Instructions to the Cook: A Zen Master's Lessons in Living a Life That Matters

But activity is actually a very important part of Zen. The insight and equanimity that can come from spiritual practice should open our eyes to the problems of people around us and make us more effective.

Zen is life—our life. It’s coming to the realization that all things are nothing but expressions of myself. And myself is nothing but the full expression of all things. It’s a life without limits.

We work with what we have in each and every moment.

“Satori” literally means awakening, and “kensho” literally means seeing into our true nature.

When we live our life fully, our life becomes what Zen Buddhists call “the supreme meal.” We make this supreme meal by using the ingredients at hand to make the best meal possible, and then by offering it.

Of course, the supreme meal is very different for each of us. But according to the principles of the Zen cook, it always consists of five main “courses” or aspects of life. The first course involves spirituality; the second course is composed of study and learning; the third course deals with livelihood; the fourth course is made out of social acti

You have to manifest the answer in your life—in your everyday relationships, in the marketplace, at work, as well as in the temple or meditation hall.

So the first principle of the Zen cook is that we already have everything we need.

Zen masters call a life that is lived fully and completely, with nothing held back, “the supreme meal.”