Those who lead Zen ceremonies are often thought to possess an elevated level of spiritual authority. Is this helpful?
The performance of rituals and ceremonies seems to be a common characteristic of most religions and spiritual practices, and Zen is no exception. Where does the power to perform such ceremonies come from? I think this question deserves a closer look.
We have met with seemingly endless retaliation for calling attention to abuses of power in Zen. Yet we are surviving and flourishing.
It’s been a crazy time, since my last post. That post, and another attempt of mine to engage in discussion about abuses in Zen, brought forth an unexpected firestorm of angry responses from the three other teachers at Greater Boston Zen Center.
Continue reading “The State of the Sangha”A Commentary on Nancy Mujo Baker’s Opening to Oneness
There is much to recommend Nancy Mujo Baker’s new book on the Zen Precepts, Opening to Oneness. And there are some things to be concerned about. In this, the first of two posts, I’ll share my concern that students may be misled about what Zen teaches about “oneness” and “suchness.”
Julie A. Nelson 