Right on.
Rod Scholl -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of ventouxboy Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 4:15 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Zen] What is a Teacher? ---Hi Spider, I think you might be taking Fudo's and Genryu's post in the wrong light. I certainly don't want to speak for them, but I think i can explain some of their actions you find objectionable. Fudo's, and to a lesser extent Genryu's, writings may come off as gruff, but they're just stating reality. Sure, they could be diplomatic and sugarcoat their version of reality, but that's not Zen now is it? No, Zen is full bore reality right in your face. No flinching, no turning away. And no sugarcoating. Would'nt be helpful in the least. Also, I wouldn't try following their example either. You stated that trying to emulate Fudo got you no closer to enlightenment. I hate to say this but "Duh". The way is different for all people. What works for one will not necessarily be right for all. If you're looking for a reason to Fudo's "madness", it's there, just read between the lines. Now I know I'll get ripped apart for this post, right speech sometimes(ok, usually) evades me; but I just don't want you to give up on something that is being shared here. It's wholly your decision, but I believe they point in the right direction if you want some real Zen. I think the feel good stuff is a waste of your time. Peace, Guy. In [email protected], "spider" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > From: "Rev Genryu" > Otto, the best advice I can give is to give up your > idea of what a teacher is and actually go and train with one for a few > years. > > > > With all due respect to you and any other Zen Monk, I have no interest in > being abused by some arrogant jerk. Based on what you and Fudo have shared, > a Zen Master is just an abusive bully who squeezes all the Ego out of a > person by verbally abusing him until there is nothing left of pride, > dignity, self, ego, etc. I guess that system works, and if your soul needs > that and benefits from that, more power to you. > > However, Zen is not just about monks. It is about people who are interested > in zazen and the benefits it can bring, and the learning that they get from > Zen books, and whatever they can learn from a Zen group or Zen Center. > Teachers are everywhere, not just in monasteries or Temples. > > I let Fudo dominate the list with his mean-spirited diatribes because I > hoped that I would learn something from them, and that there was a method to > his madness. But all I learned is that I don't like abusive assholes, and I > never did. Trying to imitate Fudo and being an abusive jerk did not make me > any more enlightened, and being abused by him or reading his abusive remarks > to others did not enlighten me either. > > But I certainly remember the wonder that I feel when I read a good Zen book. > If that is an illusion, it is better than the stink of the reality that Fudo > is selling by the river. I would rather have a positive attitude that is a > pure illusion than be a mean-spirited jerk filled with reality. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> What would our lives be like without music, dance, and theater? Donate or volunteer in the arts today at Network for Good! http://us.click.yahoo.com/WwRTUD/SOnJAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Current Book Discussion: Appreciate Your Life by Taizan Maezumi Roshi. New or used at: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1570622280/ref=ase_actionh eroesc-20/002-4507763-9442460?v=glance&s=books> Yahoo! Groups Links ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers. At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide! http://us.click.yahoo.com/hjtSRD/3MnJAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Current Book Discussion: Appreciate Your Life by Taizan Maezumi Roshi. New or used at: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1570622280/ref=ase_actionheroesc-20/002-4507763-9442460?v=glance&s=books> 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: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
