I saw some people on Reddit discussing whether someone was being orientalist, and I agreed they were simply by using the phrase "zen-like concentration". I'm not offended by them using this term, I just find it stupid. "Zen-like" has absolutely no meaning, but gives an air of eastern spirituality and mysticism. I personally think you should only be able to use that phrase if you can give a detailed and verifiable explanation about the differences between zen-like concentration, huayan-like concentration, mahasthabir nikaya-like concentration, and chan-like concentration, as well as recognize that the last one is exactly the same as zen.

And why is it only ever "zen-like"? I'm sure everyone would find it strange if Asians suddenly started to use the terms "seventh day adventism-like" or "independent fundamentalist baptist-like" to refer to the elements of American culture they find exotic.

  • red_stapler [he/him]
    ·
    9 months ago

    I feel like it's a short and convenient loaner word to describe calm/focus/concentration at this point.

    • dannoffs [he/him]
      ·
      9 months ago

      I was going to talk shit about OP not understanding etymology but the example sentence on Miriam Webster for "zen like" was about Obama so now I agree with OP.

      • Umechan [he/him]
        ·
        9 months ago

        Ahem, don't you know drone bombing brown kids and increasing deportations while claiming to stand for freedom, progress, and dignity for all is in fact the epitome of zen?