I sometimes wonder whether Zen appeals to a certain type of personality.
This admission is speculative and likely to be incorrect. But it is certainly fun to ruminate on the qualities one might bring to Zen practice, especially those which could help with Zen’s particular method.
There seem to be many ways of following the Buddha’s path. Several of my friends are pursuing Buddhism but each one is interested in a different form that appeals to their own personal ingredients.
One friend appreciates the sacredness of religious ceremonies and is Theravadan. Another friend is atheistic and philosophical, and he finds Mahayana literature satisfying. Another is deeply spiritual and likes the beauty and seemingly mystic elements of Tibetan practice. Some are looking for peace of mind, others for intellectual stimulation. A few of them might even be seeking enlightenment.
Zen is starkly different. Even though we all are expected to benefit from the practice of Zen, I think some people might have more ease with its approach because of their personal characteristics and circumstances.
If you are not interested in joining a sangha and are practicing Zen as a ‘lay’ person, I have found the following qualities to be helpful. Do NOT let this list dissuade you!
Humility: The most helpful personal quality is humility, especially a willingness to question everything about oneself and a quickness to admit when one is wrong.
Introspection: I have always had a tendency to reflect on why I felt a certain way, or what I liked or didn’t like about a situation. Introspection is a powerful tool: dig deep enough in yourself to see what you really are, and awareness results.
Authenticity: Being authentic (in the sense of honest and sincere) is a valuable trait when we are tackling our own conditions and responses. I imagine a Zen teacher would greatly appreciate this in a student as well.
Adventurous: An adventurous nature helps you embark on what many in my society consider to be a very weird endeavor. If you are the type of person who wants to ‘see around the next corner’, you are a good fit.
Courage: Zen asks us to face what is here, fully and honestly. We humans use distraction as our main tool for avoiding unpleasant conditions or issues. Courage is therefore required to put avoidance aside and face each situation, to understand it, to work with it, and to act effectively.
Simplicity: Those who appreciate simplicity, efficiency, and bare elegance are likely to respond well to Zen practice. Its ‘bare bones’ approach is a steady path toward awareness.
Will: Those who muster their willpower to push through hard times are well equipped for Zen. There might be no barriers for you at all, but most people aren’t so lucky and will create plenty of barriers along the way.
Resilience: Being able to accept what feels like ‘failure’, and then try again. One also profits from not being afraid of boredom, solitude, surprising circumstances, and short-term discomfort.
Questioning hierarchy: No one can give you awareness. A person willing to question hierarchy and whether or not to be a part of it is a person who can more easily put hierarchy ‘aside’ when the time comes for self realization. This is not anarchy, this is choosing who to give your power to, and knowing when to take it back.
Embracing change: Change is always happening, but we humans are uncomfortable with it. I’m one of those who find change interesting, which I think is quite useful for Zen practice.
Self discipline: Zen is a practice, meaning we repeat and repeat and repeat. Sitting every day, drawing our attention to this moment whenever we can, and controlling our posture and responses are not innate behaviors in anyone I know, but I think it must be easier for one who is capable of self discipline.
(Gently) Self critical: One should be willing to see where something could be changed for the better in oneself. Otherwise, there is no impetus at all for pursuing Zen.
Kindness: A natural inclination to be kind is itself a great gift to the world. I expect it would be especially appreciated in a sangha.
Be aware, this is simply a speculative list of what might be helpful with the Zen method. It is NOT at all a requirement that we meet these personal characteristics.
I consider Zen to be an arrow that goes straight to its target. Many others will not. Be kind to yourself.
