From: Zhonu-AT-aol.com
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2000 12:07:57 EST
Subject: Re: 50 lashes for me


The more conventual brand of Mahayana Prajnaparimita is a religion in the 
conventual sense, but I think that Zen is not. Zen requires great discipline 
and Zazen(sitting) is very difficult. The result Zen is that is the complete 
disruption of normal modes of thought, very close to the systemless 
philosophical position of Neitzsche. There are practitioners of every 
religion who from lack of capacity or will practice a corrupt form of the 
religion. To make founder responsible for these is a fatal error. I too think 
Siddhartha was an 'overman' as was Christ. The last Christian died on the 
cross Nietzsche wrote, likewise the last Buddhist died when Siddhartha died. 
Buddha did not want any followers he taught the method and the insights he 
developed to gain enlightenment.  There is no "Thou art Peter..." remark is 
the Sutras or the Tantras for that matter. There are no NECESSARY beliefs in 
Buddhism.  The great cry of the Buddha and what attracted me to it is "See 
for yourself." There are many methods and some will work for some and others 
for others.  I should add that Acting like the Buddha is not imitating him. 
Acting like the Buddha is a code phrase concerning the four Buddha 
function-pacifying, increasing, and subduing obstacles: the fourth one 
escapes me (may Lama Gonpo for give me).  These are attitudes, not behaviors, 
with which a practitioner confronts the situations he encounters. In this way 
he is like the Buddha but not imitating him. I have enjoyed this exchange, 
Ben; I have not tried to express these ideas in years. One last thing these 
for notes are not substitute for the teachings of a teacher.

Chris


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