In the awakening of Abbess Mugai Nyodai, it is written:
"Looking from the inside, your self has no mind. Forget also about your connections with others. Looking from the outside, there is no mind anywhere to be found. If random thoughts should occur to you unexpectedly, let them go straight away. Do not follow them. This is the essential technique of zazen. Believe this and stick to it, waiting faithfully."
Commentary:
"Looking from the inside" means "within your self".
"Your self has no mind" - this is true because "mind" is an abstract concept describing how the mind-body works.
"Forget also about your connection with others." - Let go of your attachment to the real world, the life of samsara, your relationship with other people.
"Looking from the outside" means "observing others".
"There is no mind anywhere to be found" - the mind is not a tangible object which has mass and volume.
"If random thoughts should occur to you unexpectedly" - this part of the text is straightforward.
"let them go straight away" - do not become attached to your thoughts.
"Do not follow them" - do not become obsessed with your thoughts.
"This is the essential technique of zazen" - this is straightforward.
"Believe this and stick to it" - Believe the essential technique of zazen and practise it regularly without fail.
"waiting faithfully" means "awaiting satori - the peace of mind every Zen practitioner awaits".
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