Buddha tells us that within us there is a state of peace, of contentment where nothing is lacking, a state that does not depend on our possessions and which gives existence the pure joy that is inherent in it.

While human beings can be attracted by illusory and transient happinesses that take up their minds, there is also a happiness that should not be underestimated or forgotten as our societies do. This happiness does not depend on material wealth, but is our true wealth, that of love, of sharing, of cooperation with others.

If we can understand that the happiness of which Buddha speaks is enviable, very few know how to reach it, and even if they do, very few do what it takes to get there. This peace that exists deep within us, in which nothing is missing and nothing is too much, this state of fullness from which the three poisons (ignorance, greed, aversion) are absent, this state of deep peace is abandoned in favour of erroneous behaviour to which we have been accustomed for a very long time. From time immemorial, our thoughts, words and deeds have been imbued with ignorance, greed and aversion.

It is not a question of making something external to us, or requiring exceptional and superhuman abilities – but simply of letting go of our dysfunctions in every situation of our lives, step by step. Of course, you can only give up your dysfunctions if you see them.

Keeping a right attitude, resisting the assaults of the three poisons, is called the practice of the Way. It is realised sitting in stillness, without looking for anything in particular, as Shakyamuni Buddha did in his time. This is the practice of zazen. The mind that animates it is the mind that is pure of all mental agitation and confusion – and therefore of all lust and aversion. This mind invites itself into daily life, whatever it may be, at any time. This is the practice of Zen, zazen being the root practice.