Al, 'Accountability' is covered in Buddhism by the concept of karma, and in the Christian concept of 'as you sow, so shall you reap', or a more positive spin 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you'. Karma is neither good nor bad, it's just a cosmic or spiritual version of cause-effect. So if you're interested in Zen Buddhism, karma is the ultimate enforcer of accountability
In zen (small case 'z') however, karma is maya - a teaching tool. In zen 'accountability' has no meaning. In zen there is no self. Who is there to account for? If there is no self, actions are Just ACTIONS, they are not associated with a self. What is there to account for? I know this will not be a satisfactory answer for you because you equate no-accountability with social chaos and think that is bad. Some might equate no-accountability with complete freedom and think that is good. Both of these are wrong because they assign a dualistic quality to no-accountability. If this bothers you a lot, and I assume it does since I've seen similar posts from you before, then you can find the accountability you seek in the Buddhist concept of karma. ...Bill! From: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Al Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2008 1:19 AM To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Zen] Zen and Accountability In Zen (and/or Chan), what is Accountability? One issue that has come up many times over the years is that some folks think Zen is just "Do whatever you want, whenever you want, to or with whomever you want." This philosophy goes to everything, including sex, relationships, money, etc. So is that what Zen is? If you ever ask, "Does Zen have a position against X, Y, or Z?" The answer is usually not very clear. Is there anything in Zen against betrayal, theft, adultery, etc?? Even if there is, what is the accountability of any person for their sins or misdeeds or karma??? __________ NOD32 3484 (20080930) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com ------------------------------------ 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/
