Why then do I consider it important?

I think because it provides a key to a mind set which provides some degree of liberation from sufferring or stress.

Do I "believe" the statement? I really don't think it matters whether I completely believe it or not. I don't think of it as a topic of debate.

When we become more in touch with our non-thinking, non-labeling, non-explaining self --- the self which exists 'beyond the scope of mind' --- we discover something of value. This may not actually be what old Bodidharma had in mind, but you'll feel better about things.

By the term "Feel Better about Things", I am not referring to the pursuit of happiness. Happiness is after all, just a label we put on our feelings for those times when we get our way. The real value is when it doesn't make any difference to us. We're fine with any outcome and as the author, Richard Carlson puts it, "we don't sweat the small stuff". Also, we have Muso Kokushi's words:

The central benefit of Zen, in the context of ordinary ups and downs of life,is not in preventing the minus and promoting the plus, but in directing people to the fundamental reality that is not under the sway of ups and downs.

Feel Better about Things is not specifically about Zen or any other discipline. It's about sharing tips, tricks, and insights which might help people along in their personal spiritual journey without their wading through pages of esoteria or using their credit cards.

All of my new stuff is now on my blog page along with some political rants, site and book reviews, maybe even a joke or two. You are of course, more than welcome to contribute.

A Buddhist goes into a deli and says, "Make me one with everything."