Part 7/10:

However, the journey towards experiencing satori involves avoiding the trap of actively seeking enlightenment. In Zen, Buddhahood is not something to attain; it is inherent in all beings. Instead, enlightenment emerges when we dissolve the illusions held by our minds, particularly the false sense of self.

Zen meditation, or zazen, is a method that cultivates a deep focus, leading to a state of ‘one-pointedness.’ Unlike conventional concentration, this state arises naturally without exertion, allowing for a robust experience of the present moment. With enough focus, practitioners often engage with koans—paradoxical questions or statements that challenge rational thinking and lead towards a direct experience beyond conceptual analysis.