--- On Fri, 25/3/11, Dave Lochhaas <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi, am new to this group, about a week or so now, and the subject has come up
which led me to this group to begin with.
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MEL: Welcome
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It seems some opinions are that lineage and authentic Zen masters are required,
if not mandatory, for one to advance along the path of Zen. I have several
questions regarding that thought but first let me make my disclaimer.
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MEL:...Lineage, authentication by masters as such, other requirements, and so
on...NOT REQUIRED..
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I try to do my best to say what I mean but important to me in the use and
understanding of words is the recognition of the honesty, truthfulness, and
intent behind the words. Most important to me is the quality of the words of
others, not the quantity. So these are my questions (honestly):
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MEL:..first off, in Zen, it is hinted not to hang onto actual wordings, as
words often mean nothing....
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1. Is an "authentic Zen master" required?
2. Does this master have to have a lineage?
3. How does one find such a master?
4. Who or what authenticates this master?
5. What are the qualities that make a master?
6. Being part of a lineage, is that enough?
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MEL:
1. No
2. No
3-6. Don't look for a master. Highly recommended are...
- Start looking through the books of the Zen section of a big, specifically New
Age bookstore
- Pick one(Just one), buy it, read it. Don't buy too many at one time
- Read the book with a clear head, and assume nothing. Read the book again, and
again. Still not happy after half a dozen times? Find another Zen book, and
continue as before
- Look up Zen groups near you for meditative get-togethers. Join forums, such
as this online. Talk to other Buddhists, not just Zen people. Listen to them
with a clear head, and assume nothing
- Most important...do zazen everday. Even 5, 10, 15 minutes a day are good...I
recommend at least 25-30 mins each day. Sit on a back-less chair if it's more
comfortable. Don't pick a chair with a back-rest, because we always work on
keeping our spines and heads straight between heaven and earth
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Answers I've already discarded:
1. You'll know one when you see one. This is similar to "When the student is
ready, the teacher will appear." (How is one that is still learning expected to
recognize a master?)
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MEL: Good
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2. A "Master" can be recognized by the quantity of students?
3. A "Master" will identify himself as such.
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MEL: A little too much like a Daniel-san looking for a good karate school. Get
away from this thinking
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My personal "current" operating answers:
1. The path of Zen is clear. It is zazen. All that is required is to just sit.
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MEL: Good answer. Now, you have to work out for the rest of your living life
what you've just said actually means. There is no correct answer that fits for
all
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2. A teacher is one who maintains a low profile, is humble, and does not market
himself (herself) or allow others to do so for them.
3. A teacher, among other things, has qualities that I would like to have in
myself.
4. Arrogance, pride, aggressiveness, demands of respect or worship, unseemly
wealth, conspicuous consumption, markets several books a year, etc., all these
are signs of someone who is not a master.
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MEL: Again, a little too much karate 'shopping'
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5. Zen is not complicated.
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MEL: I'm sure you'll find out what that means for yourself eventually
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It becomes complicated when it is intellectualized.
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MEL: You've just crossed an important barrier. That's good
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Thanks for comments. Zen is for everyone so treat me as a simple and
uncomplicated child.
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MEL: My pleasure
...Simple..uncomplicated....no need for descriptions...
Buddha be praised
Mel
