Etymology, nomenclature etc. in Soto Zen

[Jundo]

Re: Etymology, nomenclature etc. in Soto Zen

In fact we borrowed the term and function from our Jewish ancestors. Long before the Christ came along, there were Jewish priests who offered sacrifices for the people before God in the temple in Jerusalem. In fact the term "priests" got its meaning from the function that those Jewish priests performed. A priest is one who offered sacrifice and made intercession for the people before God.

In 70 AD (or CE), the temple was completely destroyed during the Roman siege of Jerusalem. Because there was no temple to offer sacrifice--as the Temple was only the legitimate place to offer sacrifice--the priesthood disappeared.

Small bit of trivia ...

Cohen =

"Kohen" (alt. "Cohen") - (pl. "Kohanim" or "Cohanim") - Priest;

The Kohen is a descendant of Aharon, the High Priest, the brother of Moshe. His task is to work in the Temple, be involved with the offering of sacrifices, and with Blessing the Congregation of Israel. A Kohen (or Kohen, Hebrew ??????, 'priest', pl. ??????, Kohanim) is a Jew who is in direct patrilineal descent from the Biblical Ahron.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohen

Question: What is a Kohen?

Answer: Temple Priests

In the days of the Temple in Jerusalem, Kohanim (plural for Kohen) were priests responsible for worship ceremonies, such as leading services, offering sacrifices, burning incense and more. To maintain a high degree of purity, Kohanim observed certain prohibitions concerning marriage and contact with the deceased.

The High Priest

The High Priest, called HaKohen HaGadol, was the head of all the priests. He conducted services in the Temple on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year. And he was the only person allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, the holiest place in the Temple.

So, sometimes I like to think that I took up the old family calling.

Yes, some of my ancestors were the "bad guys" in the Jesus story, who turned him in to the Romans ... for which I am very sorry. Truly.

And for what it is worth ... Live Long a Prosper ...



The Vulcan greeting is based upon a blessing gesture used by the kohanim (koe-hah-NEEM) during the worship service... [Leonard] Nimoy drew upon his own Jewish background to suggest the now-familiar salute.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priestly_Blessing

[frjames]

Re: Etymology, nomenclature etc. in Soto Zen

Hi Anista,

I'm actually not disagreeing with you. I think you have a point that using the term priest for a Buddhist clergyperson may create some unnecessary connection with the Judeo-Christian concept of priest.

But to broaden the concept just a little bit more, long before Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, there were the Druid priests and the Vikings had their godi (temple-priests).

In any case, I understand your point of view.

Jundo,

It was a pleasure to learn about the Kohen being Jewish priests who attended to the rites of the Temple. I guess, I was wrong that the Jewish priesthood disappeared...they continue on through you and the other Kohens in Jerusalem and in the diaspora.

Also about the Vulcan salute....you never know what you will learn at Treeleaf.

Thank you and live long and prosper Brother Jundo!

Gasho,

James.