Comments on: On Zen Buddhism

By: Nacho

Nacho — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 06:24:00 +0000

Hi! Neat blog. Sorry to come in late to this conversation. I run a blog that is precisely grounded on a Zen Humanist perspective. My take on Zen Humanism is under development (a new post coming up soon on this subject), but it is of course, non-theist, atheist. I must add a bit of revision to the commenter who mentioned reincarnation. The belief in reincarnation is not Zen Buddhist. In fact, not all Buddhists believe in reincarnation, as that notion is more properly one that belonged to the Vedic religions that shared the stage with the development of Buddhism. Zen Buddhism's three dharma seals explicitly dismiss any notion of permanence or lingering of any essence -- the key notions being emptyness and impermanence. The annihilation of the self refers to the fact that the self is but a construct. Annihilation means recognizing that such is indeed the case. It is not permanent, it is contingent and recognizing its illusory/constructed nature frees us to understand interconnection and living the present moment. : )

Thanks!

N
WoodMoor Village

By: Sacred Slut

Sacred Slut — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 03:08:00 +0000

Buddhism has a lot to recommend it. It seems like mostly a peaceful centered worldview. My only quibble with it is that it generally involves a belief in reincarnation which I no longer, after researching the subject, believe in. And it seeks to annihilate the “self” as far as I understand it. But since we’re only here for a short time, why would I want to do that? I like myself well enough not to, and as long as I am here it seems as if I would want to experience as much as possible.

By: Sedgie

Sedgie — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:19:00 +0000

I am an atheist/Buddhist and aside from having to answer a lot of questions, it works for me.
I grew up Catholic and am familiar with the OCD upbringing, Like you, I was looking for a little balance.
I find Buddhism allows me to temper my activist atheism with humanity and a sense of positivity.
I’d say studying Buddhism has made me a kinder, better person than I was before, although I still have a long way to go.
Best of luck in your search :)

By: Tammy

Tammy — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 23:45:00 +0000

I *love* the name of your blog.

The Zen Buddhism I’ve studied seems more agnostic than atheist, although, less on the side of “we don’t know if there’s a creator” to “it doesn’t matter one way or the other if there is one.” Which, I’m not sure falls under agnostic or atheist.

Gonna link to your blog in my post tomorrow.

By: Captain Joe Kickass

Captain Joe Kickass — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 23:38:00 +0000

You Inspire Me.

By: That Loud Feminist Chick

That Loud Feminist Chick — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:38:00 +0000

I’ll just leave my 2 cents worth! I like the name change. Who says you have to pick just one and stick with it?

BTW, LOVE the Lewis Black video. He is my absolute favorite. I would actually pay money to go see him live.