SunnyDaze [they/them]

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Joined 4 years ago
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Cake day: September 16th, 2020

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  • Oh, totally. I'm no teacher or anything, but the TL;DR is that it's fundamentalist - in the sense that it's "Just Sitting" zen. That's what keeps me coming back. No scripture / additional beliefs required. The attitude to the scriptures is largely that they're "often helpful additions".

    It's probably best if you find a teacher to talk it out with. FWIW, I'd recommend finding groups associated with the San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC), rather than the Soto Shu.

    Soto Shu is a recent organization that's trying to become like the Vatican for Soto Zen - not a great look.


  • I'm in a similar boat, and have found Soto Zen Buddhism to be pretty good.

    Brad Warner's books are a good starting point. (Keep in mind that Brad Warner is a total pissboy who advocated for Trump and doesn't believe in masks.) You could probably just read Hardcore Zen and Sit Down and Shut Up and get all his good bits. Our sangha "teacher" also recommends Everyday Zen, though there is some BS in there.

    And Soto Zen Buddhism went in whole hog for Japanese Imperialism. Probably goes without saying, but a spiritual / ethical framework alone won't stop you from making mistakes / doing harm.

    But as far as religions / organizations go, it's pretty ok. Biggest thing is once you get started, find a sangha so you don't get too far in your own head.

    EDIT: Adding deets