According to Ito Toryo of Ryosokuin, Zen is a tool to put yourself in a good mood.

The reason why Silicon Valley executives are interested in Zen is because they are not altruistic. I think we can use Zen to solve our own problems in a positive way.

Be sure to read this dialogue, which is really thought-provoking.

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Talked Dialogue [The Temple Reforms the World of “Digital Well-Being”] (Part 1)

Zen Monk Ito Toryo x Brand Consultant Jun Fukuda
http://talked.jp/131/

Ito Toryo: Originally, I think the words “loosen, unwind, and let go” are appropriate for zazen, not “work hard, overcome, and get over it. I am giving you tips on how to “loosen” by sitting, how to “unwind” by relaxing, and how to “let go” by surrendering your awareness to your breath, and the freedom to “let go” by letting go. However, it is true that I decided to become a monk partly because I was born and raised in a temple, so that is still my stance for living for the rest of my life. I am in the position of “learning from the pattern and practicing it,” as Mr. Fukuda says. As long as I am a monk, my ultimate goal is to solve the problem of whether to live or die.

Editing and composition: Junko Io
Photo: Yukiko Echima
Date: September 5, 2021