Body-mind at the heart of the universe

When we talk about the zazen posture, we are talking about the posture of the body-mind. The body is involved, the mind is involved. In fact, we cannot separate the body from the mind, the mind from the body. What is asked is to keep this body-mind poised at the heart of the universe, without unnecessary tension or excessive relaxation. The Buddha used the image of a violin string. If the string is too tight, the sound hurts our ears. If the string is not tight enough, the sound is not right. We must find the right tension, which is neither slack nor rigid. In this practice, the mind is involved, the body is involved.

This is why it is very important to have a posture that remains balanced by itself, a posture that sits poised at the heart of the universe, which is itself in balance.

To have access to that which exists by itself. To have access to pure existence, where the mind, the body, where the body-mind is in its normal state. Simple and tranquil. Sober and satisfied. At peace. Thoughts come of their own accord, thoughts disappear of their own accord.

The definition of Tathāgata – that is, Buddha – is that which comes of its own accord, that which goes of its own accord, that which exists of its own accord, throughout the universe, at every moment.

Some people talk incessantly, seeking to explain the way of Buddha – the less jam you have, the more you spread it. The way of Buddha is not explained, it is practised.

Please try to stop all chatter with yourself and with others. You are only distracting yourself from the real thing.

Taiun JP Faure, August 2025