Expert: Joe McSorley - 7/27/2003

Question
I have so many questions, but we have to start somwhere... I am a 15 year old who is searching for meaning to my life. I do not want to rush into anything but i would rather take my time and really experience truth. I was reading upon Buddhism and Zen and i would like to find out more on it in my area. the problem is i cant seem to find a "place" where i can go learn and experience it. Should this hold me back from what i want to do?

If you could help, or give me some advice it would be greatly appreacited thank you :)

Answer
Hi
  Thanks for your question and I applaud you for your desire to find deeper meaning in your life. First let me warn you that no religion, philosophy or person can tell you the meaning of life, this is something you must discover for yourself.  There are many who claim to have an insight that they alone or their religion alone can teach you and you should avoid them at all costs.
 I like the way you say you want to experience truth, it shows you've thought about it.  Let me ask you this, suppose the truth you want to experience threatens everything you've ever thought about reality?  Do you think you would still pursue it?  There is a big difference between pursuing truth and pursuing a religion, they often come in conflict.  Any real Zen teacher  should have no problem giving up any held belief or concept when attempting to reveal the truth.  So be prepared to have your roots shaken a bit when inquiring into the nature of reality.  If you are honest and strive you will succeed.
  Now as far as a place goes for experiencing the truth………do you think the truth is contained anywhere?  I would ask you what do you think separates you from the truth now?  What stops you from ‘seeing Nirvana'?  This is the crux of realizing the truth.  Now you can go someplace and practice this thing called Zen and do the meditation and walking and so on but why is that any closer to the truth than where you are?  The ritual of Zen is worthless without the reality and most are satisfied to practice this thing they think is Zen.  If there were a good center I could recommend to you I would but there is none of know of that really concentrate on the heart of the matter.  If you want to pursue this then I would suggest that you start by reading many different books and always using your mind to inquire deeply.  Do not just accept, question and challenge and go deeper.  By doing this you will create your own path.  If you think you'd like to do this you are welcome to email me directly and continue this dialogue.  I will send you the names of some books to read and offer what assistance I can.  Take care and hang in there.
        Joe
email: JoeMcSorley@aol.com