Thank you ED, Mayka, and Bill for your quick replies and for cutting through
all my words to the one question I really wanted an answer to, "Is an authentic
Zen master required?
Bill, your answer of "No" (sorry, no but's allowed) is the Zen path I accept.
When I heard the terminology, "Authentic Zen Master," used in a post it seemed
so over the top to me. "Zen Teacher" is actually what my questions refer to
and only in the sense of a "physical" presence. I've been reading Zen authors
and Zen accounts for many years not without my investment in understanding.
>
> > 1. Is an "authentic Zen master" required?
> [Bill!] No - but as you've already been told is highly desireable.
>
ED, you are right, I am not giving up my family, my home, or my livelihood to
go on this quest. Just not going to do it. I am aware of every Zen center
within a 200 mile radius. There is a Rinzai teacher of high regard about 30
miles distance but in the time-space confusion of my life it is impossible for
me to practice there. I do practice, alternately, at two Insight Meditation
Centers once a week which is not the same thing at all but good for fellowship
and a sense of community.
Bill, I wish to re-write question #3 as, "How does one identify such a master?"
However, your answer surprised me in the context of this forum. I am not a
Christian, I do not go to the Bible for answers. How about a quote from the
Shobogenzo.
>
> > 3. How does one find such a master?
> [Bill!].... I think the real answer you're looking for is from the Bible: "By
> their fruits you will know them.
>
Mayka, your honesty and sincerity is very refreshing. Thank you for all your
posts.
Thank you, everyone, for your active discussions.
Best regards,
Dave (who posted as DPZ, the initials of an anonymous name used in the past,
having no point in the present)
------------------------------------
Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are
reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
<*> 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/
