Raven 24: The Purpose of Practice

Doubts. We all have them. Perhaps we once regarded doubt and faith as opposites, each the antidote of the other. Yet doubt is essential to faith. How does that work?

Case

Badger attended the circle irregularly because of family responsibilities. One evening he was able to come for zazen and questions. He asked, "What is the purpose of the practice after all?"
Raven asked, "Do you have an inkling?"
Badger hesitated, "I'm not sure," he said.
Raven said, "Doubts dig up the whole Blue Planet."

Verse

The practice is the enlightenment, the doing is the purpose,
The doubting is the faith, the asking is the inkling.
What am I saying? Badgers dig.
On the whole Blue Planet, nothing is missing.

Case by Robert Aitken; introduction and verse by Meredith Garmon

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