Expert: Joe McSorley - 2/15/2005

Question
i am intrested in zen buddhism. i have some books i have been reading. is there a school online that will help me will my studies. i dont know if i am doing this correctly.i know that buddhism is a life time study and i am will to do this to better myself.i really have time to do this. i just need someone to talk to to make sure i am doing this coorectly. i have not been to the groups from what i understand they are looking for a leader. they have not been having meetings here.

Answer
Dear Catharine,
     This is always a difficult question for me to answer. It is good that you are self motivated and reading on your own but it is very difficult to find truly good writings on Zen; at least those that are comprehensible to a layperson. Is there a particular thing that pulls you towards Zen?  They are basically two ways to approach Zen.  One is to study the ‘religion' of Zen, rituals and practices and the other is to seek the heart of Zen and awakening.  It is easy to find a school that teaches the ritual and tradition of a particular school of Zen but extremely difficult to find one that truly and completely emphasizes self -awakening.  From my standpoint the schools that do have belief systems and rituals often miss the point of Buddhism which is awakening here and now in this lifetime.  Historically many who came to study Buddhism did so because they have some major questions in life that are not getting answered by other religions or philosophies.   They didn't come to ‘study ZEN' per se' but to solve a problem.  In a sense there is no place to hide in Buddhism.  By this I mean in other religions you can say “ I believe so God will take care of me no matter what” but Zen Buddhism's approach is if you have a problem you must come to the solution within yourself.  Some of those belief system schools of Buddhism do find solace in reincarnation and other things such as ‘taking refuge in the Buddha'.  
  Most of what I see being taught as Zen in this country is problematic.  It is not at all what it was originally  as taught by the first masters.  It has been reduced to a psychological state of well being or peace which totally misses the heart of Zen.  The monasteries here are full of priests and hierarchies, folks who like their ‘status', and have not idea how to take on any real Zen challenge.  Most of the books on Zen are bad too, teaching this kind of mindless quietude that is totally anthropomorphic in its approach.
  I know this does not sound encouraging but this type of critical look at any school of Buddhism is extremely important if you really seek the truth.  If you really want to seek awakening then you have to apply yourself with a deep level of commitment and personal honesty and integrity that will be arduous at best.
  I strongly suggest you read the book “Zen Essays Series Two” by D.T. Suzuki, you can find it used at Albris.com.  It is a treasure of real Zen teaching.  There is only one way to get in real shape and that is real exercise and so it is with Zen practice; this applies to all aspects of improving the human condition.
  I do not know of any specific Zen websites that are good though there are tons of them selling their version of the dharma..  I would be most reticent to suggest them anyway due to my experience with the ‘Zen' teachers here in the US.  You should continue you path of personal inquiry and study.  Please don't hesitate to write me with your thoughts or questions.  That's what I am here for.  Please let me know what you've already read.
 Take care,
        Joe