I participated in Rinzai’s online zazen-kai with my son, which priest Yokoyama led from Tokoji in Shizuoka, Japan.
His story resonated with us, so I shared it during our zazen-kai at Hakone Gardens.
He told us a famous story.
One day, a young man asked a monk, ” I can’t sleep well as I am worried and anxious. Would you please help to get rid of them? “
Monk replied. ” Sure, let me help you. Can you bring it out and show me “anxiety” and “doubt”?
Young man, “I can’t. How can I show you?”
Monk, ” Right, those things don’t exist. You are creating them in your mind.”
Mind is like a pond. If you stir, water becomes muddy. However, when the water is quiet and still, you can see things clearly.
Zazen helps to keep our mind quiet and still.
Hakone Zendo 