Let's not give away the secret to the koan or it loses its value. Knowing what you're supposed to do with the koan is enough.

DharmaField

It is best to work on Mu with a good teacher who can resolve such questions. Mu may not be best way to begin Zen training as it may be more powerful to begin with other exercises that develop a foundation for Muuuuu! But if can't wait read the full commentary and sink into it as if there is nothing else that is worthy of your complete attention in all that you do.