Re: [Zen] Zen in The Middle East?

[AC]

From: Infernal Elk you implied in your earlier post that zen practictioners are "the most aware people" which seems presumptuous to me.>>   A presumption is something that is based on an assumption? As far as I know, Buddhism is the only religion that lays any claims to "Enlightenment." So presumably, Buddhists would be the most aware, or enlightened people. No other major religion even remotely touches the issue of enlightenment, self-awareness, awareness, etc. If you think that Buddhists are not the most aware people, then present an argument for your candidate, do not merely take a shot at me. >> one doesn't necessarily evangelize to those who are not going to listen yet, nor put ones own self in danger to prove a point -- being a buddhist doesn't mean committing to potentially suicidal courses of action, does it?>>   You cannot find out who is going to listen if you are sitting on your ass in the comfort of your Zendo. Buddhists seem to be long on talk and short on action when it comes to saving souls. >>do you view this as a "competition" between zen practice and christian practice?  that's an interesting perspective.>>   I view it as how one religion puts its money where its mouth is, and another religion concentrates on producing events and speaking engagements and selling books. >> there are souls everywhere that could use pacifism.  sudan, northern ireland, east timor, sri lanka, etc.  even here in the united states.>>   That has to be the ultimate cop-out. It helps me to understand why Buddhism looks for money first, and enlightenment later. Why save POOR souls when there are so many rich ones that need help? You could apply your logic to anything and end up where ever it is most convenient for you.   Keep in mind that even though most of the monks that get sent here from Japan are probably not wealthy, the Japanese Zen Hierarchy probably has as much money as the Vatican.   Japan is an extremely wealthy nation, and their Temples have been consolidating their wealth for centuries, much like the Vatican.   It is easier to spread the Dharma in America, where the main concern is getting the members to donate enough money for a Temple to pay its bills and grow larger. Why waste money in poor nations?   I have yet to hear of a Buddhist Temple that supports the homeless here in America and has any kind of social welfare commitment. If there is any, it would be nice to hear about it.   So in a roundabout way, I guess I want to know what is Zen really doing to help the world? Turning the Dharma Wheel in imaginary encounters is one thing, feeding hungry people and helping those in need is the real thing. Noble Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right  Action, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration, Right Livelihood Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ADVERTISEMENT Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZenForum/   To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]   Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.