Bill, Regarding my travel experience, that is my business. I simply think it's illegitimate for Zen to be thought of as a cult. Saying that "I don't know" of Zen being thought of as a cult is a way of clearing the mind of pretensions.
I am interested in exploring the way Zen is practiced. Ideally one could have a community of "Zen friends" to associate oneself with. I have many friends, who do yoga, but that is different. I am not a vegetarian. Personally I don't participate in "sitting groups", I think there is too much emphasis on sitting in Zen, especially for long periods of time. I don't see "sitting" for long periods of time, as a good way to still the mind. I did read what you wrote about Buddism in different countries. I would like to see Zen develop and advance in the North America. I think the pursuit of being a seeker is an adventure many people can enjoy. I see Zen as a libertairan alternative to the many rules of Buddhism. -Ryan-
