The Real Deal?

[Omoi Otoshi]

The Real Deal?

_/_

/Pontus

[Eika]

Re: The Real Deal?

Mr. Lou,

I'm a prof at a college with a decent regional reputation and to those students I am constantly having to remind them that their degree isn't worth a cent. What will determine an education's worth is what the learner does with what they learned along the way. So, the proof is in the pudding. Treeleaf is like this, I think. The debate or opinions about the "realness" of this place are largely speculation as the viability will be determined later. I think it works but that's not enough. Jundo has said in the past that this is an experiment. Like all experiments, NO conclusion can be drawn until the data are in and verified. That'll take a while. So, if someone needs a sure bet, then they should go to a traditional zendo, but if you are game for experiments, hang out with us and see what the results are. I think the process of inquiry is more fun and interesting than millennia-old answers.
So, your degree is no more or less valid than one from any other place so long as it is doing for you what you intended it to do for you.

Gassho,
Eika

[Rich]

Re: The Real Deal?

Been taking some online courses and learned more than similar classroom courses in the past. Interesting post mr.lou

[Jundo]

Re: The Real Deal?

As I have traveled the world, I have seen many firsthand examples where the National Geographic idea of what the world looked like is not the reality I experienced, and it left me to ask which one was authentic.

Thank you, Lou. Some kinds of experience and contact are "authentic" when we let them be. Your sincerity and hard work in being a diligent student, coupled with the quality and sincerity of the teachings and teachers you encountered in your college education, are what make it authentic. Oh, sure, you may have missed a frat party or football game alone the way, but those experiences can be had in other ways (and the hangovers from those frat parties are best missed anyway!) :?

Your comment reminds me of an experience I have had many times here in Japan, especially when I was a kind of unofficial translator and guide for foreigners who would show up at the Japanese language Zazen group at Sojiji years ago. Newcomers would often first be so thrilled to see a "real Zen temple" and meet a "real Japanese Zen master" in "real Japan" ... and then often so disappointed when both turned out to be not quite the posed, idealistic, shangri-la version from a postcard or "like in the movies". They would find pretty wonderful people and places ... but a mixed bag too, as found with any people and places. Many left, disillusioned, as soon as the shine wore off.

However, the Wise ones (in my view) stayed ... and found out how Wondrous and "Authentic" a "mixed bag" can be! The Reality is much richer than the movie version to one who can see.

Gassho, J (Delta Sigma Phi)

[disastermouse]

Re: The Real Deal?

In a lot of ways, I believe the online temple is the most fitting manifestation of a place for a Soto Zen sangha to practice and gather because it is itself a koan.

Sorry, wrong Zen school. They do koans at the Rinzai internet sangha down the street.

(Kidding, of course.)

Chet

[Omoi Otoshi]

Re: The Real Deal?

In a lot of ways, I believe the online temple is the most fitting manifestation of a place for a Soto Zen sangha to practice and gather because it is itself a koan.

Sorry, wrong Zen school. They do koans at the Rinzai internet sangha down the street.

(Kidding, of course.)

Chet

:lol:
/Pontus

[Jundo]

Re: The Real Deal?

In a lot of ways, I believe the online temple is the most fitting manifestation of a place for a Soto Zen sangha to practice and gather because it is itself a koan.

Sorry, wrong Zen school. They do koans at the Rinzai internet sangha down the street.

(Kidding, of course.)

Chet

I do believe we are, cause we will be beginning the Book of Serenity ... NEXT WEEK! No kidding here either.

Gasso, J

[Omoi Otoshi]

Re: The Real Deal?

we will be beginning the Book of Serenity ... NEXT WEEK!

:shock: :shock: :shock:
CAN IT BE TRUE!

:lol:

Gassho,
Pontus

[Jinyo]

Re: The Real Deal?

:shock: :shock: :shock:
CAN IT BE TRUE!


probably not!!!

Willow :lol:

[Shokai]

Re: The Real Deal?

Le BOOK is still where i placed it when the World Honored one descended the platform but, hey, what's next?? :lol:

[Risho]

Re: The Real Deal?

SERENITY NOW!!!! (Seinfeld reference)

I cannot wait (as I think all of Treeleaf cannot at this point) to start this book!

Gassho,

Risho

[Jiken]

Re: The Real Deal?

Great. So....anybody know what we're going to do when we are done with the book?

Daido

[Shokai]

Re: The Real Deal?

I would worry just yet, it'll take the best part of a year :shock: :lol: :lol: 8)

[Nenka]

Re: The Real Deal?

I do believe we are, cause we will be beginning the Book of Serenity ... NEXT WEEK! No kidding here either.

Wait, really? 'Cause I was starting to think it was all some Zen trick, reading by non-reading or something. :lol:

Jen

[mr.Lou]

Re: The Real Deal?

Sorry, wrong Zen school. They do koans at the Rinzai internet sangha down the street.

(Kidding, of course.)

Chet

Thanks for that. Chet, I am new to the study of Buddhism and I understand that there are differences between the Rinzai and the Soto traditions of Zen study. The Rinzai use koans to help them achieve enlightenment? I thought that Soto Zen was not as heavily dependent on the study of koans, but instead the centered on the practice of shikantaza; however, is there no pondering of koans in Soto at all? Could someone elaborate on this for me? Thank you.