Japanese expression“shin jin datsu raku” (Body and mind fall off) comes from teacher teachingDtengen (1200-1253), Founder of the Soto School of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Its meaning can be translated as“abandon body and mind” o“detach”, and represents a key concept in its understanding of spiritual awakening.
Dōgen used this expression to describe the lighting experience of his Chinese teacherTiantong Rujing (1163-1228), who told him during a session of zazen (sitting meditation): “When you practice zazen With authenticity, The body and mind fall”. It is “fall” o “detach” It does not refer to a literal loss, but to a state of total detachment in which the ego, Identifications and concerns disappear, allowing to experience reality as it is.
From Dōgen's perspective, “shin jin datsu raku” It is not just a state that is achieved in moments of lighting, but an essential principle of continuous practice. It is not a voluntary effort for “get rid of” of body and mind, but of a complete delivery to practice, in which the separation between oneself and the act of meditating disappears. In other words, The true practice of Zen Buddhism implies that there is no distinction between the practitioner and the practice; It is a state of total presence and fluidity.
Dōgen emphasizes that this “body and mind detachment” It is not just a momentary experience in meditation, but a transformation that is reflected in everyday life. It is a process to stop clinging to the self, to preconceived ideas and attachments, To live in harmony with the nature of existence.