"Every person is amply endowed with the Dharma," Zen master Dogen taught, "but without practice it will not be manifested." Sekkei Harada, abbot of a Zen temple in central Japan, affirms that point in these talks given to Westerners about Buddhism.

This teaching master believes that Zen is simply the investigation of the true self and the grinding up of the ego self. He challenges us to put an end to the discriminating mind that always divides things into good and bad, beautiful and ugly, like and dislike. The Zen way is stay with the present moment and take what comes. By making each activity an end in itself, we do good work.

Harada has many wise things to say about zazen or "sitting Zen." This practice helps us see that even our anger, greed, and ignorance can be used skillfully as an effective medicine in service of the true self. Like all Zen masters, Harada knocks down the idea of seeking enlightenment. Effort and intellect must give way to practice.