Human Development

Naturalness

Description:
In [shizen] is implied a mode of being, that which is as it is of itself; nature is the power of spontaneous self development and all that arises from that power. In Zen, the individual accepts his own nature, his own body, cooperating with nature in natural balance and harmony. The self-nature, or spirit, is considered as much of the natural world as body and mind; it is wise to be obedient to it and to accept it, which leads to joy. Such naturalness implies using wisdom, judgement and restraint, as these too are natural.