There is another way to look at it. In our school, Zen is defined as the life
force and wisdom of the universe.
Therefore, gay/straight, Black/White, male/female are all manifestations of the
universe and of Zen. They are all parts of the whole and interdependent. To
accept Zen and be one with the One is to accpet them all.
Namaste,
Donald
Bill Smart <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Dkotschessa wrote:
Not to mention that christian homophobia has it's roots in
scripture.
Dkotschessa makes a very good point, and one I was mindful of when previously
posting. The point is that Christianity, and all the other RELIGIONS I know of
(Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism) are all based on the teachings of
some historic figure who is purported to be holy, or on some recorded
revelations received directly from God. These teachings or revelations are
usually passed down orally for a time, and then put into writing at a later
date. The writings then go through some kind of vetting process to choose the
best ones to keep and are then fixed into scriptures or holy books. These
holy books are then translated 3 or 4 times until finally an English version
ends up on Amazon.com. No one dares change or question what is written because
of their holy origins. The only option left is to either accept it all as-is,
or to do some slight-of-hand reinterpretation of some of the now uncomfortable
parts to keep the religion from falling apart.
This is one of the reasons I separate zen from Buddhism. Buddhism is a
religion and has an historical holy figure, teachings and scriptures. I know
most people even call it Zen Buddhism; but to me thats just zen described
from a Buddhist perspective. You could just as easily have Zen Christianity,
or Zen Hinduism, or Zen Daoism, etc
I also dont consider zen itself a RELIGION. Zen insights are not based on
an historical figures teaching, or revelations received from God, or a holy
scripture. Zen insights are only gained from sitting your butt down on a
cushion and keeping quiet. YOU (Buddha Nature/Holy Trinity/Lord Krishna and
his fellow deities/the Tao) are the source of all the insights not some other
person, someone elses teachings or written scriptures.
There are no gay/straight, Black/White, male/female divisions in Buddha
Nature nor should there be any in zen or a zen sangha.
Bill!
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