On Kensho and the Importance of Initial Awakening

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Without kensho, your Zen is nothing but the empty shell of a peanut. Kensho is the first opening of the mind's eye, the first glimpse into one's True-nature. It is not yet full enlightenment—it is only the beginning—but without this initial awakening, you are groping in the dark. Even a shallow kensho transforms your understanding completely. After kensho, you know for yourself that the world of emptiness is not separate from the world of form. Then real practice begins.

Attribution

• Attributed To
  Yasutani Hakuun

Lineage: Sanbo-Zen

By Yasutani Hakuun

• No Shortcutsproverb
• Throw Yourself Into Itproverb
• Introductory Lectures on Zazen Practicesermon
• The Three Essentials of Zen Practicesaying

From The Three Pillars of Zen

• No Shortcuts
• Throw Yourself Into It
• Introductory Lectures on Zazen Practice
• The Three Essentials of Zen Practice

Sources

• contentWikisource — English-language free library

  Three Pillars of Zen, Commentary on practice

  The Three Pillars of Zen: On Kensho and the Importance of Initial Awakening