>On Tuesday, January 03 Edward posted: >What do you think about practicing zazen without being or becoming a >Buddhist? Are they inextricably intertwined or can they be separate? >Can one achieve the full benefits of zazen without being buddhist?
Edward, Excellent question! The forum has devoted a lot of time to discussions with similar topics and I think you will not find a consensus here. IN MY OPINION... This is a tricky topic since the very practice of naming anything serves to define, differentiate and isolate that thing from everything else. Also, the way you phrased your question is somewhat problematic since you asked about 'practicing zazen' and not 'practicing zen'. For my response I'll assume you consider these one and the same. And finally any response would have to take into prime consideration just what you mean by 'full benefits', but for now I assume that to mean 'enlightenment'. So, with those caveats and without going into too much detail just yet my response is: Yes, you certainly can learn, practice and receive full benefits of zazen without being Buddhist (or even Japanese!). Gassho...Bill! ------------------------ 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/
