I sometimes think that western science is too much with us insofar as we are over focused on outward forms and appearances. As a result, when it comes to finding meaning in our lives, science doesn't measure up. It really can't help us. We have to look elsewhere other than through a microscope, a telescope or an fMRI. For many, they are left with only two routes, either towards religion (this could be Buddhism) or a life dedicated to the absurd.

As far as the practice of modern Zen is concerned it seems to lie somewhere between religion (possible meaning) and absurdism (meaninglessness). Many have found no profound meaning in their life who enter a Zen center. The idea of Zen they seem to believe is don't fight against the absurdity of life, accept it. Learn just to sit but also continue with your life living moment by moment, accepting each little piece of the cosmic puzzle in the example of being aware of little things such as peeling an onion knowing full well there is no big picture. Reflecting on this, modern Zen reveals the modern disposition towards absurdism: learning to accept life as it comes which is, fundamentally, devoid of meaning. Such Zen seems to have nothing to do with Buddism which is all about meaning.

But life does have meaning contrary to its sometimes absurd appearance. It is just not in the way we imagine meaning should be understood. We are trying to find meaning in what cannot possibly have meaning because of its illusory nature and the fact that it is finite being, subject to destruction. Meaning is only possible in what is ultimately real and not subject to destruction. Hidden within us is ultimate reality, at least the seed or germ of it (S., Tathagāta-garbha). But surrounding it and obscuring it is the illusory world including our psychophysical bodies—even our thoughts. Ordinary people are so attached to the illusory that it becomes almost impossible for them to see this immaculate germ or garbha. They go so far as to despise those who speak of the Tathagāta-garbha as if it were not the Buddha's teaching.