Standing in a Puddle

Words have consequences.  When dealing with concepts it is important to get the terminology correct. I have been stuck on the word “realize”.  Reading posts on consciousness, and zen, and even delving into the science of the brain, the word “realize” is the word that resonates.  Everything we need is already here.  There are no questions to answer.  There are no concepts to understand.  There is no path to seek.  All you need to do is realize.

Realize.  A simple Google search for the word helps to clarify:  The first definition of realize contains the phrase “become fully aware of”.  The second definition: “cause (something desired or anticipated) to happen”, contains the word cause.  I don’t think you can cause realization. It’s probably where I disagree with some people’s understanding of practice.  I don’t see how you cause a revelation when what you’re looking for is right there. Your feet feel wet, and then you realize you’re standing in a puddle. The wetness you felt brought on the realization, not any action you consciously took. You were unaware you were standing in a puddle, until you felt your feet getting wet, which leads to another Zen word – awareness.