Hi, am new to this group, about a week or so now, and the subject has come up
which led me to this group to begin with. It seems some opinions are that
lineage and authentic Zen masters are required, if not mandatory, for one to
advance along the path of Zen. I have several questions regarding that thought
but first let me make my disclaimer.
I try to do my best to say what I mean but important to me in the use and
understanding of words is the recognition of the honesty, truthfulness, and
intent behind the words. Most important to me is the quality of the words of
others, not the quantity. So these are my questions (honestly):
1. Is an "authentic Zen master" required?
2. Does this master have to have a lineage?
3. How does one find such a master?
4. Who or what authenticates this master?
5. What are the qualities that make a master?
6. Being part of a lineage, is that enough?
Answers I've already discarded:
1. You'll know one when you see one. This is similar to "When the student is
ready, the teacher will appear." (How is one that is still learning expected to
recognize a master?)
2. A "Master" can be recognized by the quantity of students?
3. A "Master" will identify himself as such.
My personal "current" operating answers:
1. The path of Zen is clear. It is zazen. All that is required is to just sit.
2. A teacher is one who maintains a low profile, is humble, and does not
market himself (herself) or allow others to do so for them.
3. A teacher, among other things, has qualities that I would like to have in
myself.
4. Arrogance, pride, aggressiveness, demands of respect or worship, unseemly
wealth, conspicuous consumption, markets several books a year, etc., all these
are signs of someone who is not a master.
5. Zen is not complicated. It becomes complicated when it is intellectualized.
Thanks for comments. Zen is for everyone so treat me as a simple and
uncomplicated child.
Best regards,
DPZ
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