Recently a Dogenism follower (and fan of the famous Darkzen cult) posted about the Dogenism precepts, and it brought up lots of ways in which his religion contrasts with secular Zen... let's discuss!
What is Dogenism?
Basically, it's a new religion invented in Japan that claims to be Zen (Soto/Caodong and Rinzai/Linji) that, like Mormonism and Scientology, have no connection to the traditions they claim. Just like some people think Mormons are Christians, some people still think Dogenism is Zen, when Zen never made it to China at all.
Another aspect of this conversation is the racism (Japanese racism against China) and religious bigotry (Dogenism and Buddhism hating Zen) that lead to intentional misrepresentation that is largely paved over in the US. For example, most people aren't familiar with Protestant v Catholic hate these days. But hate is a really good reason to lie, and Dogenism hates Zen, even though they lie about being Zen themselves.
The Jukai Dogenism Precepts
There is no evidence of Zen Masters taking or giving the Jukai Dogenism precepts. There are lots of interesting reasons why the Jukai Dogenism precepts are at odds with Zen (and with Buddhism, although that's not our thing). Let's look at the 5-10 precepts from Jukai Dogenism's set for how Zen Masters reject that stuff:
6 "Defamation" aka "Bravery"
Dogenism is very eager to defame everybody else. This has been interpreted by them as "don't defame us". Zen Masters, in contrast, defame everyone pretty universally. * Yunmen says he'd kill Buddha for being a troublemaker * Yangshan calls the sutras (all of them) devil words.
7 "Praising yourself" aka "Resignation"
Dogenism doesn't have any enlightened people. Dogenism ordains, it does not have endless public testing like Zen. Without public testing there can be no dharma transmission. Zen Masters aren't into that. * Zen Master Buddha said "I alone am enlightened". * Zen Master Zhaozhou said that too. * The Four Statements of Zen reject the reliance on other people... thus indirectly praising yourself, obvi.
8 "Give to your church" aka "Compassion"
There are lots of examples of Zen Masters having their own version of compassion (it's honesty+nonsaving) and there are lots of examples of Zen Masters being stingy with property and teachings: * Mazu's "no other thing" teaching * Zhaozhou not giving up his staff * What's up with Juzhi cutting off that kid's finger segment so he couldn't hold up his finger?
9 "Relinquishment" aka "Be a robot"
However Buddhists (world famous for killing people, setting themselves on fire, and not playing by their own rules) interpret these precepts, Dogenism is very much about trying to become a "peace robot". They get real angry about anyone making them angry. So there's a rule against it. Zen Masters, in contrast, are angry all the time. * Bodhidharma is famous just for looking angry. * Yunmen of course was famously "pretty upset". * Zhaozhou made lots of people angry... see his famous "Ur momma is ugly". * Elder Ting threw that guy off the bridge one time... somebody had some strong feelings on that one... check my math.
10 "No doubts" aka "No slander"
Don't all Zen Masters slander their ancestors? How about Zen Masters' teaching that words are slander? How about Zhaozhou's Tree being later called slander? Oh! Oh! How about Zen Masters talking about the importance of doubting the faith? Cults can't tolerate doubt, so doubt is out in Dogenism.
Historical Errors from the Jukai Dogenism Precepts
- There is no evidence that ANY precepts "came from the Brahmajāla Sūtra
- Zen Master Buddha is shown following the precepts in all the sutras, even before Brahmajala. It makes no sense to say the 5 Lay Precepts started in that sutra. > The sutra is traditionally regarded as having been recorded in Sanskrit and then translated into Chinese by Kumārajīva in 406. Several scholars assume that it was composed in East Asia by unknown authors in the mid-5th century, and is apocryphal.
- No evidence that ANY Zen Master gave lay people the Jukai Dogneism precepts
- No evidence that ANY Zen Masters were held to account for the breaking of the Jukai Dogenism precepts.
Dogenism and the Jukai Precepts are 100% Cult
Dogenism is a cult. No joke. There is a leader *and Dogenism clearly follows the BITE Method of Authoritarian Control.
Dogenism (and Darkzen) are both cults... one famous, the other has had at most 100 members... and all of them quit. Note that in the write up of the Jukai Dogenism-Darkzen Precepts, no questions were asked and no doubts fostered. Purely a cult move.
Zen Masters ask questions and raise doubts. End of story.
Submitted February 25, 2023 at 05:42AM by ewk https://ift.tt/3mySiFE
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