Zen pacification in the face of injustice in capitalism

I was recently talking to u/Soul_Token about zen and whether it preaches pacification in the face of injustice in capitalism. I think I want to present chat gdp’s answer in response to this as the baseline mainstream sort of understanding

It would not be accurate to say that Zen preaches pacification in the face of injustice in capitalism, as Zen teachings do not directly address economic or political systems. However, Zen does emphasize the importance of cultivating a calm and clear mind, regardless of the circumstances one may face. This can include situations of injustice or conflict, where Zen practitioners may choose to respond with nonviolent action or compassionate engagement rather than aggression or reactivity.

Zen teachings also emphasize the interconnectedness of all beings, and the importance of recognizing the suffering of others and working towards their liberation alongside one's own. This can include taking action to address systemic injustice and inequality, but the specific approach will vary depending on the individual practitioner and their understanding of how best to bring about positive change in the world.

Here in r/Zen we are maybe on android or apple phones. On computers, using the internet and maybe drinking coffee or smoking.. All of these things we consume have a supply chain that includes some injustice. Perhaps it can indeed be said that we participate in exploitation by using these products.

I think this can be said to be a continuation of a thesis I’ve been putting out

Zen is related to ethics. Zen is ethical.

and maybe also

Being a jerk is not zen

But maybe these things are not so easy to find in the Zen Masters sayings or texts.

Treasury of the Eye of True Teaching #215

Master Cuiyan Zhen said to an assembly,

A monk asked master Baling, 'What is the Way?'

He replied, 'Someone with clear eyes falls into a well.'

The monk also asked Baoying, 'What is the Way?'

He replied, 'In front of Five Pheonix Pavilion.'

The monk also asked Shoushan, 'What is the Way?'

He replied, 'Where you stand, three feet deep.'

Of these three sayings, one 'stands like a mile-high wall,' one 'transports a boat over dry land,' and in one 'host and guest interact.' Can anyone distinguish them? Try to say.

If not, for now practice the compassion of arhats to break through bondage; practice the compassion of bodhisattvas to bring peace to living beings; practice the compassion of Buddhas to realize the character of suchness.

Here an exhortation to practice compassion from a Master.

In a bit from Huangbo and from the editor or translator we have an interesting passage:

By mercy is really meant not conceiving of a Buddha to be Enlightened, while compassion really means not conceiving of sentient beings to be delivered. [The Zen Masters, in their single-minded desire to lead their disciples beyond the realm of dualism, would have them abandon even the notion of compassion as such, since it leads to the dualistic concept of its opposite.]

So here it is really an attempt to deal with non dualism that makes it that compassion mean “not conceiving of sentient beings to be delivered” - but perhaps in a way that non dualism makes all things meaningless, indistinguishable.

one bit from the tradition is Buddha’s reproach to Ananda

'Those who concentrate entirely upon helping the world cannot escape from among the horned ones.'

Which perhaps carries some of what I was saying to u/Soul_Token regarding a world of samsara and of delusion. Riches and Social influence both based on falsehoods.

I find politics or awareness of the socio-political situation pretty important and I think I was talking to u/lin_seed and he said Zen Masters don’t really talk about politics and I sort of agree. But how does that manage to be coherent with the importance of ethics and of awareness of circumstances. Maybe back then there was less responsibility to be had because communication and travel was harder? While today we can donate or be activists for movements that are worldwide.

Submitted February 17, 2023 at 12:31AM by 2bitmoment https://ift.tt/F8YkE57