☯️ ZEN AND STOICISM: CAN THEY TRULY COEXIST? 👉 Why I use "@azenstoic" (A Zen Stoic) username on Instagram?

Reflections - Part 7

Hello everybody, this week is the turn of the Reflection Series.

If this is your first time here, let me share how my newsletter is structured:

✒️Pen and Sword Journal🗡️ series: Stories and principles from the warrior’s way, blending martial arts wisdom with life’s battles.

۝☯Reflections series🌀💭: Thoughts on psychology, mental health, zen, philosophy, and self-development for your daily path.

Each week, I alternate between these series. Each series reflects my background in martial arts and psychology. Appreciate you for being here!

ZEN AND STOICISM: CAN THEY TRULY COEXIST?

The short answer, is NO and YES…

Hello dear reader. I will take my time to share my life experience and reflection on this topic, so bear with me until the end. I will do my best to make it so you enjoy this article and find it thought-provoking. 😊

This is a question I’ve been asked quite a few times by those seeking clarity about Zen and Stoicism, and by others who’ve explored one or both ‘paths’ deeply. The question is valid because, at first glance, these two philosophies may appear to be at odds.

Stoicism, rooted in reason and focusing on what we CAN control, might seem incompatible with Zen’s emphasis on detachment and flow. Many argue that these approaches cannot coexist. And yet, through my own experiences and reflections, I’ve come to believe otherwise. As I already said, by the end of this article, I’ll share why I see Zen and Stoicism not as adversaries, but as complementary paths to deeper understanding and balance.

To bridge this apparent divide, it’s essential to first address two realities we must understand in order to cultivate a fluid mind and balanced psyche. Why? Because mental rigidity, emotional inflexibility, and radicalism are not signs of a spiritual life, rather, they reflect insecurity and anxiety.

In psychology, rigidity often stems from the fear of uncertainty. Cognitive theories suggest that a rigid mind clings to absolutes as a defense mechanism, attempting to shield itself from the discomfort of the unknown.

Emotional rigidity, meanwhile, is frequently linked to unresolved trauma or deeply ingrained fears. Instead of confronting these inner challenges, the mind builds walls of inflexible beliefs, mistaking them for strength.

However, true psychological strength lies in adaptability, the ability to remain open, curious, and grounded, even amidst opposing ideas.

Also, it’s important to clarify that this flexibility does not equate to a lack of values, as some might claim. In fact, the insistence that flexibility negates principles is itself often a sign of mental rigidity and radicalism as well.

A value system, when healthy, is not rigid. It is dynamic, evolving through introspection and experience. Spirituality flourishes where there is flow, balance, and the self-awareness that comes from engaging with the duality of the reality we live in (yin and yang).

Neither extreme, whether rigid dogmatism, or a life entirely driven by instinctual pleasures and urges, prevents spiritual growth. True spirituality can be found in the balance between discipline and letting go, logic and intuition. This balance is rarely perfect, but life itself, through karmic experiences, guides us toward it.

Imagine choosing to walk a path with walls on either side. These walls represent Karma, which I see as universal lessons guiding us back to the middle way. When we veer too far, we hit the walls and experience pain. That pain, though uncomfortable, is an opportunity to adjust our direction. Karma, in this sense, is not punishment but a teacher, a sign of help from the Creator if you will. In other world, universal justice designed to help us grow spiritually.

As Plato’s ‘Allegory of the Cave’ or the movie ‘Matrix’ teaches (because they are the same essentially), most of us begin life in a state of ignorance, mistaking shadows for reality. Karmic experiences pull us toward awareness, offering glimpses of the virtues we need to cultivate. Aristotle and Buddha alike remind us that balance and kindness are foundational virtues, the source from which all others arise. Achieving this balance demands deep reflection and the courage to embrace life's lessons.

Having said that, let’s move on to the two realities we must understand and accept:

1- The first reality: We have different personalities that reflect the “Many Paths to the Summit”

We all possess imperfect natures, shaped by unique blends of virtues and flaws. Those who deny this reality, seeking instead to inflate their ego, miss the profound beauty in our imperfections.

Being imperfect is not a failure, it is a universal truth. It is through our imperfections that we uncover paths to growth, self-discovery, and ultimately, spirituality.

Each of us, with our different personalities, follows a different path toward the metaphorical “mountain summit.” I will use the top of the mountain as a metaphorical way to refer to the spiritual that is 'within' us, since in reality the spiritual is neither up nor down, neither left nor right. It is not meant to be interpreted literally. So, please don't let the term "up" bother you.

The journey to this summit is as varied as we are, tailored by our individuality and shaped by our circumstances, yet guided by timeless, universal principles that bind all paths together.

Despite the diversity in our approaches, certain virtues form the foundation of spiritual experience. Kindness, balance, love, or the intuitive wisdom to transcend the mind as Zen would put it, just to name a few.

These virtues act as beacons, guiding us toward self-actualization and connection with the greater whole. Whether we apply intellect to discern this universal principles (through Philosophy like Stoicism) or use intuition to experience transcendence (through Zen, or other ways that are essentially the same), these principles are universal in their essence and transformative in their practice.

What makes each journey unique is not the principles themselves but how we choose to embody and apply them. Our personalities, shaped by individual experiences and inclinations, influence how we interpret and implement these universal truths. Philosophy, in its true sense—derived from the Greek “philosophia” (φίλος (philos) 'love' + σοφία (sophia) 'wisdom'.), meaning “love of wisdom”—is not a rigid doctrine but a dynamic process of seeking understanding.

For some, Stoicism may offer the structure needed to confront challenges and build resilience. For others, Existentialism might provide the freedom to explore meaning amidst uncertainty. Others still may resonate with Sufism’s mystical devotion, Hermeticism’s pursuit of hidden knowledge, or the mathematical harmony of Pythagoreanism. And more, these are just a few instances that come now into my mind. Each of these philosophies, while imperfect, offers a lens through which to expand knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual awareness.

Philosophy, much like art or science, reflects the spark of intellect, which is an intrinsic gift that allows us to explore the universe within and around us. As Einstein observed,

“The more I study science, the more I believe in God.”

This intertwining of art, science, and spirituality is a testament to our innate drive to uncover deeper truths.

The Two Minds: Earthly and Spiritual

Broadly speaking, within us lie two mental aspects: the individualistic mind and the spiritual mind. The individualistic mind seeks personal gain, dwelling in selfish pursuits and earthly desires. The spiritual mind, by contrast, is altruistic, open, and focused on wisdom. These dualities reflect ancient teachings that distinguish the transient from the eternal. Still, both are part of us, and we should seek to understand how they work first, rather than demonizing the one or the other.

The awakening of the spiritual mind is marked by the love of knowledge, a calling within that pushes us toward wisdom and spiritual awareness. This journey, fueled by free will, is something I see as a gift from the Creator and a testament to our spiritual potential. It is not a quick-fix solution but a lifelong path that mirrors the rich diversity of life itself. Because the diversity of life filled with nuances, colors, and harmonies that invite us to deepen our understanding of the divine.

Ultimately, while the paths we walk may differ, the destination, which is a deeper connection with our spiritual essence, is universal.

So, this first understanding is to clarify why stoicism resonates with me. While it isn't perfect and has its flaws, it isn't a dogma. It is simply the path to the summit I chose, and I am always open to adapting to many philosophies. Just as a martial artist practicing Muay Thai is open to incorporating techniques from Taekwondo, Karate, Boxing, Wrestling, Jiujitsu, etc., to create a style that fits their personality as a fighter, you can choose a philosophy that aligns with your personality. It will be the path you take to reach the same summit.

2- The second reality: The Path of the Mind and the Path of Intuition

We have two powerful ‘instruments’ for connection with the Divine. The first is intellect and the second is intuition.

This second understanding is to explain how Stoicism and Zen from my experience can coexist.

In our journey for spiritual understanding, there are two powerful instruments that connect us to the Divine: Intellect and Intuition.

These two paths, though distinct, provide complementary ways of engaging with the world and transcendental reality. So, this understanding can help reconcile seemingly divergent traditions, like Stoicism and Zen, demonstrating how they coexist and enrich one another.

The Nature of Zen

For those who have studied Zen, it’s clear that Zen doesn’t attach itself to any philosophy. At the same time, it does not seek to attack or contradict other philosophies. This openness stems from the confidence and calmness of those who truly practice Zen. Genuine Zen practitioners are grounded in their experience, having transcended the arrogance and hostility that often accompany superficial understanding.

Contrast this with those who claim Zen without depth. I’ve seen critics on Instagram, for instance, dismiss my username, @azenstoic, with an air of individualistic arrogance. Their criticisms reflect not only a misunderstanding of Zen but also a lack of maturity. True Zen practitioners, on the other hand, embody a serenity rooted in their deep spiritual work. Why? Because this calmness arises from an understanding that the human soul has two instruments for uniting with the spiritual: the intellect and intuition. And they are aware that their pracice focuses on the second one I mentioned (Intuition or No-Mind), without demonizing the first one, of course.

The Two Instruments: Intellect and Intuition

A very simple example, but I love it:

Intellect is like a USB plug. It must be manually connected to a device to access the “internet,” which we can figuratively parallel with knowledge and wisdom. Intellect functions through logic, abstraction, and analysis, helping us navigate the world of forms and concepts.

Intuition, on the other hand, operates like wireless connectivity. It doesn’t require a physical connection, to be close by, but receives information through frequencies from distance. In Zen, this is referred to as the no-mind, the direct and unmediated connection with reality. Intuition transcends logic, offering an experiential insight of the transcendental, which can not accurtely described through speech. It has to be experienced.

To conlude: Can Stoicism and Zen Coexist?

At first glance, the answer seems to be “NO”, as I said at the beginnin of this article. Stoicism emphasizes intellect, logic, the dichotomy of control, and rationality, while Zen prioritizes intuition, detachment and direct experience. These approaches may appear contradictory, but in truth, they are two complementary tools for spiritual growth.

Intellect engages with the abstract and conceptual, helping us discern patterns, principles, and structures in the world. Intuition, however, takes us beyond concepts, allowing us to experience a glimpse of reality directly. Together, they form a holistic approach to understanding and living.

The Matrix Analogy

If we draw from the analogy of Plato’s Cave Allegory or the Matrix, Stoicism and philosophy in general serve as tools to awaken us to the reality of the matrix. They guide us to become increasingly aware of what is transient and what is eternal. Stoicism, through intellectual discipline, teaches us how to navigate the labyrinth of the matrix. It helps us uncover the “light” of spiritual truth, gradually leading us to the ultimate source, the ‘Creator’.

Zen, in contrast, offers a direct intuitive connection to the source. It projects a ‘part of us’ outside the labyrinth, allowing us to glimpse reality beyond the illusions of the matrix. However, as humans still bound by ego and earthly attachments, we cannot sustain this direct connection (relatively) for a long time.

Since we as human beings, or at least people like me who don’t claim to be enlightened (or more precisely do not fall prey to the trap of "spiritual snobbery" as Albert Camus would say) and are not yet 100% free from the earthly ego, philosophy and intellect remain vital tools to help us navigate our journey within the matrix.

That’s why the most profound spiritual experience lies in harmonizing these two paths. Philosophy and Zen are not mutually exclusive; rather, they enrich one another.

In fact, in my experience, practicing Zen (or whatever term you prefer to adress intuitive understanding, as words are merely tools for conveying essence) enriches even more my philosophical approach. The more I cultivate my intuition, the more my intellectual growth is enrichened.

“The path of the soul is the dance of intellect and intuition towards the source.”

This dance is not about choosing one over the other but about integrating both into a balanced and dynamic journey toward spiritual (non-self) realization.

That is esentially the reason why I chose that username (@azenstoic), and why I choose this path. Whether I approach the Divine through the intellectual rigor of philosophy or the intuitive directness of Zen, both paths lead to a deeper understanding of myself, others, human nature, the world, and the transcendent.

The path is far from over, far from perfect, and I will slam my head aginst karmic walls many times again. No doubt about that. 😂 I will make mistakes, but “pain (lessons from karma) is one of our greatest teachers”.

This path I am talking about here doesn’t have to be the same for you. It might differ or perhaps resemble it, who knows. It all depends on your unique personality and nature. What remains true is that the sacred exists far beyond the bounds of our personalities. In the end, I believe our imperfect selves will find their way to that universal source.

I hope you found this article both enjoyable and thought-provoking. If you have any thoughts or would like to share your experiences and perspectives, please feel free to comment.

➡️ PS: If you liked reading this, feel free to click the ❤️ button on this post, so more people can discover it on Substack 🙏

That’s it for this week’s article. See you next week in the “Pen and Sword” journal article.

Wish you a great start of the week! 😊

---

📌 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣.

We are dedicating our lives to develop practical psychological and philosophical methods to integrate the Way of the Warrior in people’s daily lives.

But this cause can do more, and for that we need your support.

Your contribution can help us dedicate more time and resources to do more research, and share more work with people who need to delve more into the Way of the Warrior.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to support our cause on Substack by becoming a contributor. ⬇️

🔻📕Additional Resources:

If you've found my article helpful and inspiring and want to delve deeper into the subjects of psychology, philosophy, the warrior ethos and zen, I recommend checking out my books:

📕➡️100 thoughts for the Inner Warrior

Whether you're seeking personal growth, to fortify your inner strength and mental resilience, or simply a deeper understanding of the warrior ethos, "100 Thoughts for the Inner Warrior" is a valuable resource that can guide you on your journey.

📕➡️The Secrets of Willpower

This is my latest book, and it’s packed with proven psychological techniques to help you access your mind’s hidden reserves and build the willpower, tenacity and discipline needed to face any challenge. From strategies to quiet the inner voice of self-doubt to exercises that master the art of delayed gratification, each chapter guides you on a path toward mental, physical and emotional mastery.

👉 Furthermore, you can consider joining my WhatsApp channel via this link if you don’t want to miss future updates.