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ZEN BUDDHISM Now we will begin.
(1) Form the habit of synthesis of thought. Most of our time is spent in analysing differences. Now concentrate on similarities, on what is common between two things which are habitually regarded as antagonistic opposites. In other words, look for the higher thirds above all opposites, for in fact there is no such thing as two. There is one or three, for all things are only visible in the light of their relationship. Look for this relationship, and you will be kinder to each of the pairs. This exercise involves, of course, the study of the opposite bank of the river. If you are young, study the older generation's point of view, and see its value; if you are male, study the female point of view. It is quite as good as yours. Don't judge until you have heard and seen the value of both sides. Then judge, not between them or even above them, but within them, and you will see that, like the two sides of the penny, they are one.
(2) Learn to objectivise. Face your circumstances such as home, office conditions, family affairs, hobbies and fancies, all of which are physical. Face your love affairs or great hopes and fears, all of which are emotional. Then do the same with your mind. Write down, if you will, your convictions and ideals, your beliefs and religious principles. Look at them, examine them; are they true? Feel them, focus upon them and wait. You are now looking at your intellect--with something else; let it speak. Are you now so certain that this is true and that worth living for?
(3) Meditate. This focus of all attention on an object (which, by the intensity of concentration, becomes subject) is best achieved in meditation. Therefore meditate at
