Brad Warner's first talk on his new book

[Washin]

Another recent reading/talk:

http://www.theidproject.org/media/po...st-brad-warner

sat today

[Kokuu]

Another recent reading/talk:

http://www.theidproject.org/media/po...st-brad-warner

Thanks, Kaishin!

I am really enjoying 'Don't Be A Jerk'. Often I get myself stuck thinking of Brad as our 'too cool for school' Zen brother who is more interested in fame than practice but when I read his stuff (and especially here) it is clear he really knows his Dogen (at least as much as anyone else does!) and enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with as many other people as he can.

Gassho
Kokuu
#sattoday

[Jakuden]

Thanks, Kaishin!

I am really enjoying 'Don't Be A Jerk'. Often I get myself stuck thinking of Brad as our 'too cool for school' Zen brother who is more interested in fame than practice but when I read his stuff (and especially here) it is clear he really knows his Dogen (at least as much as anyone else does!) and enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with as many other people as he can.

Gassho
Kokuu
#sattoday

Haha well put!

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday

[Ongen]

Thanks, Kaishin!

I am really enjoying 'Don't Be A Jerk'. Often I get myself stuck thinking of Brad as our 'too cool for school' Zen brother who is more interested in fame than practice but when I read his stuff (and especially here) it is clear he really knows his Dogen (at least as much as anyone else does!) and enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with as many other people as he can.

Gassho
Kokuu
#sattoday

I had the same feeling, even more after visiting a book-presentation of his previous book, where he only talked about himself (the story that is in all of his books), UFO's and other random stuff and forgot to bring any books haha! But just like everyone else he has his off-days. With the previous book I already had the idea there was more there than just being a brilliant zen-brat (I mean no disrespect with that!) but with this new book I really feel he has taken another big step. I love it.

Gassho
Ongen
Sat Today

[Byokan]

Oh lets talk about Brad.

I see the same thing in Brad that I see when I look in the mirror: someone who still seems to cling to stories and define oneself by likes, dislikes, attitudes, and experiences. I define myself, and I define others too:

I am awkward and shy, but earnest.
Andy is sensitive, insightful, and creative.
Jishin is oppositional, mischievous, and slyly brilliant.
Jundo is wise, forward-thinking, and zealous with his fonts.
Brad is a zen-brat but knowledgeable and sincere in his teaching.

Or not.

How the hell would I know what’s in someone else’s heart and mind? I make these judgements all the time, but for all I know you guys are all robots. From space. Doesn’t matter. These distinctions and definitions have little substance. Everyone comes bearing gifts, everyone has something to teach. Learning happens when we approach people and things with a don’t-know mind and a spacious heart. Even better than learning, is just being present and open, open, open.

Gassho
Byōkan
sat today

[Jundo]

We should all look in the mirror first, yes. Also, Brad is a good guy, and a dedicated Teacher. His current book is great. He is complicated. He is one of those folks who is very easy to misinterpret, and that often has to do more about what is in our own hearts than his I think. His manner of Teaching may speak to folks who may find me a complete drip.

Also, he is an honored guest here next week!

Announcement: Special Zazenkai SUNDAY JUNE 5th with BRAD WARNER

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?14449-Announcement-Special-Zazenkai-SUNDAY-JUNE-5th-with-BRAD-WARNER

Gassho, J

SatToday

[Mp]

He is complicated. He is one of those folks who is very easy to misinterpret, and that often has to do more about what is in our own hearts than his I think.

Thank you Jundo ... I like this, it says a lot. I think this can be applicable in many aspects of our lives - that we see people not for who they are, but rather who we want them to be.

Gassho
Shingen

s@today

[Shokai]

Previously posted by Byokan

for all I know you guys are all robots.

http://www.adultswim.com/games/web/robot-unicorn-attack-evolution

gassho,

Sat today

[Jakuden]

All the above posts sounded complimentary to me. I don't think Brad's writing style being described as irreverent (or as somebody said "too cool-for-school") would surprise anybody? I assumed it was intentionally so, perhaps to appeal to a younger crowd, as Jishin said. It's not a criticism unless you aren't a particular fan of it. I think all of us here probably prefer Jundo the Drip and those Fantastic Fonts. But when someone can digest Dogen and spit him out in a way that the rest of us can understand, it's darn impressive, and in this particular case, the irreverence seems to dance naturally with Dogen's writing, poems and puns and all. I think it surprised some of us in a good way.

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday