Francisco, Do you really think no one has explored this sort of thing? Zen Abbots, and those responsible for PR etc.? If you want to lend a hand, call them up and aks what you can do to help. Re-inventing the wheel, especially you when might lack the intelligence, knowledge, situation to invent it round not square -- is all done at the expense of your moment.
Rod Rod Scholl -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Francisco Garcia Scherer Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 12:24 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Zen] Re: Buddhist Practice in the West > > Very confused, and has nothing to do with Buddhism. > I am sorry if I was not clear. Basically, what I am saying is that we could use professional education as an alternative way to teach zen principles to youngsters, without getting into cultural or religious conflicts with their families and parents. In my opinion, a person who learns how to perfom a specific task, with full attention, is also learning how to achieve a more serene mind. And child who learns how to work in teams is also learning about interdependence, right speech, right action, right livehood, etc. Naturally, some people are going to say that it has nothing to do with Buddhism, at least in a supperficial way. And this is good. With this new method, people will learn about buddhist principles without having to deal with cultural and emotional barriers generated by normal buddhist practice. I, for instance, still find it strange to chant sutras after zazen, and the practice of bowing before the Buddha statue is not something that comes naturally to me. Moreover, it seems to me that the contemporary Buddhist practice, in the west, is very individualistic and, up to a point, favors alienation. This new approach, by its turn, would favor social integration and help society to produce more balanced and healthier individuals. Regards, Francisco. ------------------------ 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 --------------------~--> Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease? Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts! http://us.click.yahoo.com/UwRTUD/UOnJAA/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/
