I'm not sure there's anything in popular culture that led me to zen, but my first encounter with Buddhism began as a child reading Justice League of America comics. There's an early issue (hey, I'm old) where writer Gardner Fox took a detour to mention the leaders of the world's major religions, including illustrations (by Mike Sekowsky) of Jesus, Mohammad (couldn't do that now!) and Buddha. I remember being fascinated by that figure, mostly because he looked so different to the others (ie, no beard!). A few months later, my class was discussing religion at school and the teacher said "can anyone name a leader of a religion other than Christianity?" Obviously my arm shot up and I cried "Buddha!"
My actual journey to Buddhism began many years later. I was advised by a doctor to start meditating for stress reduction. After a week or so of the usual monkey mind I had an experience of absolute peace and clarity. And then of course I started observing it and it went away. My curiosity -- what the heck was that? -- led me to Buddhism, and eventually to zen.
Gassho
BradL
My actual journey to Buddhism began many years later. I was advised by a doctor to start meditating for stress reduction. After a week or so of the usual monkey mind I had an experience of absolute peace and clarity. And then of course I started observing it and it went away. My curiosity -- what the heck was that? -- led me to Buddhism, and eventually to zen.
Gassho
BradL
Comment