Definition
Reading: Hajū / Reading (ZH): bǎ zhù
Haju (把住) is the Zen means of "holding tight" or "restraining firmly." It takes away mistaken views and attachments that practitioners hold deeply inside their hearts, leaving no selfish thoughts at all. This is a means for Kojo (向上 / going toward and deepening truth). Its antonym is Hogyo (放行).
Hogyo (放行) Hogyo (放行) is the Zen means of "letting go" or "setting free." It guides practitioners toward actual actions and practice in reality, after taking away their selfish thoughts. This is a means for Koge (向下 / moving from truth toward concrete actions in reality).
By freely combining Hogyo (放行) and Haju (把住) in various ways (殺活自在/ the freedom to take away and give life freely), Zen masters guide themselves and others to awakening.
Q&A
- Q: Why do beginners start with 把住 (holding tight)?
- A: Because if beginners start with 放行 (setting free), their practice becomes no different from ordinary daily life. It is recommended to follow this order: first consciously hold back and let go of one's assumptions and ego (Haju), and then move to actual actions in reality with a pure, unselfish mind.
