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American Zen?
Jeroen
Luminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlands Veteran
After watching the videos that @Shoshin1 posted of Shohaku Okamura I went and had a look on YouTube for more, it led my morning into some beautiful spaces, and I came across this:
It is a short piece about how Zen came from China to Japan and is now moving to America, and how at each step it was transformed into something new. Shohaku basically says that in time, the Zen that is practised in America will become Americanised, a new zen. Of course this takes a while.
But I hope that some of what is beautiful about Japanese Zen will stay in the American or Western traditions. The gardens, the pottery, the contemplative spaces. Zen has a rich heritage.
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Comments
I have been interested in studying and learning about this teacher a bit more. What pulled me a bit from Zen was how some teachers were extremely strict about posture, to the point of sacrificing physical well-being. I have now found a sangha which does not mind, even permits me, to use my wooden Ikea stool to practice with them.
I will watch the video later, thanks for sharing!
Pahh
Swedish Ikea Zazen is almost indistinguishable from any other nations Zazen.
@how
Master Muho Nolke -who would have been my first "live" instructor- insists in half or full lotus. I'm glad I did not attend his sesshin (pandemic cancelled it) or I would probably be using a cane by now (I'm 33 lol!). I have discovered he has a damaged nerve on one of his legs due to his intense practice..
Ouch! I still enjoy his books and YouTube podcast though.
(The image shows my Äppalö wooden stool
)
Nice tag.
If zazen was just a posture, couldn't the nearest Buddha statue do your practice instead.
Time to call into question, all pride based Zazen business models.
Seems like a plan (similar to the use of a prayer wheel)
Today on my walk, I passed Asgard (Home of Thor) over the rainbow and the 'House of Ram' (One of the incarnations that includes The Buddha)...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashavatara
Asgard was the name of a secure lock-up, incidentally. No idea what is inside. Loki probably...
Ye Gods
