This is part of the problem with reading books, as opposed to actually studying 
with real, live teachers.  And no, we are not just the readers of their 
message. Some of us here actually practice with the teachers that write the 
books, or write ourselves, or teach ourselves. For example, I've been present 
when Maezumi Roshi, who you referred to, told a student quite categorically 
that if she wanted to sit on her cushion and do breathing techniques, he'd 
happilly refer her to a good yoga class, but would not have her in the Zendo, 
as she was wasting both her time and his. There are various forms of Zazen, 
but, fundamentally, they are not techniques. One book you might want to read if 
you're going to base your knowledge on reading, is 'Hardcore Zen' by Brad 
Warner, in particular the section that deals with why Zazen is not about 
technique and why it requires a certain posture, and has the form that it does. 
If you're in California, you can go and meet Brad, and sit with him, which is 
even better. Don't forget to say Hi for me when you do, and remind him he owes 
me a drink. ;o)

Genryu
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: spider 
  To: [email protected] 
  Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2005 9:44 PM
  Subject: Re: [Zen] Meditation as Taught in "Zen Training" by Katsuki Sekida


  Actually, if you read the Zen books, there are various ways to do the same
  thing. And they call it Zazen. If you don't like that, then take it up with
  the various Zen Masters that have written the books. We are just the readers
  of their messages.

  Isn't it interesting that these Zen Masters always manage to write books
  about Zen that are not bitter or nihilistic? Some might even call them
  Positive and Affirming. Taizan Maezumi wrote a book called "Appreciate Your
  Life." Guess what, it is not about degrading other people in order to
  achieve Satori.

  Who ever is teaching you guys that the rode to Enlightenment is built on the
  backs of the people that you talk down to is leading you in the wrong
  direction. There is a saying that says "The Road to Hell is paved with Good
  Intentions."

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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