They saw nature in its total interrelatedness, and saw that every creature and every experience is in accord with the Tao of nature just as it is. This enabled them to accept themselves as they were, moment by moment, without the least need to justify anything. They didn't do it to defend themselves or to find an excuse for getting away with murder. They didn't brag about it and set themselves apart as rather special. Having said that, I would like to say something for all Zen fussers, beat or square.
Fuss is all right, too.
If you are hung on Zen, there's no need to try to pretend that you are not. If you really want to spend some years in a Japanese monastery, there is no earthly reason why you shouldn't. Or if you want to spend your time hopping freight cars and digging Charlie Parker, it's a free country. The letters show Ginsberg's enthusiasm for his cohort and introduce William S. Burroughs. We would wait trying to look casual while he riffled through the pages.