Shobogenzo Zuimonki 1.11

Dogen instructed:

Impermanence is swift; birth and death are vital matters. During this short life, if you wish to study or practice some activity, just practice the Buddha-Way and study the Buddha-dharma. Since literature and poetry are useless, you should give them up. Even when you study the Buddha-dharma and practice the Buddha-Way, do not study them extensively. Needless to say, refrain from learning the Exoteric and Esoteric scriptures of the teaching-schools. Do not be fond of learning on a large scale, even the sayings of the Buddhas and patriarchs. It is difficult for us untalented and inferior people to concentrate on and complete even one thing. It is no good at all to do many things at the same time and lose steadiness of mind.

This passage from Dogen gives me some difficulty since it seems to superficially state that all activities other than Buddhism are a waste of time and should be avoided. Which, in a way, he is but it should noted that these discourses are meant for monks and not lay-persons. So, while it needs to be understood in that context, we can play with the meaning some to provide insights for the lay-practitioner (like myself).

In some translations, I have seen the statement "just practice Buddhism" which would infer the study of scripture and the Pali canon but then Dogen goes on to say not to study those things (or at least not to dive to deeply into them). So where does Dogen's true meaning lie? I think in the translation I have above with the statement of "just practice the Buddha-Way...and Buddha Dharma" the meaning is in your daily life to practice (whatever it be...dishes, zazen, marketing reports) within the framework of the Buddhist Ideal - with compassion.

Some will disagree with this but most of them have a desire to study the almost inexhaustible Buddhist Canon. The simple fact is that as lay-practitioners, we do not have the time to do this. I can't study the Tripitaka or the Lotus Sutra or the Pali Canon while doing the duties of the Householder. So I take my Dharma where and when I can get it. Mostly that will include the practice of Mindfulness and Compassion in daily activities. That is what I draw from the closing line - "It is no good at all to do many things at the same time and lose steadiness of mind."

My last word on White Privilege

Damn, this thing just won't die, for me. Keeps coming back. Another posting here.

The resistance, then, to the idea of “white privilege” comes from a number of sources in white culture. It sounds like an accusation of racism, and perhaps then we should be clear that being privileged is not the same as hatred or contempt for the unprivileged. White people’s privileges tend to follow the Categorical Imperative; we take these privileges because we believe the world would be better if everyone had and used these privileges. That’s not the same thing as prejudice.

I liked the description but it lead me to the thought of another possible comparison that may clear it up for us White folk that tend to shiver at the term and its (somewhat imaginary) connotations. Imagine White Privilege in North America being the same as North American Privilege compared to the rest of the world. Even with the poverty and poor economy, by being in North America we are basically privileged when compared to the world at large. We take for granted things that we were basically born into (or given the opportunity of).

Granted this take is really just emerged from some statistics that I recall seeing some time back and...thus this idea of mine

White Privilege in USA = North American Privilege in the world view. Maybe? I don't know.

Does this make sense? I'm not trying to start anything here but I would appreciate the input from the more knowledgeable people out there. To me this seems like a reasonable analogy and it puts the concept of privilege into a context that allows for understanding of the concept without overtly bringing up race.

Perhaps by hitting that larger, more universal concept first we can gain an understanding of it on a more regional scale.

I hope I am on the right track here. I really don't feel like getting anymore of the anger my way.

Cheers,

Jack

Can you be Buddhist and Christian? Does anyone care?

Read full article here about a Episcopalian minister that also practiced Zen meditation (not a completely unsightly mix). But it seems that not everybody in his congregation was as excited and perhaps he wasn't either...

A number expressed concern about the Michigan priest's decade-long practice of Zen meditation, changes he made to baptism rites, and ideas he espoused about salvation, including the existence of multiple paths to God. Others objected to the election process in Northern Michigan because Thew Forrester was the only candidate on the ballot.Bishops are rarely rejected once they are elected by their diocese.

It sounds as though Thew has got a few other more salient issues with Christianity that more pressing than Zen meditation practice. Bishops are not elected by their progressive policies or for their ability to think laterally. They are elected or chosen based upon the scope and breadth of their understanding of scripture and for their ability at bureaucracy...just as in Buddhism (we have dogma and hierarchy too). Seems that They has been taking some liberties with the liturgy.

Don't get me wrong. I respect a person that can see the many paths that exist towards the same goal and also accepts the fact that individuals chose the path that best fits them. I am alos a huge fan of people that skew the system a bit. However, those people, with those beliefs will probably not move that high up in the hierarchy. They would not go up in pay scale. They won't get a bigger hat.

But Thew is an ordained lay-practitioner in the Soto Zen sect. Would this be in conflict to his Christian duties? Would his role as bishop affect his duties as a Soto Zen practitioner? HOw could you remedy this?

The two beliefs are not necessarily at odds with each other but viewing how Thew has treated his Buddhist beliefs and practice in the public forum it seems that he does not place much stock in his role as a Zen Buddhist nor in the jukai that he took or the vows that come with it. Personally I think this shows a lack of character.

That being said, I am familiar with Christian clergy that also are ordained lay-practitioners or are otherwise fairly serious in their Buddhist practice. I also sit with individuals that can meld the two belief systems in varying levels with some success. Some just want to sit and meditate, others also chant and do prostrations and others delve deeper into Buddhist scripture and philosophy with no real affect upon their Christian beliefs. It all depends upon the depth that they wish to take it.

I would never expect most of these individuals to be ordained as priests or monks but they are finding what they need to make themselves a more spiritual whole.

I wonder if this is what Thew is doing. It seems unlikely. More likely that he is engaging in "stamp-collecting" rather than actually having the drive and need to become ordained. Jukai isn't nor should it be, taken lightly. It isn't a tick on a card or a notch on a belt. It is a statement of your commitment of practice. I can perform yoga stretches in the morning and I can read the Vedas and maybe even gain some spiritual guidance from them. It doesn't make me Hindu and I wouldn't say that it does. As Thew himself stated...

I hope this provides some clarity. I am not a Buddhist. I am a Christian who has benefited from being taught the spiritual practice of meditation.

So I guess even if he did get elected we wouldn't have had a Buddhist bishop anyway. So if he did receive jukai which involves taking the precepts, the Bodhisattva vows and the Refuges as well as receiving a dharma name and rakusu and still claims that he is not a Buddhist then the whole thing was a farce.

He could have easily stated that he was both or just took a meditation class. Maybe I will become a deacon because I like bland wafers and wine. That wouldn't insult anyone.

Cheers,

Shobogenzo Zuimonki 1.7

In an evening talk Dogen said:

Monks must not be scolded and castigated with harsh words; nor should they be held up to scorn by having their faults pointed out. Even if they are evil men, they must not be despised and abused. No matter how bad they may seem at first, when more than four persons gather together for practice they constitute a sangha, which enriches the country. They are deserving of the upmost respect. If your disciples are in error, whether they be temple priests or senior priests, Masters or teachers, you should instruct and guide them with kindness.

Strike those who have to be struck and scold those that have to be scolded but do not allow yourself to utter words of slander or detraction....If you see the weakness of others and consider these bad and if you wish to guide such people with compassion, you must do so without speaking directly of their errors so that you do not arouse their anger.

Dogen's words were meant to keep the peace of the monastery and the sangha. He freely admits the failings and shortcomings of human beings and presents here a respectful way of confronting them. Reproach is replaced with compassion and derision is replaced with kindness.

This remains true of our online and digital sangha. We are and should be enriching those around us, including other Buddhists or those that have various misconceptions about Buddhism. This does not mean that we completely roll over and show our bellies. Strike when you need to strike and scold when you need to scold but always remember we strike and scold in order to teach and guide with compassion. Sometimes strong words are needed but they should not be meant to divide us further or to push people away.

Cheers,

White Privilege and Buddhism

This a has been a fun roll. From Angry Asain Buddhist and Progressive Buddhism to Dharma Folk and DJBuddha; the comments and commentaries have been thick and gooey. The back and forth has been constant and (usually) respectful and the learning washes over us like big waves of razor wire and lemon juice. It stings.

This conversation really shouldn't be easy. It should be rough and painful and eye-opening (even if just alittle). It needs to shed some blood so that it gets us all together on the same level of understanding so we can figure out exactly why we react and feel about certian things that usually have the tendency to remain underground and hidden.

[from Resist Racism] The next obvious step is to find ways to open our doors to those who can come to us. I hear that some San Francisco churches have created a kind of covenant of “open congregation.” This means that in their literature and at their services, classes, and events they make it known that they welcome people of color, gays and lesbians, and so on. Being pro-active rather than passive on questions of diversity and inclusion.

This is necessary because in America, passivity means white supremacy. It’s subtle and pervasive, conditioned by and conditioning our magazines, movies, tv, our clothing, all the things we buy. It is a virus infecting my mind as a person with so-called privilieges, and the mind of someone who might not have such privileges. ...

So needless to say, this has been an experience. I can't say that I agree with everything brought up in various postings but I can say that majority of commentaries provide readers (white or not) with information that is both valuable and relevant to this issue. I agree with "resistance" when he/she states that there is a need for individuals (regardless of color) to be proactive about these issues. We all need to seek out opportunity to be receptive as well. And try not to knee jerk. I love knee jerking. My knees I think habitually knee-jerk. One closing remark though...

[from Resist Racism]"People of color are not responsible for the education of white people."

Not solely responsible -no. However, nothing is learned when people remain silent. Speak up. Call me an asshole (nicely), if you need to. Explain my faults or poor reasoning. My responsibility is to listen and understand. That is the capstone of education.

So to end this post I would wrap up with a quote (of which I have no idea of the meaning) to illustrate the need to, when all else fails, keep it simple stupid.:

In the works of Pynchon, a predominant concept is the distinction between ground and figure. The subject is interpolated into a expressionism that includes sexuality as a totality. In a sense, the premise of the subdialectic paradigm of discourse suggests that reality has intrinsic meaning, but only if Lyotardist narrative is valid; if that is not the case, we can assume that the raison d’etre of the artist is social comment.

When all else fails: Keep it simple stupid.

Buddhist Politician Eats Baby...Your Baby is Next!

Sorry about the silly title and picture but I am expecting that something like this is eventually going to run if religion takes the forefront of the Virginia's 20th District race (which it may have already). And the photo still cracks me up...

Inspired by the posting over at Progressive Buddhism and with the current events over in Virginia with Erik Curren I thought I would like to speak alittle on the topic.

And for the last decade or more, like millions of Americans, I have practiced meditation. Sometimes I walk and sometimes I sit. But always, taking a break from daily activity helps me think about my life and connect with a deeper truth. With increasing scientific evidence for the benefits of meditation to calm the stress of today’s busy world, it’s no wonder that this simple practice has spread to corporate boardrooms, hospitals, schools, and even churches across the United States.

See, I barely call this Buddhism and would not really consider Erik a Buddhist. The bottom line is that he practices meditation and has enough vision to pull from a broad array of spiritual teachers rather than just from the one he was born into or is the most familiar to him. And good for him. It seems that it would have been much easier for him to say that he is a practicing Christian (which he is) and that he meditates for the therapeutic benefits (which he does). If he feels strongly enough about his beliefs to consider himself Buddhist then he is one. This is not an exclusive term.

I practice weekly with mostly Christian Buddhists (or Zen Christians but whats in a label) who consider themselves equal parts both. They take the teachings of Buddha and use them in conjunction with Christian beliefs. I don't see them as any less Buddhist than the lay-practitioners that run our group or any less Christian than everybody else out here in SD.

[from NewsVirginian]When Erik chose to ignore my advice about sharing his faith, and instead only posting that he attends a Methodist church, I thought that a little too disingenuous for me to be able to recommend him to my supporters.

There are some in the Christian community who can’t understand or get past my being a Democrat. There are some Democrats who have issues with me wearing my faith on my sleeve. To each of you I will tell you that in my life I hope to be a Christian first and then be the rest. As far as being a Democrat, it ranks sixth, just after being a Redskins fan.

It seems to me that the comment Tracy Pyles is making is that his vote goes first to religion and then to policy. While I am the first to say that you should vote with your heart. When your heart says that you will not vote for someone because their spiritual life (not their moralistic views, mind you) is slightly different than yours; you may need to reflect on yourself. This seems just as bad as superficially voting for someone because they like the same movies as you or read the same book.

The fact that faith - any faith - plays such a huge role in politics still irks me. The fact that any political candidate has to woo the Christian Right with weekly church visits and ridiculous shows of piety to reaffirm everyone that "Hey, I'm just like you" makes me somewhat ill. It would be just as bad if a Buddhist paraded themselves around as a Buddhist just to hit a specific demographic (I never heard of that happening but I suppose it could). Curren puts it best when he states...

It is understandable that people are curious about and may even fear things that they do not understand. So it is a service to civil discourse for people of different faiths to share their beliefs and practices in a spirit of mutual respect and tolerance. Recognizing that all major religions teach the same basic ideas –to seek truth, promote love, and care for God’s creation — faith can be a way to bring us all together on a higher plane.

But all too often religion is used by misguided leaders to pull our communities apart and to sow the seeds of discord. This is a misuse of religious faith in my opinion, and I feel compelled to speak out against religious prejudice and bigotry.

Its true. I converse with individuals with faiths that span the gamut from Christian sects to Buddhists to wiccans and pagans to atheists and agnostics. We can all agree on the same basic moralistic foundation once we promise to avoid anything coming from a holy text. Our basic human-nature drives us towards the same concepts. Its when the superficial aspect of the religion get utilized do we really get our divisions.

[From Progressive Buddhism] Buddhism really is just another ‘scary foreign’ religion for a lot of people, especially in the rural Bible belt. I do have to say though, these prejudices aren’t the norm, and from my experience, many of the people that I interact with that are non-Buddhist in rural areas, even many Fundamentalist Christians, are understanding and compassionate folks. It is those that should know better, that use the differences in people as a wedge, for political or economic reasons that I find detestable. I live here in Virginia, and know Augusta County fairly well, and if you think the hostility that Curren is getting from fellow Democrats is bad, just wait until the conservative Republicans get a hold of him.

Again true! I used to teach and tutor out here in the Midwest and the basic understanding is that if you are white then you are Christian. When it comes out otherwise you get sideways glances or forced friendliness ("Oh, a Buddhist...thats...interesting. So do you believe in Jesus?"). One positive is that after reciting "The Five Remembrances" to a gaggle of Jehovah's Witnesses that were particularly saccharine; I haven't seen them since.

But to be honest, once you get past the initial shock and stuttering, most are legitimately curious about your practice. It is a great opportunity to share what you believe and provide a resource about something that most may not be familiar with. Word got around at work pretty quickly that I was a Buddhist and I got some stupid shit from people trying to "save" me and some that lumped me into that "New Age" jargon or thought that I was serene all the time and watched "The Secret" *shiver*.

And I never pushed my religion onto anyone that I worked with especially the children. Any Fundies that worked there would throw Jesus into all of their lessons and it was simple horrible. I never did that. If someone asked what I was then I told them but I never pushed it or said that it was the "right" way only that it was right for me.

I did get a kick out of the fact one of the constant troublemakers in my class came up to me on my last day of working there and asked me how one becomes a Buddhist. I was already on my out to greener pastures so I answered her that if she was asking then she probably already was.

This only stay "foreign" for as long as we make them such. And this is not a comment on "Traditional" Buddhism or "Asian" Buddhism or "Western Buddhism". The concepts are foreign. Changing the language or discarding the incense and robes won't change that. The only way that it changes is by doing what Curren is doing - being open and honest about our religion/non-religion/philosophy and being receptive to the fact that some people will think it is weird and strange. Then take that opportunity to explain and teach - not to convert or judge.

Cheers,

I apologize if this post is rambling...I was rushing to finish before my break was over.

Kapleau's 5 Forms

The 5 Forms of Zen Meditation: as described by Kapleau Roshi in "3 Pillars of Zen"

Bompu Zen (Ordinary Zen) - Free of any philosophic or religious content, bompu zen is for everyone and everybody. Practiced solely in the belief that Zen is beneficial for physical and mental well-being. Through this practice you learn to focus concentration and control your mind's activity.

Gedo Zen (Outside Way Zen) - Zen related to religious practice and spirituality but yet not actual Buddhist Zen. Hindu yoga, Christian prayer or reflection and some "New Age" practices may be included in this category. A primary feature of this sort of Zen is that the ultimate goal is some cultivation of supranormal powers or skills or to master certain arts.

Shojo Zen (Small Vehicle) - This is the form of zen most standard practitioners fall into line with. Its primary goal is to bring you from the state of delusion to the state of enlightenment. This sort of Zen practice is in line with standard Buddhist practice but not really in accord with Zen teachings. The main reason for this is that Shojo only ferries one person (you) to the shores of enlightenment. It is an expedient form of Zen that does not take into account the inner meanings of the Buddha's enlightenment (existence as an inseparable whole)

Daijo Zen (Great Vehicle) - Mahayana Buddhist Zen with the central purpose of of kensho, the seeing of your own implicit Buddha-nature and the realization of the Way in your daily life. The practice of zazen is seen as a means to an end and that end is satori awakening. In this practice of zazen your aim at the beginning in to awaken your True Nature, but upon enlightenment you learn that zazen was both a means and an ends. It is a path to satori awakening as well as the expression of it.

Saijojo Zen - Highest form of Zen practiced by the Buddhas. Also called Shikan-taza (silent sitting).

I have mixed feelings about these classifications. The first two (Bompu and Gedo) work well for me. These are beneficial meditative practices but not Buddhist. Yoga practice would fall into the spirit of both of these categories. Yoga as an exercise would fall into the spirit of Bompu Zen while yoga as a spiritual tool (Yogacara Schools) would fall into Gedo Zen.

Just to clarify, Yoga is not Zen (and I am not trying to say that it is) but like Zen it is a spiritual path that has entered popular cultures in many differing manifestations; some true to its original intent and some not. I utilize yoga in my practice but it is not integral to it - it does however help supplement it. To a real yoga practitioner - my yoga would be extremely rudimentary - but yoga nonetheless. The same is true of Zen.

The next form described by Kapleau Roshi is really just a holdback from the Mahayana view of the Theravada tradition as being a "lesser vehicle". Shojo Zen is really just Theravada Buddhism. I think the difference that Kapleau is trying to enunciate is that of the Arhat Path versus the Bodhisattva Path. In Theravada Buddhism the Arhat path is a path that one person takes to free themselves while the Bodhisattva path takes into account the desire of the Mahayana Buddhist to free all other beings from their suffering as well.

The last two divisions (Daijo and Saijojo) are really, to me, belonging in the same category of Zen practice. Both focus on seated meditation and while the Rinzai tradition sees Daijo as the highest form, the Soto tradition sees Saijojo as the highest form. So from a Western Zen viewpoint, these are practically the same since most of the tradition that is being developed here is coming from a melding of both the Rinzai and Soto traditions.

Cheers,

Aang is White? Really? Weird.

A recent posting brought up something close to my heart - Cartoons. Evidently, the movie version of Avatar: The Last Airbender will feature a somewhat paler complexioned Aang as well as most of the cast (except for the baddies). I was sort of floored by this. I remember hearing that they were planning a live action movie but I really assumed that it would be a mostly Asian cast. I don't really recall any white characters except maybe Earth Kingdom but I could be wrong. As stated recently:

Avatar has been hugely popular among kids of all races. There was no backlash against an all-Asian show. Much as those who watch anime don’t freak out at the paucity of white characters. Yet, somehow the Hollywood producers think the live action version has to be white washed. Except for the villains, of course, it’s okay for them to be brown. I think they’re wrong.

This assessment is correct. Usually, according to Hollywood, only side-kicks, partners and villains can be minorities. Rarely do you find otherwise (there are obviously movies that go against this but I am sure if we did a quick survey of summer blockbusters we will come up with close to 0).

I like Avatar. It has served as a segue into Asian culture for most of the children I worked with (Librarian and Tutor at Youth and Family Services and now Outreach at a public library). Many can not stop talking about Aang and it was an easy transition into learning about Shinto, Taoism and Buddhism. It was great and this was from an area that has almost no Asian population so this may be the only real engaging introduction into a culture they would probably never have exposure to...at least until adulthood and by then, well, we are not anywhere near as receptive.

Looking at the possible cast (I hope it isn't definite) here, I almost spit my Schlitz out on my keyboard. A picture is worth a whole heckofa lotta words and Those casting suggestions speak volumes.

I don't know why Hollywood would think that the public is unable to deal with minority central characters. I was psyched for "The Last Samurai" and am still confused why that movie had to have Tom Cruise in it, he really didn't add to the flick all that much and there was such a deeper story to be told without him. It should have been a much better movie.

Schindler's List is another example of this...although maybe less obvious. The Jewish workers were show as helpless and perhaps the whitest actor I can think of, Liam Neeson, was made out as the hero. I am sure that there were shitloads of Jewish people that fucking stepped up during WWII but we don't hear about them.

It seems more insidious though to actually change the ethnicity of a character for marketing purposes. And don't fool yourself, this decision was made purely at a Marketing meeting when it was determined through focus groups that audiences were more receptive to a white Aang (and entire cast from the website) than an Asian one.

Avatar opened the doors to a unfamiliar culture for many young kids (especially out here in East Bumblefuck). I saw kids react to it. I know. Now the movie is just going to reaffirm the stereotype, the generalization, that when it comes to heroics...look towards a white leading actor and a minority supporting cast.

One personal note, my father opened me up to the classic, iconic western with "The Magnificent Seven". Imagine my surprise when he told me that it was actually the classic, iconic samurai flick "The Seven Samurai" then I got to experience Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune.

It looks like this is a losing battle, unfortunately, but take some solace in the fact that M. Night Shyamalan is directing so there is a good chance that it will suck either way.

For more info look to the racebending website. They sum it up pretty well.

Cheers,

Shobogenzo Zuimonki 5

Dogen instructed:

Nothing can be gained by extensive and in depth study and reading. Give them up immediately. Just focus your mind on one thing, absorb the old examples, study the actions of the old zen masters. Penetrate deeply into one form of practice. Do not think of yourself as someones teacher or as someones predecessor.

"Nothing can be gained by extensive and in depth study and reading" - I think the point Dogen is trying to make is that extensive study and reading by itself does not gain the student much. Not without actual practice. The study may prepare you for good practice or augment already existing practice. But it will never replace it. Just as practice without knowledge will not lead to wisdom; knowledge without actual practice provides only a very superficial wisdom.

"Just focus your mind on one thing...Penetrate deeply into one form of practice" - Focus and depth in one or two forms of practice will lead to a better understanding than spreading across a broad array of styles. While every practitioner spends some time exploring the options of the various sects of Buddhism (especially if you have no actual cultural attachment in Buddhism). That cultural attachment is not a negative but it does tend to focus you into one specific style. At some point, you graduate into the deep practice of something -whether it is nembutsu, zazen, chanting, samu, vipassana, Metta, whatever...you see what works. Basic teaching remains the same and is just a matter of expressing it. Although I am sure that Dogen would disagree and insist on zazen as the primary focus.

"Do not think of yourself as someones teacher or as someones predecessor." - Lose the hierarchy and the dogma. There are no lineages (I know that this is not what Dogen meant...but well, I opine). It is about as "new age" as I am bound to get but we are all teachers and students. We learn from others, Buddhist or no, about our own practice. Don't search out people who seem like teachers...allow the teaching to reach you from wherever it comes from.


cheers,

Privileged, Persnickety Buddhists

Well, here we go again...and it is a good thing, I suppose, since the last run at this topic didn't seem to go anywhere. We need to flesh this issue out and the author of this specific, new expose seems more than willing to dive straight into the interworkings and seedy underbelly of Buddhism...

There’s no corresponding “Buddhophobia”. A white Buddhist is rarely regarded as a freak of nature. Instead of being hated and feared, symbols of my religion are commonly sold in the Home & Garden section of chain stores! Buddhism appears to be eminently compatible with modern American society.

But if you look closely, you’ll see some ripples on the surface…

The overall aim of this series is to discuss how issues of race and ethnicity intersect with the image and reality of Buddhism in the United States. It’s a huge topic so I’ll try to make it more manageable by establishing what this series won’t do. After I provide a very brief historical introduction to Buddhism, I won’t go much deeper into teachings or philosophy, especially since I’m ignorant about so much of it beyond the basics and have zero qualifications as that kind of teacher. I’m going to stick to the surface, to superficial perceptions, stereotypes, illusions, skin color… although what’s on the surface usually connects to other issues which go very, very deep.

Oh, Jesus H. Christ this is going to be interesting. I'm confused, aren't the teachings of Buddhism the exact things we, as Buddhists, need to delve into? I know this is a touchy subject and all. Race always raises everyone's hackles and gets the blood flowing but to say that you are going to go straight to human nature (illusions, stereotypes and superficial perceptions) without tying it together with the fact that we basically, in the end, believe in the same thing, seems somewhat irresponsible...almost like muckraking. But then again, it is a blog.

However, lets see where the tone of the introduction goes before we make any snap judgements. So far it sounds interesting....

I’m going to be discussing a lot of generalizations about different religions. I’ll try to be as sensitive as possible and differentiate my own fairly neutral views. I might offend various kinds of believers, but once I get farther along, I think that the most passionate objections are going to come from other Buddhists. Contrary to popular belief, we’re a fractious bunch. I’ll try to steel myself.

Good. Sensitive is good. Most of us are not sensitive to other viewpoints. I am not sometimes. I try to be but I tend to go with a knee-jerk response at first followed by a smoldering anger and then finally some sort of understanding. But the author will be as sensitive as possible.

My own background in Buddhism is rather unique. I was half born into it,half converted.

That is interesting since I think that is probably the largest division in Buddhism. Well beyond race, ethnicity or other such constructs, I think this issue is a large divide for us. It divides us along whether or not we have a cultural constuct for Buddhism already developed in our family. This peppers our viewpoint of Buddhism.

I'll skip the author's recap of the history of Buddhism and her own family history. To be honest though, if there is any excuse to read this introduction, it is the story the author outlined of her family's history and her own early upbringing into Buddhism and also unfortunate experience with American Fundamentalism. Her family story was engrossing and spoke much to what I thought the tone of the series was going to be. However, the postscript.

Postscript: Although this really belongs more to the later part of the series, I have to mention that there has been a recent blog tempest over some remarks by C.N. Le at Asian Nation.C.N. Le is Vietnamese-American professor with a PhD in sociology. He’s very well-known and respected in the Asian-American blogosphere. On July 15th, he wrote a post describing his family’s experience at a Buddhist retreat. He mentioned a couple of white Buddhists who did not clean up after themselves, and suggested that just possibly maybe occasionally provisionally perhaps perhaps perhaps… white privilege was involved.

The right of C.N. Le to make this rather mild criticism was noted and defended by the few Buddhist bloggers who have a sophisticated awareness on racial issues (the ones I know about are Angry Asian Buddhist and The Buddha is my DJ). Thank goodness for them. Otherwise, the reaction from Buddhist blogs appears to consist entirely of ridiculous racial hysteria and sanctimonious dharma-beating. For example, This person’s post can be summarized as “I AM A PERSECUTED WHITE MAN!! C.N. LE IS THE ASIAN KKK!! AND I BET HE DOESN’T EVEN HAVE A REAL SOCIOLOGY DEGREE NYAH NYAH NYAH!!”. And this is from a blog called “Progressive Buddhism”. Sigh…

I didn’t want to get to this sort of stuff until the later part of the series, but I’ll provide a brief preview right now. Below is a mathematical equation containing elements that combine to form my perspective as an Asian-American Buddhist contemplating the persecution of a white American Buddhist.

(almost all the problems experienced by white Buddhists) +(extra problems experienced in general by people of color Buddhists) +(extra problems experienced only by Asian-American Buddhists) - (-white privilege) =STFU

I can’t speak for all other Asian-Americans but I imagine more than a few of them share my reaction. It’s why I don’t bother participating in these sorts of communities. I don’t feel like being insulted, ignored and erased when I try to connect to my religion. My only message to them: I’ve already heard everything you’ve had to say. I’ve even experienced it along with you. You haven’t done the same for me. Let me know when you’re ready to start listening.

Yes. *sigh* indeed... this is the sensitivity I can expect from this series that was promised from the beginning? To "Shut the Fuck Up"? I commented on these threads and I commented honestly. I did not like Le's tone and I exactly explained why. Le took from one experience with some white people at a retreat not cleaning up after themselves and brought to the level of a racial incident. And I don't buy Le's supposed objectivity over the issue either. He stated directly that...

...the second “racial” incident at the retreat [concerning the whites] does not involve much ambiguity at all...[from Le's posting]

You are right that does sound that Le maybe, perhaps, perhaps, perhaps, slightly inferred white priviledge. Just a little. To me it sounds like his mind was made up. Le also stated that...

...the actions of this particular couple and the White attendees present at this last lunch seem to be a microcosm of the White-privileged notion that service work should be left to people of color and that unless they are specifically assigned to do so, many Whites seem to think that they are “above” such “demeaning” work and physical labor.

Again these are gross generalizations and not "inferrences".

So to the author I say "Thank You". Thank you for marginalizing my opinion and my comments along with my views. I will, after this, do exactly as you recommend and "Shut the Fuck Up". I have nothing more to say and have little interest in this thread. If this is your fairly neutral view and your level of sensitivity then I am dissappointed. I will read future posts and hope that the tone of your postscript ends with your postscript but I am fully prepared, at this point, to be dissappointed.

My experience in multicultural Sanghas have been much better than Le's. I went to school on the East Coast and while not very active in Buddhism, I did try to attend the local Zen group. It was roughly 50% Asian 30% White and 20% African American and Hispanic. We all cleaned up after ourselves and we all got along. This example is just as valid as Le's. One experience with one group. That only difference is that I am not generalizing.

We need to work on these issues and as Barbara's Buddism Blog stated we need to take these issues, after they are exposed, and treat them as "teachable moments" and get past what are obviously preconcieved notions about each other. Whether those notions are coming from a minority or the majority; they are toxic to us as a sangha. That is what we are - one big-assed, struggling, North American sangha.

Cheers,

[My Own Postscript: Sometimes, I think this is the danger of blogs...too easy to rant and throw information out while at the same time losing the human connection of an interaction. I have little doubt that most of the people that have been bantering back and forth would probably be able to ease these issues with a simple beer and some (maybe heated), conversation.]

Shobogenzo Zuimonki 2

Dogen said:

Although the precepts and the eating regulations should be maintained, you must not make the mistake of establishing them as of primary importance and of basing your practice on them; nor should they be considered a path to enlightenment...This does not mean that you should break them but to attach to them is wrong and a departure from the way...When doing zazen, what precepts are not kept?

Hold the precepts and the scriptures high but not so high that you lose sight of yourself and your earthly practice. Do not disregard them but do not rever them.

The knowledge of the theory of Buddhism or of the principles of zazen are not required to practice. The problem with theory and scripture is that it is practically endless. Intellectual formulations, scripture, phiosophy and doctrine are just manifistations of of the same thing which is physically and practically represented by zazen practice. Personally, I prefer zazen. But that is all that it is...a preference. The Buddhist doctrine and philosophy allows for many venues of practice. Find the one that works best for you and focus intently on it.

Cheers,

Twitter Teisho

A great conversation on twitter this morning b/t @digitalzendo and @Genshin. It was civil too! All about Dharma Transmissions, Mind to Mind and some history to boot. I personally like when both commentors state that teachers (Roshis) are fallible and I especially enjoyed the statements of Dharma Transmission being fabricated and worthless..

@digitalzendo Response to "Zen W/O Jargon Part III," I feel compelled to ask, what is an "authentic" teacher, and who "authenticates" them?

RT @Genshin: I feel compelled to ask, what is an "authentic" teacher. In the USA sometimes kind of appoint themselves as a teacher ...

RT @Genshin: rather than coming for a Dharma lineage. That was my intent.

@Genshin Do you think I should add something to the post to explain that point or leave it as it stands

@Genshin Genjo Osho received inka & permission to teach from Genki & Eido Roshi, Eido Roshi from Soen Roshi, Soen from Gempo Roshi...

@digitalzendo Since the Heian period in Japan many thousands of monks ordained themselves & appointed themselves teachers..............

@digitalzendo ......without having had a teacher or a "Dharma lineage."

@digitalzendo Not to mention that the whole idea of a "Dharma lineage" was concocted by the Chinese....................

@digitalzendo ...........to add prestige to their practice and connect it to the historical Buddha.

@digitalzendo Honestly, lineages mean very little to me, my friend. They have no real place in Buddhist practice.

RT @Genshin: Since Heian period in Japan many 1000's of monks ordained themselves & appointed themselves teachers Not okay w/ Eido Roshi

@digitalzendo No one has the ability to sanction, or to "authenticate" the mind of another.

@digitalzendo Well, he would be fighting history then. It's a fact that the "lineage" of Chinese & Japanese Buddhism is mostly fictional.

@digitalzendo No disrespect meant, but it is all rather silly.

@Genshin Eido Roshi is fiercely strict on this point as are many American Roshi's

@digitalzendo That which is the Dharma cannot be passed on ~ Takuan Sõhõ

@digitalzendo Then, I dare say, they are simply dancing the Dharma.

RT @Genshin: ..to add prestige 2 their practice &connect it to the historical Buddha. But in a certain way it adds Mind 2 Mind transmission

@digitalzendo The hierarchy, the ranks and grades, the inka and certification - This is NOT Buddhist practice.

@digitalzendo "Mind to mind" transmission was invented by the Chinese in order to have their temples recognised by the government.

@digitalzendo The Japanese simply copied this practice.

@digitalzendo Lineage Zen - inka Zen - is PAPER ZEN. Not realised Zen. It is just dancing the Dharma.

@Genshin I can only speak for the for our Dharma lineage, not sure of other schools, but You won't get Inka without Kensho...

@digitalzendo And WHO authenticates this "kensho" and how?

@Genshin Eido Roshi has been very unhappy that Zen is degenerated into a kind of "Family Business," in Japan. He has worked here in USA to..

@Genshin restore so called, "authentic," practice and tradition, hence being a stickler and my "Buddha Bootcamp," statement in PT. I

@digitalzendo "...degenerated into a kind of "Family Business," in Japan...." In that I am in agreement, totally.............

@digitalzendo That however, started way back in the Tokugawa period, and has been going on ever since.

RT @Genshin: And WHO authenticates this "kensho" and how? Monastically, I am not Your equal, so I won't tell You. Better to See Roshi

@digitalzendo When Dharmakala visited China from India he found that in the hundred monasteries in Wei....................the monks had invented their own methods of ordination and ordained themselves according to Taoist ways.............it is this "lineage" that was transported to Japan.

@digitalzendo Actually, you ARE my equal. We are ALL equals. There are no "lineages" there are no ranks, grades, levels.......

@digitalzendo .....There is no distinguishing between these things. This is the discriminating mind at work.

RT @Genshin: Actually, you ARE my equal. We are ALL equals. There are no "lineages" there are no ranks, grades, levels.. I know...

@digitalzendo .... does not place too much emphasis on ranks and grades and hierarchies.

@digitalzendo Anyhow, my friend in the Dharma. I do hope that Zen in the U.S. under your teacher..............

@digitalzendo In Japan today, the whole idea of ranks and grades has left Buddhism rather cultish and akin to the Boy Scouts.............

RT @Genshin: But I will still follow the guidelines set out by Genjo Osho and by extension Eido Roshi.

@digitalzendo ...special colours for such-and-such a grade. Pay this much money if you wish to train for this grade etc. NOT Buddhism at all

@Genshin Also for some inside "baseball," Genjo Osho reads my posts regularly to make sure there's not distortion & helps to clarify points

@digitalzendo By all means, follow their guidelines. Teachers aren't infallible however. And remember to QUESTION EVERYTHING.

@digitalzendo "Genjo Osho reads my posts regularly...." This can be a good thing, but you are not a mirror. You must realise for yourself.

@digitalzendo RE @ExBP_Buddhist: There is no more to be gained from becoming a monk than remaining secular. I would advise against it.

RT @ZenDirtZenDust: RT @Genshin: Oh agree agree agree and Genjo Osho Own mistakes when made which is really cool. Not phony at all.

RT @Genshin: .special colours 4 such-&-such a grade. Pay this much $ if u wish 2 train Genjo Osho doesn't charge anything... Just practice

RT @Genshin: "Genjo Osho reads my posts regularly. This can be a good thing, but you are not a mirror. You must realise for yourself. Hai

@digitalzendo "Genjo Osho doesn't charge anything..." He's cutting against the grain, that's a good sign. :)

@digitalzendo There are a few who believe they should come to Japan to learn about Buddhism, I would advise against it.....................

@digitalzendo From the what I can see, America is picking up the right attitude and has the discipline. Japan has only the outward form.

Cheers,

Why I Practice with no Teacher...

Running across two posts today, the topic of the Sangha and Practice came up. One post gave a very traditional view of the Sangha and the other (Zen w/o Jargon Pt. 3) gave a more modern but still traditional view of the Sangha and lay-practice. The Sangha was defined by the Buddha as a means ...

To provide for those who wish to practise the Dhamma full time, in a direct and highly disciplined way, free from the restrictions and responsibilities of the household life. The Sangha also fulfils the function of preserving the Buddha’s original teachings and of providing spiritual support for the Buddhist lay-community.

I can get behind this. The Sangha operates as an extreme, rigid form of practice. Some prefer it and some don't. But it should never be the definition of practice by any form. It does serve a purpose and an important one but one that was never relevant in the West because the Sangha is still taking root here and slowly growing. It is strong on the coasts and in some larger cities but the majority of the country is without it. For better or for worse.

For others those "restrictions and responsibilities of household life" are exactly the things we spend most of the day doing so why should we incorporate our practice into them so that our life and work is our Sangha. Our restrictions and responsibilities no longer hamper us but provide a venue for understanding.

Sanghas also occasionally monopolize the Dharma. They are taught in a tradition and attempt to provide instruction but tend to at the expense of other teachings. Individuals also do this but not in such a defined manner.

It is not my intention to say that the Sangha is obsolete in the West, it is just not ingrained into the West. Most traditional Buddhist practice with a Sangha culturally tied to them. We do not have that opportunity...

My personal experience is that, there "Are" teachers of Zen and I'm thankful for that. In fact while some avoid sitting with a Sangha and authentic teacher, I love the fact that I have both available to me. Zen Buddhism is a "Team," practice and by working together it accelerates the likelihood that we can stop deluding and tricking ourselves. Having a teacher does not indicate that I am somehow an incompetent human being.

I think the prime words are "available to me". We have different levels of availability. Were I to move to LA or San Fransisco, I would have a much deeper well of knowledge to pull from since there is a strong (by western standards) Buddhist tradition there.

But I live in the Great Plains. In my town we are lucky enough to have three small Buddhists groups, each loosely affiliating themselves to one of the Three Vehicles. For a Midwestern town this is practically a smorgasbord. We are a sangha of learning, struggling and eager Buddhists. Some have taken precepts and an organization role to help us gather as a group and learn from each other.

I prefer this situation to that of a large Zendo or temple. It affords me the freedom to practice from each of the vehicles as I see fit and study Buddhism without the constraints of a hierarchy or institutional dogma (notice I do not state religious dogma).

“Monks, householders are very helpful to you, as they provide you with the requisites of robes, alms food, lodgings, and medicine. And you, monks, are very helpful to householders, as you teach them the Dhamma admirable in the beginning, in the middle, and in the end. In this way the holy life is lived in mutual dependence, for the purpose of crossing over the flood, for making an end to suffering.”

While sometimes I do wish to be involved with a larger group or a more experienced teacher, I do enjoy the realization that my teachers have been eclectic and diverse even when they don't wear saffron or black. I read the Buddhist scriptures and struggle over the meanings; I sit and struggle over the pain and the concentration, I drink with other lay-practitioners that struggle over the same things. I think my sangha is just fine the way it is.

and when all else fails, I check wikipedia...;p

Cheers,

The Zennist, 2009: The Zen...It CRUMBLES!

The Zennist is back...and just to get this out there in the open. I love him. Really, like a brother. Stubborn and cranky but sharp and smart as well. Reminds me of, well, me (except without the sharp and smart part). I enjoy his viewpoint but I think he just over exaggerates the whole issue too much.

"Modern Zen is so modern it doesn’t require any help from classical Zen, classical Zen being anything prior to 1900."

Seems like a horrible generalization. Yes, Modern Zen has different viewpoint and may reprioritize some thing s but to say that it completely disregards history or "Classical" Zen seems silly. I mean, the 1800's were a great time for Zen. I'm kidding, all of Zen history (good and bad, old and modern) has something to teach us. We don't disregard it entirely (at least this humble lay-person doesn't).

"I need to underscore this, 2009 Zen doesn’t require any validation from the past. So don’t expect any citations from the Pali canon or the Mahayana canon."

I don't need, like or prefer to quote the Pali canon or the Mahayana Sutras. I read them and grasp what I can but I don't feel the need to back myself up with them. They have their place in Zen. Whether you place them in the forefront or in the hind is up to you. Besides, when we want good old Buddhist quotes we know who to go to *wink, wink, smile*.

But, seriously, that is just me. I hated when people would quote the Bible and act like that was the end all of the argument. I place the same limitation on the Sutras and canon. You can argue that with me but to me it is just good helpful literature.

"For all of you Zen romantics who refuse to go along with this you have only one course of action to take, continue visiting this blog and other like blogs and Internet sites that teach about something other than the moment"

I love blogs. See, you got some Modern Zen in you. It is a great way to present the Dharma to others. This is a great one and I learn a bit (good links) but that does not mean that I have to agree with every comment you make. There are many others out floating around that have some good and varied wisdom to provide. We choose them like we choose teachers. Not all teachers are great nor teach in the same way.

Our teaching (classical or modern) tends to get inbred when we don't branch out a bit. Many Modern practitioners practice, for some time, with classic Theravada monks or branch into "Pure Land" or Tibetan Traditions to learn from them. What can you learn from modern zen practitioners? Simple, learn to not get to wrapped up into the scriptures. Don't ignore them but don't wrap yourself up in a blanket with them either.

"In the meantime expect Zen, followed by Buddhism, to become something it never was when we compare what is taught today with the canon itself."

Yes, expect something like that and expect the same complaints that were heard when those "fancy" Mahayana Sutra came out with their crazy logics and celestrial Buddhas. It seems like everyone (maybe) got over it.I read the Pali and the Mahayana Sutras. Buddhism should change. The Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path remain solid. The rest is just gravy.

I collect from experience. I work. I follow no gurus and no roshis. I accept teaching when provided and ignore it when I deem it crap. I practice Modern Zen. One thing that most modern Buddhist are careful about are literal and unwavering attachment to scripture.

Maybe it was because many of us were raised Christian and had the Bible thumped into us but the end result is that while I view Sutras and the Pali Canon as helpful; they are still just tools. Don't get too involved with them. They are not useless, by any means, but they are not the main aspect of many individuals' practice. They are only words.

If you want my opinion on what "Modern" Buddhism or Zen is...it is a movement away from hierarchy and structure. Not the structure that is presented in the teachings of the Buddha but the structure that was developed over years of it being the primary religion in Asia. This structure is important historically and many have cultural attachments to it but, frankly, I never did. So why would I need to wear a robe or chant in Japanese.

The Dharma has moved into the West and it is about time that we realize that it will change. Maybe for the better or for the worse but change it will...it always does.

Cheers,

enlightenment for an easy payment of $199.99 - Take 2

[Please read previous post first to truly appreciate the mind blowing sensual dharmic explosion that is New Age Zen]

Brad Warner's Hardcore Zen page had a great example of New Age Zen. The delightful angel that it is...I can't anymore encouraging than Brad Warner already was, but I'll try.

Endorsed by none other than Ken Wilber Himself, it says, "Millions have heard Eckhart Tolle’s story of spontaneous awakening to a super-conscious state –atimeless, transcendental state. Mystics maintain that this 'pure now' moment is the doorway to liberation, and the mystics are right."

OOOOOO! Ken Wilber! The same Ken Wilber that brought us "The Essential Ken Wilber" and "Integral Spirituality". I have never actually read any of his stuff but from the looks of his website, he's a highly enlightened and compassionate individual. Oh, dude was that a naked angel with robotic jet-pack wings?! I have already been sold but that clinched it! This dude can present me with a legitimate and wholesome philosophy and I wouldn't care (hows the encouragement sounding...I try).

Oh God. Mystics...I knew it. Delightful, nectar-expousing mystics with their unrivaled powers of perception. I assume these are the same mystics that foresaw the ROBO-WINGED TATTOED ANGELS! Those angels sing to me a song so sweet that I had to lash myself to the bulkhead or else I wound follow those willowy notes to my certain demise. The actual author of this amazing product is Eckhart Tolle...

Eckhart Tolle is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Power of Now(translated into 33 languages) and the highly acclaimed follow-up A New Earth, which are widely regarded as two of the most influential spiritual books of our time.Eckhart’s profound yet simple teachings have already helped countless people throughout the world find inner peace and greater fulfillment in their lives. At the core of the teachings lies the transformation of consciousness, a spiritual awakening that he sees as the next step in human evolution. An essential aspect of this awakening consists in transcending our ego-based state of consciousness. This is a prerequisite not only for personal happiness but also for the ending of violent conflict endemic on our planet.

The next step in Human Evolution. Finally a melding of science and spirituality that I can endorse not only with my head but with my heart as well. Lets review this products merits:

1. First, it is advertised on blogs and Facebook so it has to be good.


2. Second, it is backed by a man with fantastic computer and web-design skills.


3. Third, the guy looks like trustworthy individual. Seroiusly, check him out.


4. Fourth, it cost more than a book. I can deal with someone selling a book but when they are selling a program, I know I am getting the whole delightful package.


5. Outlandish claims and ease "spontaneous", "supra-understanding" and "ending violent conflict on our planet". Finally, change that I can get behind.


6. Money, Money, Money. Ihave some and I am sure that my payment will only help him spread the good word.
   

This people...is delightful. And you wonder why I get so excited when people compare my Zen practice to this...this delightful reality of sublime suchness.

Cheers,

If anyone can fill me in on exactly what the deal is with this feel free to comment. I didn't want send my brain into more throws of passion on his website ...and I thought "The Secret" was insightful. Damn!

enlightenment for an easy payment of $199.99

Brad Warner's Hardcore Zen page had a great example of New Age Zen. The filthy whore that it is...I can't anymore sarcastic than Brad Warner already was, but I'll try.

Endorsed by none other than Ken Wilber Himself, it says, "Millions have heard
Eckhart Tolle’s story of spontaneous awakening to a super-conscious state – a
timeless, transcendental state. Mystics maintain that this 'pure now' moment is
the doorway to liberation, and the mystics are right."

OOOOOO!! Ken Wilber! The same Ken Wilber that brought us "The Essential Ken Wilber" and "Integral Spirituality". I have never actually read any of his stuff but from the looks of his website, he's a prick. Oh, dude was that a naked angel with robotic jet-pack wings?! Oh, fucking sign me up now! This dude can ravage me and I wouldn't care (hows the sarcasm sounding...I try).

Oh God. Mystics...I knew it. Sneaky darn mystics with their awesome powers of perception. I assume these are the same mystics that foresaw the ROBO-WINGED TATTOED ANGELS!

The actual author of this amazing product is Eckhart Tolle...

Eckhart Tolle is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Power of Now (translated into 33 languages) and the highly acclaimed follow-up A New Earth, which are widely regarded as two of the most influential spiritual books of our time.

Eckhart’s profound yet simple teachings have already helped countless people throughout the world find inner peace and greater fulfillment in their lives. At the core of the teachings lies the transformation of consciousness, a spiritual awakening that he sees as the next step in human evolution. An essential aspect of this awakening consists in transcending our ego-based state of consciousness. This is a prerequisite not only for personal happiness but also for the ending of violent conflict endemic on our planet.

The next step in Human Evolution. Wow. Stop. Really? So lets count down the factors that make this absolute shit...

• First, it is advertised on blogs and Facebook.


• Second, it is backed by a man with more flash on his website than I have on my roof.


• Third, the guy looks like a mixure of a cadaver and a turtle. Seroiusly, check him out.


• Fourth, it cost more than a book. I can deal with someone selling a book but when they are selling a program, eh?


• Outlandish claims and ease "spontaneous", "supra-understanding" and "ending violent conflict on our planet".


• Money, Money, Money.

This people...is bullshit. And you wonder why I ge tso angry when people compare my Zen practice to this...this scam.

Cheers,

If anyone can fill me in on exactly what the deal is with this feel free to comment. I didn't want to rot my brain on his website any more than I had to...and I thought "The Secret" was bad. Damn!

Dharma Twitter Combat - The Transcripts

@DrumsofDharma asks for transcripts @DrumsofDharma gets a transcript.

It is by no means complete but I tried to get most of it there. This took me much of my morning when I should have been working out and sitting so please digest the conversation. Let me know of any ommisions and comment or criticize. Either way.

I should comment again that I respect both Dharma combatants but I tend to go towards the non-academic practice. Cheers!! All hail Gary Busey

@ZenDirtZenDust How do real life exp. help us in seeing our Buddha-nature?

@ZenDirtZenDust Zen is like learning a foreign language. It is immersion that works best. It is hard but productive. #buddhism #zen

@mujaku What else do we have? It is all our exp. and our perceptions of exp. Zen/Buddhism/Xianity help provide framework. Is all.

@mujaku We immerse ourselves in many things. To immerse only in Buddhism is mistake. Moderation in all things, inc. Buddhism. Fun convs.

@ZenDirtZenDust Zen practice is not mere repetition of a form. It is attempting to tune into our Buddha-nature daily.

@mujaku Agreed. And we tune in through real life exp into our Buddha-Nature. Otherwise we are armchair buddhists. Is fine but I practice.

@ZenDirtZenDust Zen is more about developing our intuition and being a Sam Spade Zen detective, than experience. Mind is hard to see.

@ZenDirtZenDust To uncover our Buddha-nature is hard work on many levels. Immersion helps to start the ball rolling so we can progress.

@mujaku We agree is hard but dif. people have dif. levels of dharma understanding & ability. Some contemplate and some sweep the dust. I swp

@ZenDirtZenDust Most experiences teach us we never learn from them. But tuning in to our Buddha-nature requires a heaven soaring spirit.

@mujaku Do YOU have a "heaven soaring spirit"? Enough rhetoric. How do you get one? Is it magic?

@ZenDirtZenDust Lots of good karma and knowing the difference between brass and gold. :)

@ZenDirtZenDust It is not my words but the root of my long tongue you should look at, if you have the eyes to see this root. ;)

@mujaku Metallurgy and reptilian tongues does not a Buddha make. Gold is only as valuable as we make it...

@ZenDirtZenDust All Buddhas have a long tongue—and they freely give out Dharma gold to anyone who notices them.

@digitalzendo @mujaku I enjoy this back & forth much. I hope we can continue this later, but I must work. Dharma Battles on twitter!

@ZenDirtZenDust In the Dharma!

BLAHBLAHBLAH...New conversation

Zen w/o jargon can easily turn into New Age Zen or Zen w/o meaning

Zazen really means sitting-dhyana "sitting" being added later. Its root is dhyai which means contemplate, meditate, think. #buddhism #zen

dhyana can lead to one-pointedness samadhi, samadhi being mind coming into contact with Mind (the nonlocal background of all). #buddhism

In the Mahabharata dhyana means to be like a log—a kind of catatonic state. This too is silent illumination Zen (mokusho). #buddhism #zen

Before Bodhidharma the most prominent Dhyana master in China was Buddhabhadra (359–429) who trans. the Zen Sutra. #buddhism #zen

The 4th Dhyâna frees from the fault of inhalation and exhalation, i.e., the cessation of ‘body composing’ (kâya-samskâra). #buddhism

Some Buddhists are trying to market the idea of anti-substantialism: that the Buddha said there is no absolute. Well, it ain't so. #buddhism

The tenor of the Buddha's teaching was stop clinging to temporal phenomena. You're intrinsically eternal & undying—so realize it! #buddhism

@digitalzendo Seeing our Buddha-nature, first hand, ain't easy. I guess you could say such a difficulty is also esoteric.

@mujaku Zen w/o jargon is on how my experience has not been esoteric, non-understandable. No mysteries, nothings hidden, nothing mystical

@mujaku I'm not a new ager for sure....

@digitalzendo Seeing our Buddha-nature, first hand, ain't easy. I guess you could say such a difficulty is also esoteric.

@mujaku Quote and define all You want, but what about the real life experiences. What about fire in the knee, what of falling asleep?

@digitalzendo "real life experiences" don't count much when it comes to seeing the Mind that Huang-po discussed which is beyond knee pain.

@mujaku What is your experience of facing the iron wall, what about finding "Not what you expected?"

@digitalzendo The only wall anyone faces is the great wall of avidya when it comes to seeing their Unborn Mind.

@mujaku My drive is to get past the stink of Zen as it's portrayed and truly show Zen is truly nothing special but This present moment.

@digitalzendo Bodhidharma so-called wall-gazing in Tib. is "yang dag la phyogs" which means "facing or turning to the real."

@mujaku When Genki Takabayashi Roshi 1st came, they translated his name a Mystery before the black, before black. initially he was ok w/ it

@digitalzendo The stink of Zen is Zen rhetoric—acting Zen. When we see the pure Mind, there is no act we can put on. #buddhism #zen

@mujaku But letter when his understand of English got better, he screamed "No Mystery! Being Mysterious or esoteric is not Zen!"

@digitalzendo I beg to differ. I have found that seeing Mind requires a talent for hitting a target ordinary minds can't see. #buddhism

@digitalzendo "real life experiences" don't count much when it comes to seeing the Mind that Huang-po discussed which is beyond knee pain.

RT @mujaku: "real life experiences don't count much when it comes to seeing the Mind that Huang-po" 100% wrong that is TOTAL CRAP/insane

RT @mujaku: stink of Zen is Zen rhetoric, acting Zen. When we see pure Mind, there is no act we put on. #buddhism #zen Stop quoting then

@mujaku Show us your Zen, don't quote it through others. Quotes can be an artificial barrier

@mujaku Please know, I'm not downing YOU as a person. I'm speaking to something else, which is to not mislead in the practice of the way

@digitalzendo the prize is seeing our luminous Mind. All else is basically bunk. The real practice is trying to see this Mind.

@mujaku But that's my point, Ordinary Mind is The Way! Nothing special as You would claim.

@digitalzendo The only wall anyone faces is the great wall of avidya when it comes to seeing their Unborn Mind.

@mujaku Why would you consider IT a prize, when IT's something that you already have.

@digitalzendo Bodhidharma so-called wall-gazing in Tib. is "yang dag la phyogs" which means "facing or turning to the real."

@digitalzendo Our temporal mind is the path or way—but Buddha Mind is the goal. We have to see what Gautama saw.

RT @mujaku: "but Buddha Mind is the goal." We don't get enlightened. We cease being deluded. You arrow misses again.

@digitalzendo If you've attained the Buddha Mind it is nothing special. It has been there all along covered up by layers of perturbations.

RT @mujaku: "If you've attained the Buddha Mind it is nothing special. " Have You or are You Buddha Mind? Please show This!

@digitalzendo You only have in potentially—never actually. Even to accept that we have such a Mind potentially is hard for some.

@mujaku My mother shows me her mastery as she MIndfully "Needle Points." I value that more that your lofty words

@digitalzendo "Buddha" means awakened or enlightened. When the perturbations are removed there is Buddha Mind. One is on target.

RT @mujaku: "Buddha means awakened or enlightened." By your definition, but what about by your experience. The menu is not the meal.

@digitalzendo If you have such a Buddha eye to see it, then you must know that I have shown it.

RT @mujaku: "the root of my long tongue you should look at." I have a short tongue & will share rice krispie treats w/ U. No seeing W/ U

@digitalzendo It is not my words but the root of my long tongue you should look at, if you have the eyes to see this root. ;)

@digitalzendo It's good to come from the same root. Long tongue, short tongues. They wag freely today preaching Dharma!

RT @mujaku: "Thus root sustains us all, yet few make offerings to it. " No beginning and No End. There is not root. Arrow misses again

@mujaku Zen my friend is not in lofty things. Just live the 8fold Path, lets dedicate our life to that & that could be enough to get us home

@digitalzendo My experience is shameful. I neglected myself living in poverty when I had gold in my basement and didn't know it.

@digitalzendo Thus root sustains us all, yet few make offerings to it. But still we will wag our tongues (even forked ones) showing Dharma.

@digitalzendo The root has neither beginning nor end—what root do you think I'm discussing? It moves this old rice bag through the day!

@digitalzendo The 8 and the 10-fold path lead to this old root. I bow to this holy root without which we couldn't have this great

@mujaku You've quoted yourself out. You really can't express the root, can you?

RT @Ryan98391: Be very very quiet. Mujaku is reading. Wink. Maybe we're going to get past the quote-a-thon and get to This point

@digitalzendo When have I not shown its function? That is easy. The hard part is seeing it directly. [I went to Alon's to buy some sweets]

@digitalzendo dense or etheric means/upaya—covering and blocking the view of Mara, the essence saves all who would go to it.

@mujaku Your words are dense as lead. They cover everything and pretty much block the view.

@digitalzendo Zen is about from where words & actions originate. This is what the old rice bag pointed to during his ministry. #buddhism

@mujaku When I'm having difficulties or hurting. My friends give me a kind of hug. Even on twitter. No grandiosity. They are themselves.

@mujaku That action sspeaks directly. It's not the words we say. It's about how we are. That's what Buddha DISPLAYED in his actions.

@digitalzendo When you are not ready—tathata is present. And when you are, you can't miss its true benefit.

@mujaku I'm not sure it You are aware, but Zen/Tao adapts to It's circumstance. Maybe drop complexity & simplify. This is 2009.

@digitalzendo T'ang Zen, 2009 Zen—same suchness.

RT @mujaku: Zen is about from where words & actions originate. No it's not. You're brandishing your lead again.

@digitalzendo I feed you ambrosia (amrita) and you gripe about the food! What an old curmudgeon!

@mujaku No need to go to the "Bodhi Tree." Okay now I have to say you'd drown. SPeak only if you can improve silence please.

@digitalzendo What closes your mouth or lets you wag your tongue is what I am referring to. How could you miss that?

@mujaku Have you ever trained as a "Monastic?"

@digitalzendo Taken the 227 vows or the Meiji era Edict no. 133 of take wives, eat meat, and shave your head?

@digitalzendo Did you take the pratimoksa (the way that absolutely frees)?

@mujaku When the real YOU is ready, we will all be here to support You. We care 4 You. take the time 2 honestly work on yourself. ~Seiho

@digitalzendo Holy Brahma, I've searched for me in me and came up empty. And that was a relief. How about you?

@digitalzendo There is nothing is the five skandhas worth supporting; and what is not the skandhas, well, he is still on Rajaghrha.

Zen vs Zen: Twitter Battle Royale

There was a great discussion on Twitter this morning and it highlights some of the major differences in how we teach and projec the Dharma to others. @digitalzendo has a more grass roots, folksy presentation while @mujaku relies on more on intellectual and esoteric explainations of Zen. [Both of these viewpoints have merit and downfalls but it is always fun to watch "monks" spar]

Now I think both of these individuals are well trained and versed in Buddhism but the stark difference in their styles helps to exemplify some of the differences between the Western Buddhism that is developing here and the Traditional Buddhism that it branched from. I wish that I had the time to interact more but I ran out of things to say rather early on in this conversation...

It started off innocently enough with a posting from @digitalzendo on a favorite topic of mine...

• @digitalzendo: My post today is "Zen Without Jargon Part I ," coming from suggestions by @iDharma & @Quieddora. http://www.digitalzendo.com/ #Buddhism


• @mujaku: Zen w/o jargon can easily turn into New Age Zen or Zen w/o meaning...


• RT @mujaku: Zen w/o jargon can easily turn into New Age Zen or Zen w/o meaning... respectfully that's crap.
  
• @mujaku Zen w/o jargon is on how my experience has not been esoteric, non-understandable..No mysteries, nothings hidden, nothing mystical

So yes, "New Age" Buddhism does exist. It is generally a dumbed down, filtered, ghost of its former self that is served into little bite sized bits for us to consume. This isn't bad in concept. Many are unable, for what ever reason, to handle some of the larger concepts or take the time to delve into it. I'm pretty much one of them. I love reading the stuff but some of the heavier shit is really too much to get a good handle on in between finishing a thesis, raising a family and working. Dense Buddhist teachings can be worse for a newbie. A novice. Or a homeowner. This isn't a matter of intelligence but individual ability.

Lets not forget that these are "monastics" we are talking about (especially with Zen). Lay-persons tended to move away from Zen and all of its austarity to more comfortable lay-practice such as Shin, Pure-Land or Tendai Buddhism rather than Zen. Whether it's Shin with Absolute Trust in Amida Buddha or Zen with meditation and Emptiness; we follow the same path. Some roads are bumpier than others and some are loaded with brambles...

• @ZenDirtZenDust How do real life exp. help us in seeing our Buddha-nature? 10:52


• @ZenDirtZenDust To uncover our Buddha-nature is hard work on many levels. Immersion helps to start the ball rolling so we can progress. 11:16

Exactly. Immersion and real-life experiences. @Mujaku was proving my point but didn't want to admit it. We immerse ourselves into real-life experiences. Nothing magical, nothing existencial or mysterious. The thing is, some practicioners just insist on pushing the esoteric and mystical presentation of Zen. This is fine for some but forming the foundation of Zen as mystical is detrimental to the actual practice of meditation. It is from this firm foundation that we can "realize our Buddha-Nature" or whatever abstraction you want to insert here. Don't focus on the ornate gabled windows of Buddhism or the elaborate trellace work of Zen. Instead stick to the stable stone and mortar foundation.

I don't have to have a goal of enlightenment or of Buddhahood (hah). I don't need a goal at all, just practice. Just brick and mortar; dust and dirt. Practice. If this is an imature revelation of Zen. So be it. We need to walk before we can run and I don't ever expect to fly. Dirt and dust is fine with me.

• @mujaku Quote and define all You want, but what about the real life experiences. What about fire in the knee, what of falling asleep?


• @mujaku Teach to the student's level so they can build up. You teach to your level and knock down student. Poor teaching.

Quotes are meaningless when they don't teach. If I don't know what a Skandha is or Amrita, a Bhikshu, Dharmakaya or Samadhi then the terms are meaningless. If you can't explain to the student or are unwilling to then you lose the student and gain nothing but your own elevated self-worth. As I said...meaningless.

More importantly, zazen is hard and difficult. It hurts our knees and back and makes our legs fall asleep. It strains our minds to focus and not to wander. We all start here and we need practical advise and encouragement not dogma and religious iconology.

• @digitalzendo There is nothing is the five skandhas worth supporting; and what is not the skandhas, well, he is still on Rajaghrha. 14:03
  

And here we go again....big words and no meaning.

• @mujaku I agree. Zen is meditation and rhetoric is more the realm of esoteric Buddhist practice. But if it works for them then fine w/me! 10:09


• @digitalzendo @mujaku Rhetoric is a stink that pervades every religion. Zen moves past it to actual practice. #buddhism #zen 10:11


• @ZenDirtZenDust Most experiences teach us we never learn from them. But tuning in to our Buddha-nature requires a heaven soaring spirit. 11:17
  

See if we cut the rhetoric then the concepts are much easier. Everything does not have to be in sanscrit or relate to the movement of water or "spirits".

• @ZenDirtZenDust It is not my words but the root of my long tongue you should look at, if you have the eyes to see this root. ;) 11:35

See, now that is just meaningless and gross....not helpful.

• @mujaku You've quoted yourself out. You really can't express the root, can you? 12:29

That is the problem with big quotes and confusing analogies. Eventually you run out and then what are you left with...nothing. What is your student left with...nothing.

• @ZenDirtZenDust Lots of good karma and knowing the difference between brass and gold. :) 11:29
  

I know the difference between brass and gold and I will take brass everytime. Gold may glitter but brass will turn a spear. I'm here to turn spears, not to glitter.

I would like to end this with perhaps the wisest thing stated during the Dharma fight coming from @digitalzendo

• @mujaku Zen my friend is not in lofty things. Just live the 8fold Path, lets dedicate our life to that & that could be enough to get us home 12:07

Cheers,