Based on any of the definitions below, Zen appears not to be a cult.
--ED
Definitions of cult on the Web:
* followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices
* fad: an interest followed with exaggerated zeal; "he always follows
the latest fads"; "it was all the rage that season" * followers of
an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live
outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic
leader * a religion or sect that is generally considered to be
unorthodox, extremist, or false; "it was a satanic cult"
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn%\
3Fs%3Dcult&sa=X&ei=rMNeTeCaE5P4sAO89MHFCA&ved=0CBYQpAMoAA&usg=AFQjCNGO4D\
S6n_ltcCtRr_qqUR4WVkX1Cw>
* Cult pejoratively refers to a group whose beliefs or practices
could be, reasonably or unreasonably, considered strange. The term was
originally used to denote a system of ritual practices. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult
<http://www.google.com/url?q=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult&sa=X&ei=r\
MNeTeCaE5P4sAO89MHFCA&ved=0CBcQpAMoAQ&usg=AFQjCNFUIFWAcul85Eg4DcS8DFeOXj\
03CQ>
--- In [email protected], Kristy McClain <healthyplay1@...>
wrote:
>
Hi Steve, There are many ideas in the article you post. In light of
your discussion with Mike on a different thread about zen sects and
religion, and the clipped paragraph below, how is all this different
from a cult? That parallel was one of the things that kept me at a
distance-- to co-exist with my skeptical trust level. Kristy
"Students, for their part, develop a desire for the master's aura,
recognition, and approval. They also learn to kow-tow to his authority
and legitimacy. Further, they learn quickly that their advancement up
the institutional ladder is completely dependent upon the master's good
graces. Because the Dharma transmitted Zen master acts not in his own
name and authority, but rather as the only full delegate of the
institution, with all the authority and power that entails, he also
monopolizes the means to salvation. So, we can understand that there
might be multiple motives for 'not seeing' the master as he really is,
whether there be an absence of compassion or wisdom or the presence of
sexual improprieties or alcoholism. This is what psychiatrists call
'negative hallucination,' i.e., keeping unconscious something that we
perceive."
Hello. Here is the link to a very interesting article on the topic
of
Zen scandals in America by Stuart Lachs entitled The Zen Master in
America: Dressing the Donkey with Bells and Scarves
http://www.thezensite.com/ZenEssays/CriticalZen/Zen_Master_in_America.ht\
ml
<http://www.thezensite.com/ZenEssays/CriticalZen/Zen_Master_in_America.h\
tml>
Steve
