Introduction
The concept of “hishiryo”（非思量) is highly valued in the zazen (sitting ZEN) practice. This refers to accepting our sensory faculties—namely, the six roots (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind)—as they are without adding thoughts or judgments. In other words, it’s about perceiving things as they are before any thoughts or evaluations arise. This stance of “hishiryo” embodies the essence of zazen itself.
What Are the Six Roots (六根)?
The process by which we sense and understand the world involves six sensory faculties and their functions. In Buddhism, these are called the "six roots" (rokkon). In simple terms, they encompass the five senses along with the activity of the mind:
1. Eye (眼gen): Seeing (visual perception)
2. Ear (耳ni): Hearing (auditory perception)
3. Nose (鼻bi): Smelling (olfactory perception)
4. Tongue (舌zetsu): Tasting (gustatory perception)
5. Body (身shin): Touching (tactile perception)
6. Mind (意i): Sensing and thinking (cognitive and mental activity)
These six roots interact with each other, creating an internal mechanism that enables us to recognize and experience the external world. The “world” we perceive each day is, in fact, constructed by these six roots.
Moreover, these sensory faculties operate independently of our will. We see without trying to see, hear without trying to hear, and even think without actively trying to think. Isn’t it remarkable how these processes unfold on their own?
What does Hishiryo (非思量) Mean?
Hishiryo, means accepting what we experience through the six roots as it is, without adding thoughts or interpretations. In our daily lives, when we see or hear something, we immediately give it meaning or evaluate it as “good” or “bad.” But in the state of hishiryo, we set aside these reactions and simply feel what is there in its pure form.
For example, when you look out the window and see leaves swaying, instead of thinking, “The leaves are falling because it’s autumn,” “The leaves are swaying,” that’s it. It is the way it is now. This simplicity can bring a sense of lightness to the mind.
The Connection Between Zazen and Hishiryo
In zazen, we experience this state of hishiryo directly. Letting thoughts and emotions naturally arise and fade away, we can connect with our true selves “as we are.” When thoughts or feelings arise, instead of being swept away by them, we let them appear and disappear. Noticing a thought with, “Ah, a thought has come up,” is enough.
By not reacting to or evaluating what we sense through the six roots, we allow ourselves to just “be” in each moment. This practice leads the mind to quieten gradually, letting peacefulness expand. When putting aside your evaluations and judgments, the mind regains inner stillness and harmony, bringing about a sense of oneness with the present reality.
Applying hishiryo in Daily Life
The sense of hishiryo can be easily incorporated into everyday life, not only during zazen. For instance, when feeling busy or stressed, try simply enjoying the aroma of a cup of coffee or feeling the sensation of your feet touching the ground as you walk. In small moments like these, you can bring in the attitude of hishiryo.
By bringing awareness to these small moments, we introduce a bit of spaciousness and tranquility into our daily lives.
Conclusion
Practicing hishiryo frees us from being caught up in our thoughts, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the “now.” This stance benefits not only zazen but also brings profound changes to our everyday lives. Hishiryo offers us a great sense of liberation and deep comfort, cultivating inner peace even amidst the busyness of our daily routines.
The simple practice of “being in the state of the six roots” offers small moments of relief, no matter how hectic things may get. Just pausing for a moment to observe the light, sound, or scents around you as they are can be a small first step toward finding calm within the chaos.
Why not take a moment today to fully experience the “now” as you perceive it through the six roots? It may just bring a new perspective and a sense of peace into your day.
Words and Image by K E I K O
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