
This is about how zen views the mind - and how it compares with the theravada position.
In zen, the mind exists only through activity. Even if the body is still, the mind will try to be active in some form or the other. The mind will never be unoccupied. It will always try to be occupied with something. Because in zen, the moment the mind becomes inactive or unoccupied, it ceases to be mind. So fearing its own non-existence, the mind seeks to keep itself occupied.
This is why zen masters recommend just sitting in front of a wall, doing nothing, so as to see how the mind keeps indulging in some activity or the other. The objective is no-mind, which means all preoccupations of the mind should end.
How does this compare with the theravada position? I get the feeling zen uses just one word MIND to include everything - ignorance, craving, etc., whereas theravada is more detailed. But aside from that, I think in both schools it's all about cessation.
I'd like your insights on this.