What is the concept of kensho?
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Kensho is a Zen Buddhist term referring to a moment of awakening where an individual experiences insight into their true nature. It is described as an awareness of oneness and emptiness that stands in contrast to our ordinary way of understanding the world. During the on , this phenomenon is discussed in the context of how our usual perception might obscure the underlying reality of existence. Tim Ferriss suggests that this experience may be akin to what is achieved through psychedelics, considering that both might expose individuals to a more raw form of data by temporarily dismantling our usual perceptual filters 1.
Kensho is not seen as an experience that is forcefully induced through practice but rather as a natural clarity that emerges when certain obstructions to perception are released. It contrasts with pursuits for extraordinary experiences, and instead, emphasizes ordinary practice and just being present. The emphasis in Zen is on sitting in meditation, being fully present in the moment, and finding contentment in "just being," rather than seeking after Kensho as an end in itself 2.
The term is rooted in the idea of seeing one's true nature or essence, which can profoundly affect how a practitioner engages with the world and interacts with others, particularly within the framework of Zen training and practice 3. However, it is also acknowledged that such experiences may sometimes be mistaken or misinterpreted for psychiatric issues, which can lead to confusion and require careful discernment 4.
Ultimately, Kensho represents a significant aspect of human nature and the Zen Buddhist tradition, serving as a potential point of connection between our ordinary experience and a profound realization of our place in the world 5.
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