Pascal, I don't disagree with your conclusion, but isn't most of everything in America smoke and mirrors? Such as Christianity, Islam, Democracy, Capitalism, Socialism, Personal Freedom, Human Rights, etc.
The American expression of Zen is no different than these; but, like all of these, if you look hard enough you can find at least a vestige of the original intent. .Bill! Pascal posted: I have been reading this old thread, and I have to agree with it to some degree. Without the 1960s drug culture, Zen would never have gotten a foothold here in America. It is very telling that the various Zen masters that are around are hardly more than bullshit artists. I was reading some Brad Warner stuff, and this guy has to be the epitome of bullshit. So, while I believe that meditation is good, and I enjoy reading the old Zen books, I think most of it is smoke and mirrors here in America. Pascal
