Tragically, a major figure in Western Zen

Buddhism has lost his battle with cancer. John Daido Loori, a New Jersey native, pioneered bringing

Zen to the states. A few months ago (before his death), I read one of his books on meditation and

Zen in general. I found it very interesting that he was basically stressing the importance of

nothing. I don’t want to delve into the particulars of meditation or Zen, but many proponents of

meditation (any form) stress the benefits it yields.

Essentially, doing nothing and clearing

one’s mind has value. Reduced stress, increased happiness, and possible physiological benefits are

often cited. Moreover, almost nothing needs to be learned to enjoy the utility of nothing. Just sit

down, shut up, and start consuming your utils!

Okay, okay, there is an opportunity cost to

doing nothing. But it’s probably not too significant, since daily meditation usually only takes

about 40 min. to an hour out of hour total day. And…is there something else during that time that

would yield such myriad benefits? Turn off the TV and put down the paper before you get a heart

attack.

Which brings me to my last point. Meditation (doing nothing) is EXTREMELY efficient.

You literally put in only one input (time) and get out some hefty outputs (see above). Not too bad

if you ask me…