Shared by Kaz
You know that moment when someone says something that doesn’t quite make sense at first, but later it hits you like a lightbulb? That’s exactly what happened to me about fifteen years ago when I started practicing zazen meditation.
My teacher, Rev. Ito, once told me: “Kaz, steal from others on how to meditate. Don’t just learn it from books.”
At the time, I remember thinking, “Wait, what? Aren’t books supposed to be the best teachers?”
But as I kept practicing, it finally clicked. Rev. Ito wasn’t telling me to abandon books altogether—he was saying, “Get out there and experience it for yourself!” It’s like the difference between reading about how to ride a bike and actually hopping on one. Sure, you can study balance and techniques all day long, but nothing beats that first wobbly attempt at pedaling.
That simple idea completely changed how I approach life.
Take travel, for example. I don’t just check off tourist spots from a list anymore. I dive into local experiences—the culture, the food, the people—even when I feel pressed for time. This “just try it” mindset has led to some pretty incredible moments.
When I travel abroad for business, I always make time for local experiences. In Japan, I’ll catch a 5 AM train to meditate at a Rinzai master temple before work. In Southeast Asia, I hire local drivers to take me to hidden gems—family-run restaurants you’d never find in a guidebook—and share meals with them before heading to the airport. These little choices have made my trips unforgettable.
I’m passing this mindset on to my kids too. Whenever they’re hesitant about trying a new sport or joining a club, I tell them, “Just give it a shot!” Because honestly, how else will they know if they’ll love it or hate it? You can’t Google how it feels to be part of a football team or to play your first piano recital.
If you’re thinking about trying something new, my advice is simple: just jump in. Maybe it’ll become your thing for life, or maybe it’ll just be a cool story to tell. Either way, the magic is in doing—not just thinking about it.
Looking back, I finally understand what Rev. Ito meant. In a world of endless scrolling and virtual everything, there’s something powerful about experiencing life firsthand. Life’s best lessons don’t come from what we read or hear—they come from what we do.
Hakone Zendo 