Disney’s movie “Frozen” has moved the people of the world, and became so popular that it’s a social phenomenon. “Let it Go,” a song sung in the movie, has become a big hit. Many people have been empowered by its lyrics that advocate accepting yourself as you are and live by adopting a positive attitude. These lyrics encapsulate the essence of Zen, which is said to be the basis of Japan’s spiritual culture. Zen is a philosophy which was born in India out of Buddhism and grew in China, and it blossomed in Japan. Since Zen is not practiced much in India or China these days, Japan is considered to be the actual home of Zen. In the 20th century the Buddhist philosopher SUZUKI Daisetsu and others introduced Zen philosophy in English overseas. With its unique philosophy and zazen meditation technique, the mysterious world of Zen fascinated westerners. Even now many non-Japanese try to experience Zen meditation by sitting in a cross-legged position, or by visiting Zen gardens. It is said although many people may admire the beauty of Zen forms, few understand its essence. The essence of Zen is to accept everything as it is, and this includes the absurdity of the world, your misfortunes, and the ugliness hidden in people’s hearts. By understanding that these things are unavoidable, you set your mind free. For instance, if you have a serious disease, you have to accept the reality that besides medical treatment, there is no other way to alleviate your agony. Zen has had an enormous influence on the spirit of the Japanese, beginning with its incorporation into the samurai code of honour. An aphorism of the samurai code states that “A way of life for the samurai can be found in the unavoidable fact of death;” accepting that it was their fate to die in battle, samurai were able to adopt a positive attitude. Cultured people like tea ceremony masters saw this reflected in the arts; finding beauty in silently blooming flowers, in decaying flowers and in empty space. In Zen training, the master instructs pupils to simply sit and meditate by thinking of nothing. By thinking of nothing, you come to feel as if ‘you’ has disappeared and yet realize that something still exists, thus gaining a fundamental sense of relief. Since Zen has no special teachings, some non-Japanese say that Zen is difficult to understand or that Zen is nothing. On the other hand, Zen has also developed as a religion. In the past there have been other songs that have taken the theme of “taking things as they are.” Released in 1970, The Beatles’ “Let It Be” reached no.1 in the American Billboard Chart. The lyrics contain wise words: when times are tough Mother Mary appears and whispers “Let it be.” Another is “Que Sera Sera,” which Doris Day sung in the Hitchcock movie “The Man Who Knew Too Much” (released in 1956). The lyrics mean “What will be will be,” and the song also became a big hit. Songs like “Let It Go,” which relieve stress and give people the power to adopt a positive attitude to life, may be the modern version of Zen. (From July isseu,2014 / 2014年7月号より）