AboutStuart Resnick Expertise I'm a long-time practitioner in a Korean-style Zen school. I can answer questions regarding Zen, formal sitting meditation, self-inquiry, the practice of "koan" transmission, and offer the particular perspective of this school on the great life questions.
Experience 18 years of formal practice with the Kwan Um School of Zen, currently with the Empty Gate Zen Center of Berkeley, currently a "Senior Dharma Teacher" at this center, I give periodic talks and informally answer questions of students interested in Zen practice and teaching style
Question Hello, I wonder if you can help, I am very intrested in buddhism but am a bit confused as I have a son with autism, and not sure if the faith means that because he has a disability it is his own fault as he has done something bad in a past life, could you please help explian this and how buddhas feel about disabilities.
Answer True Buddhism mean not clinging to ANY dogmas. If you find a helpful way to use concepts of karma, then use them. Otherwise, throw all concepts into the garbage.
To practice Buddhism, perceive that I/my/me is just thinking, just like clouds that appear and dispear in the sky. Don't hold any of these thoughts and concepts, just let them be. Then you can perceive the situation right in front of you with clarity.
Then, how do you use that clarity? You use it to help other beings. So when you're with your son, only try to help him.
Moment to moment, practice clarity (not-clinging to thinking) and compassion ("How can I help?"). That's all.
