Sharpening the Axe: On Zen Training and Support
"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe."
— Abraham Lincoln
This quote, though not from a Zen teacher, captures something essential about the Zen path. In a world that often chases quick fixes and instant results, Zen asks something different of us. We are not just trying to “get it done”—we are training in how we do it. Every movement, every breath, every act—when done with care and awareness—becomes a part of our training.
At Chosei Zen, whether in-person at Daikozen-ji or online around the world, we are engaged in a kind of sharpening. Each period of zazen, each koan, each moment of sincere effort is part of that long, steady preparation. It may not always feel like progress. But something deep is being formed: the conditions for insight, for transformation, for clarity.
Recently, I’ve been working on the construction of a new Tea Room at Daikozen-ji, and one particular task brought this sharply into focus. Before I could assemble the beams and posts, I had to sharpen my chisel and carefully prepare each joint. From the outside, it might look like nothing is happening—just hours spent rubbing steel on stone. But without that preparation, nothing would fit. The clean, beautiful lines of the tokonoma—where the scroll and flower will one day rest—depend entirely on that unseen work.
Zen training is the same. The daily effort, the repetition, the “no progress” days—these are the sharpening hours. This is what allows for the deeper alignment and the sudden, clear cut of insight. So please: if your path feels slow or uncertain, do not be discouraged. Your work matters, and it is not wasted.
We are deeply grateful for all of you who have supported Chosei Zen over the years. Your generosity—especially during our annual fundraiser—is what keeps the training halls open, the teachings flowing, and the community connected.
If you can, please consider making a contribution to this year’s fundraiser. And if it’s possible for you, we warmly invite you to become a monthly donor. Monthly giving forms the bedrock of our financial support, allowing us to plan for the future with stability and confidence.
Together, let’s keep sharpening the axe. Thank you for being part of this path.
With gratitude,
Kouun Kiel Roshi
Chosei Zen
Each June we fundraise for the coming year. As we share stories and reflections, we ask for your support in reaching our 2025 goal of $30,000. Your donation, whatever size, allows us to sustain and expand training at all our dojos.
