>On Friday, December 16, 2005 11:15 AM Murtaza_iit84 posted: > >Question: >I am more of an agnostic than an atheist. From whatever I have read >about Zen, I could find no reference to God. So, is Zen agnostic ?
More words! Since we have to use words on this forum I first want to make sure we're using the words the same. The relevant terms here and my working definitions are: - THEIST: One who believes in the existence of God or gods. - ATHEIST: One who does not believe in the existence of God or gods. - GNOSTIC: One who one who believes it is possible to know about the existence of God and the essential nature of things. - AGNOSTIC: One who believes it is impossible to know anything about the existence of God or the essential nature of anything. Using those definitions and the usual definition of 'God or gods', I'd say zen is ATHEISTIC. Also using those definitions, but focusing only on the reference to 'essential nature of things', I'd say it depends on how you define 'know'. If you define 'know' as 'aware of', then I'd agree with GNOSTIC. If you define 'know' as 'understand', then I'd agree with AGNOSTIC. Words are traps! Be very cautious when using them - especially when trying to describe, categorize, define, explain, etc..., zen. Gassho...Bill! (...and welcome to the forum!) ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Join modern day disciples reach the disfigured and poor with hope and healing http://us.click.yahoo.com/lMct6A/Vp3LAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Current Book Discussion: Appreciate Your Life by Taizan Maezumi Roshi 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/
