I don't think this is a bad idea, per se, but other forms of Buddhism understand that this is not an instant thing. For example, things appear initially to be solid, graspable, fulfilling, etc. Not only does this occur at a conscious level, but there are deeply rooted habits of mind that remain hidden from view. By working with Buddhist practices, we actually come to see that what we thought was solid is not solid, what we though was graspable is not graspable, and what we thought was fulfilling is not fulfilling. In this way, a natural type of letting go occurs.
It seems to me the practice of Shikantaza absent these insights is a shallow practice. If we are pretending to have no gaining idea, when there is still grasping, etc. going on doesn't seem like a good use of time. And, if over time, these gaining ideas dissipate, well then you have a gradual path.
Astus wrote: ↑Thu Feb 04, 2021 10:32 am
Malcolm wrote: ↑Wed Feb 03, 2021 7:01 pmSure, but at this point, it is not really insight since there is nothing left for a buddha to do.
Just as there is nothing left to be done in zazen, or as it is sometimes put:
nothing to gain (mushotoku 無所得 - anupalabdha).