Zen Buddhism

[Miinty.Oatmeal]

I grew up in Japan but not until more recent times have I actually put forth more into my ways. I was just curious if anybody else around here practices under Buddha. Would deffinately love to talk because I live in a house of Catholics so I don't openly discuss subjects such as this, they get heated to quickly. =/ Anyways, please hit me up!

THANKS,
Kayla

[-_-]

lol

[kappakai]

no, but i'm interested in learning more about it, especially meditation.

someone had a meditation thread in here not long ago. might want to do a search for the poster.

[1veedo]

Meditation is worth while. Buddhism itself as a philosophy isn't that bad of a way to live your life. Makes a hell of a lot more sense than Christianity.

[grup910]

you're 17? you should forget all about zen and "buddhism" and religion and just go live your life. that's all the "zen" you need.

[1veedo]

Buddhism can help you live your life better.

[David77]

I'm not a Buddhist, but I do practice meditation and I believe that the Buddha has set forth a branch of dharma for all to follow.

[Enso]

Been practicing now for 14 years. The most important thing is the practice of zazen and the deepening of pranja so that you can carry your experience over to your regular everyday life.

One of the best sites I know of to help you along the path is http://www.mro.org/zmm/index.php.

Also, for fun....

http://www.do-not-zzz.com/

Also, many Catholics are practicing zazen now as a form of pure contemplative prayer, so that may give you an angle with your parents. If you want some good reading, read up on Reuben L. Habito.

[nonAtlas]

Originally Posted by kappakai

no, but i'm interested in learning more about it, especially meditation.

someone had a meditation thread in here not long ago. might want to do a search for the poster.

Give her time to think about it.

[LunicaAshes]

I'm not any one thing in particular, but Zen Buddhism is part of a range of philosophies that I identify with, and I've attended several meditations with some local people. They were wanting to take it more down the path of another form of Buddhism (can't remember which) that doesn't really grab me, though.

[Enso]

Originally Posted by sheduma

I'm not any one thing in particular, but Zen Buddhism is part of a range of philosophies that I identify with, and I've attended several meditations with some local people. They were wanting to take it more down the path of another form of Buddhism (can't remember which) that doesn't really grab me, though.

Theravadan?

[LunicaAshes]

Originally Posted by Enso

Theravadan?

Might have been. I stopped going to the meditations before Christmas because of scheduling conflicts, so I can't remember for sure. Sounds right, though.

[AKR]

Originally Posted by grup910

you're 17? you should forget all about zen and "buddhism" and religion and just go live your life. that's all the "zen" you need.

Why? What's wrong with her exploring buddhism? Meditation itself can be really healthy.

Originally Posted by sheduma

I'm not any one thing in particular, but Zen Buddhism is part of a range of philosophies that I identify with, and I've attended several meditations with some local people. They were wanting to take it more down the path of another form of Buddhism (can't remember which) that doesn't really grab me, though.

How so?

[LunicaAshes]

Originally Posted by AKR

How so?

I just remember them making afterlife references that weren't along the lines of the presentation on Zen Buddhism that got me interested in the group as it was forming. They seemed to have too much of an idea of ... things (don't really remember what) that I just don't buy. That's fine for them, but I prefer the "we don't know WTF is going on!" approach.

I remember a couple of them (there were only like 4 of us total) saying that they wanted to go more the route of something other than Zen, so it wasn't really "me" the way Zen is.

[grup910]

Originally Posted by AKR

Why? What's wrong with her exploring buddhism? Meditation itself can be really healthy.

17 is pretty young. not necessarily, and everyone is different, but in general.

Suzuki roshi often gave that advice, which you can read about in Zen Mind, Beginners Mind. He basically says the same thing, that sometimes "young people" (his words ) get too interested in "zen" this and "zen" that, when zen is actually forgetting all those labels and just living your life.

Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche also talks a lot about spiritual materialism ("you can live your life better," etc.) which really can be an attempt to escape from the vicissitudes of life instead of facing it rawly, nakedly, without a crutch or any "zen." A lot of that is just the ego looking for "kicks" or trying to strengthen itself or make things "better" so it will be more "comfortable" instead of going with it, letting go, etc.

It is what it is. That's zen.

[Enso]

Originally Posted by grup910

17 is pretty young. not necessarily, and everyone is different, but in general.

Suzuki roshi often gave that advice, which you can read about in Zen Mind, Beginners Mind. He basically says the same thing, that sometimes "young people" (his words ) get too interested in "zen" this and "zen" that, when zen is actually forgetting all those labels and just living your life.

Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche also talks a lot about spiritual materialism ("you can live your life better," etc.) which really can be an attempt to escape from the vicissitudes of life instead of facing it rawly, nakedly, without a crutch or any "zen." A lot of that is just the ego looking for "kicks" or trying to strengthen itself or make things "better" so it will be more "comfortable" instead of going with it, letting go, etc.

It is what it is. That's zen.

This may be so, but there is a difference between intellectual understanding and actual experience. You can understand that stubbing your toe hurts by observing others, but you don't know it 'yourself' until you actually do it. Then, you got to learn not to let the pain bother you (move you to anger, etc.) after you stub your toe...so you do it again and again until you no longer are bothered by it

I do understand what you mean, but the naturalness of Zen is not ordinary naturalness as it is generally understood. What is natural to the ego is not the 'naturalness' Zen is referring too. It is like a golf swing. Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better, but you have to become aware before you can forget.

"You are perfect just as you are, but you could use some improving"

- Suzuki Roshi

Nothing is holy if everything is holy.

[kev108]

i recomend listening to or reading some material by alan watts.

[Johnnybomb]

I'm buddhist and have been practicing meditating every few days for the last 10 years.

[grup910]

Originally Posted by Enso

This may be so, but there is a difference between intellectual understanding and actual experience. You can understand that stubbing your toe hurts by observing others, but you don't know it 'yourself' until you actually do it. Then, you got to learn not to let the pain bother you (move you to anger, etc.) after you stub your toe...so you do it again and again until you no longer are bothered by it

I do understand what you mean, but the naturalness of Zen is not ordinary naturalness as it is generally understood. What is natural to the ego is not the 'naturalness' Zen is referring too. It is like a golf swing. Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better, but you have to become aware before you can forget.

"You are perfect just as you are, but you could use some improving"

- Suzuki Roshi

Nothing is holy if everything is holy.

Suzuki roshi says as a young beginner try zazen maybe once per week. That will be more than enough. I don't pretend to know more than Suzuki roshi.

[Miinty.Oatmeal]

Thanks yall! =P How does body building play into it? Because body building has completely changed my atittude and ill habits (drugs, fights, etc... =/). And I meditate everyday for 30 minutes, good or need more?

[Enso]

30 minutes is plenty. Only monks need do more.

Zen and bodybuilding can go hand in hand very well. Arnold's statement 'Be here NOW' is Zen inspired...and Frank Zane is deeply immersed in Zen spirituality. The mindfulness you develop practicing zazen daily will help you tremendously in your workouts as you will have an increased ability to concentrate and make the ever illusive 'mind/muscle' connection.

Sensei Ken O'Neil coined a term called 'Bohdhibuilding' as opposed to bodybuilding for those who wish to combine fitness with the development of a deeper spirituality.

[alex1986]

i'd love to hear more opinions on zen