Foxes, Wolves and Jackals

How does the "ordinary mind" of Zen meditation relate to our churning world of wars, rising autocracies and environmental catastrophe? When Zhaozhou was asked, “What is ordinary mind?” he responded, “Foxes, wolves and jackals.” Is this acquiescence to greed, hatred and ignorance? Or something far more insightful and challenging? Let’s take a look. There are foxes, wolves and jackals in this life, to be sure. But what is their true nature? And if foxes, wolves and jackals are seen right through, how might they enlarge our sense of being human rather than diminish it?Let’s take a look. There are foxes, wolves and jackals in this life, to be sure. But what is their true nature? And if foxes, wolves and jackals are seen right through, might they enlarge our sense of what it is to be human, rather than diminish it?Let’s take a look. There are foxes, wolves and jackals in this life, to be sure. But what is their true nature? And if foxes, wolves and jackals can be seen right through, might they enlarge what it is to be a complete human being instead of diminish it?