By Taylor
I recently found myself contemplating what to discuss and was reminded of a song lyric by Leonard Cohen: “There’s a crack in everything; that’s where the light gets in.” This sentiment feels particularly relevant to Buddhist practice in our daily lives.
When we examine anything closely enough, we discover flaws and inherent changes that eventually transform it. These imperfections aren’t just faults to be fixed; they’re integral to growth and evolution. The possibility of change is something we can take comfort in, reminding us that nothing is permanent.
This impermanence touches every aspect of our lives—ourselves, our concepts, our families, and our relationships. In the practice of zazen (seated meditation), it’s easy to view distractions as flaws or obstacles. However, these distractions are part of the journey. They’re the cracks that allow deeper understanding to emerge.
Rather than resisting imperfections, we can embrace them. By accepting that “there’s a crack in everything,” we open ourselves to the light that enters through those very cracks. It’s through acknowledging and embracing our imperfections that true transformation occurs.
Hakone Zendo 