Q. Why do I seem to have more challenges in my life after starting Zen meditation?
A. A few people think that they seem to have more challenges in their life after starting Zen meditation. It makes no sense at all. If you feel that way, it’s because you may have anticipated that Zen meditation would bring you some good luck, or curb bad things from happening in your life. Zen meditation neither brings happiness nor prevents suffering, but gives you power to surmount your suffering by leading you to realise that everything is empty and neutral.
If you hit upon something that you think is unhappiness or suffering, you should take it as an opportunity to check your practice. The time when you have emotional ups and downs is a good time to see what you are when your body is not you. It can be a good stepping stone to take a big jump on in your practice. Trace the suffering to its root, or try to realise what sees your situation as suffering, and your suffering will be gone by itself.
©Boo Ahm
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