Allen I am pleased to hear your new encounters to the path of Zen have been warm and the people receptive and friendly.
I understand the feelings behind Mayka statement. My granted small amount of time reading here, from my limited sight, have seen to be honest not a lot of friendliness. A lot of bowing, formality & lofty statments about the "correct" term or correct bow or some other formality but it IMHO seems, "stiff". Bickering over some small use of a word or how a virtual bow is persived (sp) seems petty to me. But perhaps that is because I am unelightened and there is some great underlying purpose to being "right", being "correct" Is that the true Tao? I am but a child and do not know. Respect is respect, truth is truth, The Tao that is named is not the True Tao. My words, my expression of it, is just that mine. Many rivers flow to the sea, but it is all water. No mater if it is called a creek, stream, river, or brook. When I was at one time following the way of being a Born Again Christian, everyone was so happy and welcoming. At least so it seemed, but once inside they are still doing their people thing, politics, discrimations, etc. Here on the Zen path, mostly those I have encountered are solemn and formal. Seemly more envolved with their own "enlightenment" and the rituals of it than being, warm traveling companion spirits, classmates on the path. The other end of the spectrum. I have been to several Zen Centers, none of them felt, particularly warm or inviting. They were not repeling, but not warm either. Few smiled, few even knowledged anothers presence. However bowed to an empty room, cushion, alter, wall. Out of 420 members here only 2 offered a greeting. I wrote to a priest who is on the list here and received no answer or acknowlgdement. My wife left a note to a visiting Priest, from Japan who was lecturing at a center here. She had a couple of questions about Zazen she did not understand in English the explainations. She received no answer, or acknowlgdement. As a Sifu from time to time I receive mails and questions from others. Even if I do not have the time to answer the question I at least achknowledge them. My point here is that many many seem to me, to be so caught up in being formal, following some set ritual, their own "enlightenement" or the show of it, that some forget, we are people, we all share the same life force. To "blowoff" another, disrespect another, is to do the same to ourselves. Is that the way of enlightenment? I am but a child and do not know. Please do not think I am saying everyone is like this I have met. I wrote to a Zen Master in Japan who I had never met he took the time to reply to me, though he had many responsiblities. This same master has also agreed to meet with my wife and I on our upcoming visit to Japan, even though it meant him staying after hours at his business to wait for us. Many are the people we encounter traveling the Tao. We do know not the reasons until later. Impressions of those encounters carry on. What are the foot prints you are leaving in the Tao? Mayka's statements though perceived ungrounded by some, where real to her and based on her feelings. Which should not just be blown off or aplogized for as unfounded. Maybe her expectations were too high, or maybe those in the forest can not see the path for the trees. Perhaps balance is still forthcoming in the Tao of this board. This has just been my unenlighten observing opinion of my observations. peace Z --- In [email protected], Phillip Rogers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Alright, > > I attended my first Zen sitting this Sunday in Charlotte, NC. I could not keep concentration, my right leg fell completely asleep, my arms and back started to give me a fit and my butt ended up killing me. I could not remember when to gasho or how to effectivly do Kinhin. However, amidst all of that I had a wonderful time. The people were great and nice. We had a very lovely dharma talk. And what is more: when I was most uncomfortable in my sitting I found the strength to continue, even though it was so distracting. I am a real quitter, but the atmosphere and the dedication of the people kept me going. It has truly strengthened me in my endeavor to realize true mind. I look forward to next Sunday's sitting. > > May we all be well, > and may we all be happy, > Allen > > Mayka <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Friends you seems so solemn and strict in your all practice that you > have nothing to share!. > Love from > Mayka > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Never miss an email again! > Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. Check it out. > Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today! Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
