AMA

If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you jump too?

1. Suppose a person denotes your lineage and your teacher as Buddhism unrelated to Zen, because there are several quotations from Zen patriarchs denouncing seated meditation. Would you be fine saying that your lineage has moved away from Zen and if not, how would you respond to being challenged concerning it?

OK.

2. What text, personal experience, quote from a master, or story from zen lore best reflects your understanding of the essence of zen?

Book of Serenity #48

Vimalakirti asked Manjusri, "What is a Bodhisattva's method of entering nonduality?"

Manjusri said, "According to my mind, in all things, no speech, no explanation, no direction and no representation, leaving behind all questions and answers--this is the method of entering nonduality."

Then Manjusri asked Vimalakirti, "We have each spoken. Now you should say, good man, what is a Bodhisattva's method of entry into nonduality?"

Vimalakirti was silent.

3. What do you suggest as a course of action for a student wading through a dharma low-tide. What do you do when it's like pulling teeth to read, bow, chant, sit, or post on r/zen?

Row.

Submitted January 16, 2020 at 12:40AM by PaladinBen https://ift.tt/3afV6rS