Mind Power in the Zen Tradition

JORIKI is the power or strength which arises when the mind has been unified and brought to one-pointedness in Zazen concentration. This is more than the ability to concentrate in the usual sense of the word. It is a dynamic power which, once mobilized, enables us even in the most sudden and unexpected situations to act instantly, without pausing to collect out wits, and in a manner wholly appropriate to the circumstances. One who has developed Joriki is no longer a slave to his passions, neither is he at the mercy of his environment. Always in command of both himself and the circumstances of his life, he is able to move with perfect freedom and equanimity. The cultivation of certain supranormal powers is also made possible by Joriki, as is the state in which the mind becomes like clear, still water.

Zen master Yasutani Hakuun Roshi has referred to this power of concentration (Joriki) as -- "a dynamic power that enables us even in the most sudden and unexpected situations to act instantly, without pausing to collect our wits, and in a manner wholly appropriate to the circumstances."

The Japanese word Joriki incorporates the root 'ki', (Chinese - Chi) which roughly translates as a sort of spirit energy. Ki, this flow of energy, was found a long time ago. Lao Tzu talked about it long before Buddhism went to China. In Taoism they talk about ki. Mo Tzu, one of the earliest Taoists said, "The 'ki', or energy, is the thing to fill up the body. Your body should be filled with this ki." See Chakras


And 'ki' is not only that which flows within ourselves, but also that which flows in the entire universe. When we match OUR 'ki' with that 'ki' of the universe, we become as strong as the whole world. See Chi Gong.

Chang Tzu says an interesting thing about 'ki'. He says that when 'ki' is disturbed and upset and scatters, it becomes scarce within the body. Literally he says 'kinan tatsu'. Tatsu means standup, the opposite of sitting. So, let 'ki' sit, and don't let it scatter outside yourself. Hence, Zazen.

Close on the heels of what goes by the Japanese word, Joriki, is the closely parallel phenomenon that goes by the Sanskrit word Siddhi. Siddhi is typically defined as "a magical or spiritual power for the control of self, others and the forces of nature." The Siddhis described by occultists and yogis are in actuality supernormal perceptual states available to all human beings. The difference in application between the two is mainly a matter of degrees, and more of a word definition problem than anything else. That is to say, by definition Joriki manifests itself through mind concentration at the time the mind concentration is "being done." Siddhi, on the other hand, just IS, and thus then, applicable whenever, depending on the "power" and the will of the individual. If you have ever focused the sun to a pinpoint on your skin using a magifying glass and felt how quickly and powerful the burning sensation is, that is more like Joriki. Siddhi is more like the power of ocean waves. You may be able to stand against a mild wave or two, but even giant mountains are eventually turned to nothing but sand or even less by their power.


Now, although the power of Joriki can be endlessly enlarged through regular practice, it will recede and eventually vanish if we neglect Zazen. And while it is true that many extraordinary powers flow from Joriki, nevertheless through it alone we cannot cut the roots of our illusionary view of the world. Mere strength of concentration is not enough for the highest types of Zen and a path not unlike Shikantaza must be considered. Concomitantly there must be Satori-awakening. In a little-known document handed down by Shih-t'ou Hsi-ch'ien (Sekito Kisen, Japanese) a follower of the Sixth Patriarch Hui-neng and founder of one of the early Zen sects, the following appears: "in our sect, realization of the Buddha-nature, and not mere devotion or strength of concentration, is paramount."

Buddhism teaches that after a practitioner achieves a certain degree of realization, spiritual power develops. A person at the level of an Arhat is said to possess six supernatural powers. Even so, it is understood that it is through Enlightenment that supernatural powers are manifested, rather than that supernatural powers enhance Enlightenment. Furthermore, it is acknowledged as well that supernatural powers are not attainable exclusively JUST by Buddhists and Buddhists only. It is possible for anyone who has deep religious and spiritual cultivation to develop some kind of "super-normal powers."

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