This quote suggests that Zen is about directly experiencing life, rather than experiencing one’s thoughts, feelings or beliefs about life. It’s about being fully present and engaged, rather than being lost in thoughts about the past or future, or in judgments, interpretations or distractions. Zen, in this context, is a state of mind where one is fully immersed in the reality of the present moment, in a non-judgmental and non-analytical way, fully accepting and embracing what is, as it is.

Applying this idea to today’s world, it’s easy to see how we often live in our thoughts and feelings about life, rather than in life itself. We’re constantly bombarded with information, distractions, and pressures that pull us away from the present moment. We’re often so busy planning, worrying, remembering, anticipating, analyzing, judging or daydreaming that we’re not fully present and engaged with what’s actually happening right now. This can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and a sense of disconnection or dissatisfaction.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests that we might find more peace, joy, and fulfillment by learning to be more present and engaged with life as it is, rather than being lost in our thoughts and feelings about it. This might involve practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga, which are designed to help us become more aware of our present-moment experience, and to accept and embrace it, without judgment or resistance. It might also involve learning to let go of our constant need to analyze, judge, control or change what is, and instead learning to simply be with what is, in a state of open, non-judgmental awareness and acceptance. By doing so, we might find that we’re not only more peaceful and content, but also more alive, awake, and connected with life.