The Mirror of Zen

14

Three things are essential in Zen meditation. The first
is Great Faith. The second is Great Courage. The third
is Great Doubt. If any one of these is missing, it becomes
like a tripod cauldron that is missing one leg
it is of no use at all.

Commentary

The Buddha said, "Faith is the ground for attaining Buddhahood."
"The Venerable Yung-chia said, "Those who would attain
the Way must firmly establish their will." Venerable Meng-
shan said, "To one who practices Zen meditation, the gravest
disease is a hwa-du without Great Doubt." And he also said, "If
you strongly keep Great Doubt, always and everywhere, you
will surely attain great enlightenment."