Diversity in Buddhism

[Jundo]

Hi Willow,

I proposed it, but the feeling was pretty much by everyone that it would distract from the central Path of Shikantaza. It was felt that it would also confuse newcomers on the core Practices.

Folks are still welcome to discuss such practices from time to time in the central Forum, such as their interest in Zen and Christianity and the like.

Gassho, Jundo

SatToday

[Tairin]

[MyoHo]

Very good and wise decision. Thank you Jundo and the team for looking at it with an open mind. Wonderfull. If anyone wants to exchange thoughts on how to Practice the Way and being a Christian too, please do send me a PM.

Gassho

MyoHo

[Jinyo]

Hi Willow,

I proposed it, but the feeling was pretty much by everyone that it would distract from the central Path of Shikantaza. It was felt that it would also confuse newcomers on the core Practices.

Folks are still welcome to discuss such practices from time to time in the central Forum, such as their interest in Zen and Christianity and the like.

Gassho, Jundo

SatToday

Thanks Jundo - I understand. On reflection I appreciate there is a lot of work/commitment involved in presenting/guiding/teaching the central focus of shikantaza here without confusing things.



Willow

ST

[Anka]

The only thing I still need to get around on zen practice is that at its face it seems very cold. After practicing it for 2 years I gained some reading materials on bhakti yoga and found it intoxicating. Devotional practices and a clear core of love it seemed like bliss. It was perfect.

But when the reading material ran out those feelings of joy and connectedness went away also. All that was left is washing the dishes and sweeping the floor. Once again I was trapped by desire and attachment and turned to materials and others for my happiness.

So i appreciate the decision you and the others have made on this. Look forward to continuing the practice. Without all the razzle dazzle.

Jim
Satlah

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[Jundo]

The only thing I still need to get around on zen practice is that at its face it seems very cold.

I can assure you that our Practice is not cold, although we choose to approach it in silence sometimes, rather that with a painted face, name, a golden statue to represent it.

I thought about that as I said in a small Christian church here in Japan on Sunday, to offer support to a friend of our family with a sick daughter. You can paint any picture of it or put any names ... Jesus or Buddha, Mary or Kannon, Allah or Jehovah, Moses or the Sixth Ancestor, Stanley or Bob or Sally or Silence ...

... and you can pray to some force outside you, or yield to some force within ...

... it is ultimately all the same, I feel. In our way, we simply sit in silence, totally yielding, beyond all names and holding all names, knowing that inside is out and outside is also in.

Folks who find aid in practicing Shikantaza with other expressions such as Jesus or Amida or Stanley will always be welcome here, but our main emphasis remains on Shikantaza ... sitting and living each day in silence and total yieliding beyond names and anything else. Then, when that is done, one can do many things: Eat a sandwich, watch a football game, go to church or mosque, whatever one does.

For point of disclosure, when the pain was at its worst after my operation last month, I many a time mumbled "Jesus/Amida/Stanley/Universe, if you are listening, I yield to you to do as you do, and I thank you ... but if you feel some mercy, perhaps please consider to tune this down a bit." Anyway, the Universe eventually heard my plea.

Gassho, J

[Jakuden]

I can assure you that our Practice is not cold, although we choose to approach it in silence sometimes, rather that with a painted face, name, a golden statue to represent it.

I thought about that as I said in a small Christian church here in Japan on Sunday, to offer support to a friend of our family with a sick daughter. You can paint any picture of it or put any names ... Jesus or Buddha, Mary or Kannon, Allah or Jehovah, Moses or the Sixth Ancestor, Stanley or Bob or Sally or Silence ...

... and you can pray to some force outside you, or yield to some force within ...

... it is ultimately all the same, I feel. In our way, we simply sit in silence, totally yielding, beyond all names and holding all names, knowing that inside is out and outside is also in.

Folks who find aid in practicing Shikantaza with other expressions such as Jesus or Amida or Stanley will always be welcome here, but our main emphasis remains on Shikantaza ... sitting and living each day in silence and total yieliding beyond names and anything else. Then, when that is done, one can do many things: Eat a sandwich, watch a football game, go to church or mosque, whatever one does.

For point of disclosure, when the pain was at its worst after my operation last month, I many a time mumbled "Jesus/Amida/Stanley/Universe, if you are listening, I yield to you to do as you do, and I thank you ... but if you feel some mercy, perhaps please consider to tune this down a bit." Anyway, the Universe eventually heard my plea.

Gassho, J

Stanley or Stan Lee? The latter is sometimes regarded as a god in my household.

Gassho
Jakuden
SatToday/LAH


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[FaithMoon]

I'm not sure how this parses out in Buddhist studies, but my experience is that being nailed down in this very moment - which happens when circumstances are dire - this experience IS living in the Pure Land.

I agree with the decision to keep the focus on Shikantaza here, but am glad to see acknowledgement that the receptivity of Shikantaza does not exclude Great Faith.

FaithMoon
st