Anatman
06-28-2006, 12:35 AM
Good day to you all,
It is my intention to initiate an open discussion of Buddhism on this forum. I am particularly eager to share views on Zen Buddhism, which lest some of you are already put off, does not have to be very Buddhism-oriented at all. Zen, or the practice thereof, known as zazen, concerns paying attention to what your mind is doing at this present moment – and thus being aware of it – stepping outside of the illusion of self as an entity separate from the world around us.
It is not my intention to convert those of you who consider yourselves Christians, or anything else. Zen is not about religion it is about the awareness that there is no self (Christianity asserts a similar idea in its concepts of selflessness).
I realize this idea of no-self may sound like nonsense, but I assure you it is not nonsense at all, but a way to freedom, unimaginable freedom.
Zen and Buddhism are larger subjects than can be explained right here. I invite you to look at this site:
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/awakening101/shikantaza.html
I hope you will all approach this discussion with an open mind. Having an open mind is even more important than learning about zazen or Buddhism, or anything at all.
I am always ready to respond to all questions and comments.
It is my intention to initiate an open discussion of Buddhism on this forum. I am particularly eager to share views on Zen Buddhism, which lest some of you are already put off, does not have to be very Buddhism-oriented at all. Zen, or the practice thereof, known as zazen, concerns paying attention to what your mind is doing at this present moment – and thus being aware of it – stepping outside of the illusion of self as an entity separate from the world around us.
It is not my intention to convert those of you who consider yourselves Christians, or anything else. Zen is not about religion it is about the awareness that there is no self (Christianity asserts a similar idea in its concepts of selflessness).
I realize this idea of no-self may sound like nonsense, but I assure you it is not nonsense at all, but a way to freedom, unimaginable freedom.
Zen and Buddhism are larger subjects than can be explained right here. I invite you to look at this site:
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/awakening101/shikantaza.html
I hope you will all approach this discussion with an open mind. Having an open mind is even more important than learning about zazen or Buddhism, or anything at all.
I am always ready to respond to all questions and comments.