Zen's Four Statements: A Secular Assault on Sectarians

The Four Statements in the sidebar aren't just a theme in Zen teachings... the Four Statements are a direct assault on religious sectarians from all over.

1. A transmission...

   • It's not something you make up
   • It's not lsd-meditation-experiences that you claim "revealed the truth"
   • You can't claim authority because of something only you know.

2. ..Outside of teachings...

   • It's not something scriptural or doctrinal
   • You can't claim "church says" or "bible says".

3. Not based on words...

   • It's not a magic formula
   • It has no catechism
   • It cannot be based on secret teachings

4. Pointing directly at mind

   • If it isn't sincere and honest and direct, it's not Zen
   • It isn't from heaven, space, or another dimension.
   • It isn't based on any kind of altered state where "mind" is altered.

5. See your nature

   • No direct experience that you can AMA about? Not Zen
   • Can't manifest your seeing? Not Zen.
   • Depending on a guru, teacher, or messiah? Not Zen.

6. Become a Buddha.

   • Zen is a Buddha maker
   • Zen is not a Buddha worshipper
   • If you got it, you become a Buddha. No middle ground.

...and that's why they hate Zen.

Submitted March 19, 2023 at 08:48AM by ewk https://ift.tt/6GhKBLT