Chris,
There are numerous sources. E.g. during the Q&A after a lecture by
Suzuki Roshi I asked him two questions:
Q: Reincarnation is one of the central tenets of Traditional
Buddhism. Does Zen accept the notion of reincarnation?
A: No.
Q: During your lecture you stressed the importance of not using the
rational mind. Do you use your rational intelligence to solve
everyday problems?
A: Yes, I do.
Also the works of Suzuki Daisetz (a different Suzuki) stress the
common sense non-supernatural nature of Zen which pays little
attention to anything supernatural.
Also the whole samurai tradition, which is Zen based, is a very
rational direct and realistic approach to living in the face of
certain death with nothing beyond death.
In other words Zen doesn't succumb to the notion that life has to be
fair. The important point is how one deals with whatever one
encounters in life....
I think that's enough for now....
Edgar
On Sep 4, 2008, at 12:58 PM, cid830 wrote:
Edgar,
I understand where you are coming from with your definition of Zen.
Like what Bill always says what Zen is to him. But he always
qualifies it as his opinion. You gave such a definite statement on
what Zen is, but what is your source? There are different schools of
thought and tradition.
Thank You,
Chris
--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Edgar Owen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Donald,
>
> I don't think Zen pays much attention to karma. Zen certainly
doesn't
> accept reincarnation which is how karma is typically transmitted
> according to traditional Buddhist thought. Zen is more about
dealing
> with the present however it may appear. Nor does Zen posit any
after
> death states such as nirvana or supernatural Buddha realms (though
in
> early Chan there are passing references to such when discussing
> earlier texts). Zen is all about the here now, there is zero
> supernatural element to Zen.
>
> Zen does accept that right action facilitates enlightenment in
this
> lifetime though.
>
> Edgar
