Hi Dave,
IMO, Authentic Zen Teacher is required, because we need a tour guide who
has been there.
The difficulty is having the opportunity to meet one and recognize
whether this master is authentic.
:-)
Be Enlightened In This Life - We ALL Can
http://chanjmjm.blogspot.com
http://www.heartchan.org
On 3/25/2011 12:25 AM, Dave Lochhaas wrote:
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)
