tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-435020087790887201.post-20525964275776729072007-12-22T16:39:00.000-08:002007-12-22T16:39:00.000-08:00anony wrote...<BR/><I>Zen is as chock full of ritual, dogma and "foreign terminology" as any other so-called "path".</I><BR/><BR/>I don't see any problem with ritual. But as for dogma... where did you get the idea that Zen has dogma? Maybe you're assuming that. If some teacher has told you that, then I say you should avoid that teacher.<BR/><BR/>Also, if you think the word or idea "Zen" is important, that's a good thing to throw away. It's just a word that points to your just-now experience.<BR/><BR/><I>I've seen those photos of you on your blog...why wear those robes? why chant in a foreign language? why bow?</I><BR/><BR/>What's your problem with any of these things? Have you got something against robes??<BR/><BR/>These are all practices that can be used to put down ideas, opinions, like/dislikes. You're just focusing on outer forms here. The important thing is how you <B>use</B> the forms, the intention behind them. How you keep your mind moment to moment is the important thing, whatever form you happen to be following.<BR/><BR/><I>Why criticize other people for doing what you appear to be doing?</I><BR/><BR/>When have I ever criticized other people? I don't know what you're talking about.<BR/><BR/>Stuart<BR/>http://stuart-randomthoughts.blogspot.com/Stuarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16879896068458013439noreply@blogger.com