"Here there is no talk of the world's affairs - those matters that make wild the hearts of men." Chia Tao (779-843); trans. Mike O'Connor

Saturday, December 18, 2010

My Zen View and Haiku - Perception of Zennists - December 18, 2010

As Zen Buddhists tend to focus on their own internal reactions to events and delusions, there is often the perception of passive detachment to life and an avoidance of worldly issues. This can lead some to believe that Zennists just sit around, look peaceful, and let others do the work of the world. This is a mis-perception as Zen Buddhists actively participate in socially beneficial causes and donate time, money and energy to assist those who suffer.

Zen Buddhists are quite human and sometimes act very un-zennish. I’ve been known to utter a string of explicatives when I lose myself in the delusions of the moment, such as whacking my finger with a hammer. One of the joys of life is learning to master the negative emotions and we’re given plenty of opportunities to practice.

Slavish adherence
To dogma causes problems.
Slow down and breathe deep.

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