If Westernized Zen has taught average seekers anything it teaches them the following three simple rules:
1. All certified Zen masters are infallible. They are the Buddha’s representatives on earth. Therefore, everything they do and say is correct even if it seems absurd or simplistic.
2. Question everything about Zen and Buddhism—even karma (you may not believe in it and that’s okay). Just don’t believe everything that you read about Buddhism. Most of the stuff is poorly translated or written by uncertified, unenlightened people.
3. If one day you find yourself becoming unsure of what Buddhism is really trying to say or worse yet, become totally confused and depressed, refer back to rule number one.
While the above is by me intended to be in the vein of sarcastic humor I meant it to emphasize a persistent problem in Western Zen which is its over reliance on authority. Needless to say, this kind of over reliance can easily lead to the danger of dogmatism which, broadly speaking, says don’t inquire and explore, don’t reason, just do as you are told. But in Buddhism it is bad practice to carry on this way.
Every authentic Buddhist beginner has to start with a huge open mind. This means being prepared to endure a lot of trial and error in addition to engaging in self-critical thinking. Having a huge open mind also means that a Buddhist teacher is not the Buddha just because he imagines that he is. Just remember the words of Zen master Ch'ih-chueh.
"The fact that this path has not been flourishing in recent times is because teachers and disciples give each other approval and recognition, ignoring cause and effect, duping the people, claiming themselves able to uphold this school. It is like sculpting a sandalwood icon out of dung—no matter how long a time passes, it simply stinks. You should get away from such people as soon as possible. Apply your own concentrated attention, apply your own eyes and brains, develop yourself, stand on your own. One day your own eyes will clear and will radiate light shining through the whole world. Only then will you live up to the aim of your journey."
The path of Buddhism does not actually begin until we see the nature of Mind, firsthand, which can only be accomplished by one’s own efforts. Mind then becomes our true teacher insofar as it is self-authenticating, requiring no further evidence or justification. Now we can fulfill the vows of the Bodhisattva truly working our way to Buddhahood; saving all beings.
Comments