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March 2026, Issue 103

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Editorial


Communication in Zen: Isshin Denshin


Communication is usually understood as the exchange of information—words spoken, messages sent, meanings clarified. When communication fails, we assume something was not explained well enough, or not heard clearly.


Zen begins elsewhere.

Zen speaks of ishin denshin—mind-to-mind transmission. This does not reject language or point to a secret teaching beyond words. It points to the ground from which words arise. Before speaking and listening, before agreement or disagreement, there is already presence.

In zazen, nothing is explained, yet communication is complete. Posture communicates. Breath communicates. Stillness communicates. Communication is not added to practice; it is the functioning of practice itself.

Dogen Zenji wrote extensively yet warned against mistaking explanation for realisation. Words without embodied practice become hollow; practice without articulation becomes vague. Isshin denshin is the alignment of body, mind, and expression.

In sangha life, a bow communicates. Silence communicates. Showing up communicates. In a noisy world, Zen offers communication grounded in presence— mind meeting mind.


Ekai Korematsu


Read this Myoju (file on Google Drive)

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