If no truly enlightened people teach anything, how do the not-yet-enlightened learn?
And what is this lineage of Zen patriarchs all about?
If enlightenment shines exclusively in silence, how is this true enlightenment, with such limitation?
And if the truly enlightened don’t have thoughts, how is this liberation?
There is a saying within the Zen tradition, you may know it:
“Before enlightenment, chop wood, gather water; after enlightenment, chop wood, gather water.”
Awakening is solely awakening, it necessitates nothing remedial, no specific type of character of lifestyle, life often continues as before.
“Enlightenment” is a word that means to realise the true you.
The true you, once self-realised, is free to do whatever it pleases.
It is free to teach, think, or feel, or not.
The real you has been doing art under the guise of non-enlightenment.
If I am to accept your words in good faith, it is just that you have not realised this.
And this is perfectly fine.
I write this response as to provide a voice contrary to what appears to be a mistaken dichotomous limiting belief, so you may remain open to the possibility of awakening, while continuing to enjoy the sharing of thoughts, and the conveying of emotions through your wonderful art.
I will just add one practical detail, learning from a reputable teacher is best lived through disciplined co-habitation. In this way realising the illusion of separate self may be mentored through the company of someone with whom you’ve developed unconditional trust.
