Dave,
I love Bill's response below. It is crisp, clear, common-sensical, complete and rings true to me in every detail. See: http://www.americanzenteachers.org/ <http://www.americanzenteachers.org/> for information on Zen Teachers - if you have not already found it. --ED --- In [email protected], "Bill!" <BillSmart@...> wrote: > Dave, Welcome to the Zen Forum! My responses to your questions and statements are embedded in your post below: --- In [email protected] </group/Zen_Forum/post?postID=kGXLSVzxbrIKL2yYKds_cflh-cSBxOh9n-mQvzGTHr\ 0J3ARRtQMAMApYo3TgZmPU1xMj40BviWJHHAJc-hjAZN_x_Po> , Dave Lochhaas <lochhaas.d@...> 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. 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. > > 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): > > 1. Is an "authentic Zen master" required? [Bill!] No - but as you've already been told is highly desireable. > 2. Does this master have to have a lineage? [Bill!] Same as the answer above. > 3. How does one find such a master? [Bill!] This depends on where you live. There are many competene Zen Buddhist Masters in the USA (I assume you live in the USA). They are usually in or near large cities. If you tell us your geographic location we could recommend a couple. But I think the real answer you're looking for is from the Bible: "By their fruits you will know them." Go to their centers. Talk to their followers. Talk to them. Try them out. If they feel right for you, go for it. If they don't, move on. > 4. Who or what authenticates this master? [Bill!] You do. > 5. What are the qualities that make a master? [Bill!] The only quality is the ability to inspire you to discover Buddha Nature. > 6. Being part of a lineage, is that enough? [Bill!] No. > > 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?) > 2. A "Master" can be recognized by the quantity of students? > 3. A "Master" will identify himself as such. [Bill!] I agree with the above. If you substitute 'quanity' for 'quality' in #2 you might have something. > My personal "current" operating answers: > 1. The path of Zen is clear. It is zazen. All that is required is to just sit. [Bill!] Agree, although there are other teaching techniques that can be employed. > 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. [Bill!] Not necessarily, but in general that's a good rule. > 3. A teacher, among other things, has qualities that I would like to have in myself. [Bill!] I agree. He/she might also have qualities you don't like, but that's not necessarily a show-stopper. > 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. [Bill!] Not necessarily, but in general that's a good rule. > 5. Zen is not complicated. It becomes complicated when it is intellectualized. [Bill!] Bingo! Absolutley! [Bill!] Most importantly remember: Even the best Zen Master cannot teach a lazy student, but an earnest student can be brought to enlightenment by even a false Zen Master. Good Luck...Bill! > Thanks for comments. Zen is for everyone so treat me as a simple and uncomplicated child. > > Best regards, > DPZ
