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.

  • sharkfucker420 [comrade/them]
    ·
    10 months ago

    Maybe a little, I mean it is dumb but getting bothered by it enough to make a post would only really make sense if you are Buddhist I think

    • Umechan [he/him]
      ·
      10 months ago

      I don't see why I need to be bothered about something greatly in order to make a post. I'm at work, so it's not like I've got anything better to do. Boss makes a dollar, I make a dime, that's why I shitpost on company time.