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.

  • TraumaDumpling
    ·
    10 months ago

    philosophy: maybe we should think about stuff sometimes, like fundamental questions concerning rationality and knowledge and reality

    westoids: ogey

    westoids: writes nothing but apologia for the status quo

    philosophy: westoids, how could you possibly think that's what i mea-

    westoids: another certified bangerimperialism

    • WithoutFurtherBelay
      ·
      10 months ago

      philosophy is when a big strong man came and said "no more wokeism" and that was philosophy