Just got to your channel. Never read any of your books yet but I find your style so straightforward and with no nonsense. It is hard to find a Zen teacher where I live with same directness as you. Thank you.
I so appreciate your honesty and integrity regarding the subject of ordination. It never ceases to amaze me how people lack insight that if they are emotionally upset about not receiving such a ceremony, it is a clear indication they are simply not ready for it, most especially at the level of ego.
Western people (even Japanese, from what I see) make everything an achievement or like a career ladder. To Jukai or not is really not that important, especially meaningless if you see it as a qualification yourself or level to be reached. Buddhism without status levels is what is needed. Receiving precepts is less important than actually following them. You can also follow them without receiving them.
actually its a bit weird when you think about, Commodore Matthew Perry's forcing of the opening up of japan in 1853 back-fired in spades with the russo-japansese war and WW2, they would have been far better to let japan find its own pace, the significance of this misjudgement is hugely underrated
I am a member of Taizen Deshimaru's AZI, and he established a "Bodhisattva ordination" in which you get a rakusu and take the 16 precepts, yet you are still a layman - that's my actual status, even though I, among others, learnt to do some "priestly stuff" at the dojo (I can set the altar, prepare the dojo, play the wood, partake in recitations etc. - I might also use the kyosaku, but I have to work on it). It's similar to the Catholic "minor clergy" or "third order", people who enter into an order without becoming either priests or monks (now it's declined as an insititution; but for example, the great Italian writers of the Middle Ages and Humanism, like Dante and Boccaccio, where members of third orders, which brang its share of economic prerogatives etc.). Next step, which I'm probably taking in the near future since the teacher considers me ready, is becoming a monk. No other titles.
I've been watching your recent videos about this subject with interest and I just had an aha moment about what happened to someone I know at an earlier time in their life. They were a member of an organization that was in the habit of handing out credentials to people simply based on how long a person had been around, rather than on any genuine demonstration of their readiness to take on such a mantle. And this particular person was clearly not remotely ready to receive such credentials. Which meant that when they later left that organization and joined a different organization in the same field, they were told by the leadership of the new organization that they weren't qualified to do the job associated with said credentials. My heart went out to them because it was obviously extremely painful for them and caused them a tremendous amount of shame. To their credit, they have stuck around at the new organization and have continued to work on their personal growth and learning, and I admire them for that. Not many people can or would do that after taking such a hit to their confidence.
Thank you for a thoughtful look at ordination and dharma transmission, Brad. I do think that ordination (and Jukai) can be really meaningful for people, including myself, as a ceremony which conveys what is already in their hearts in terms of the intention of how they wish to live, and the path they wish to commit to. John Daido Loori calls all ceremony the art of making the invisible visible and I think you are pretty much saying the same thing here. But, there are definitely issues with ordination and dharma transmission, in terms of the credentials that are taken to come with them, and the position of authority they can convey on people. Dharma transmission in particular has very little consistency between different sanghas, and some people who can be arguably more suited to be teachers, can fail to receive shiho due to falling out with a teacher or other reasons, but I guess that is true of life. The difference I often make, however, is that when I did my PhD, if I had fallen out with my supervising teacher, the university would have found me someone else in the biology department who was able to continue the programme for me. In Zen, if you fall out with a teacher there is very little recourse and you have to start again with another teacher from square one. The close relationship between student and teacher works very well when it works, and doesn't when it doesn't, to the detriment of the student (but rarely the teacher). I wonder if you can ever forsee a system in the west whereby shiho is independent of ordination so that people do not have to jump through that particular hoop, and shiho is entirely dependent on their practice and closeness of mind with the teacher? Robes can be a wall between ordained and lay folk that does not have to be there. Also, would you be able to say what Nishijima Roshi's views were on Hossenshiki as a necessary step between Shukke Tokudo and Shiho?
Nishijima Roshi never mentioned hossenshiki. In Japan, it's degenerated into a ritual in which the questions and answers are memorized and then performed like a stage play. I don't think Dogen wrote about hossenshiki (at least I can't recall seeing anything he wrote about it), so it may have been something that was added later.
So, just for interest's sake, the Catholic Church only has three "orders" where someone is actually "ordained": Deacon, Presbyter (Priest), Bishop. Cardinals aren't ordained, they're "created" Cardinals. Monks are "professed" but may or may not be "ordained" as a Deacon, Priest, or Bishop as a parallel path. By Canon Law, Cardinals generally have to be ordained a Bishop prior to being "created" a Cardinal (if they aren't already a Bishop), unless special dispensation from the Pope is granted. There are a lot of other ministries in Catholicism such as lector and acolyte. These are "instituted" not "ordained". Anyway...there ya are!
The closest thing that the Catholic Church has to dharma transmission is Apostolic Succession. It's passed from bishop to bishop, allegedly going all the way back to St Peter. Much in the same way that the dharma lineage can be traced back to Buddha.
It may take some time and thought, but with the aid of some "translation" work, you may find quite some amazing parallels. For example, you can view the "Eucharistie" as a kind of heart-to-heart transmission - and it even is "public domain", that is, in principle, everybody with "good faith" is entitled to participate and partake of the "holy sacrament". - Just saying, for supplement, as someone who simply is interested in the (as neutral as possible) comparative study of religions.
In Europe I found they were quite reticent in giving jukai, with time spent in a given group (at least a year) being a requirement. Of course I moved for work and family reasons before the year had elapsed and jukai never happened. Even back in Japan you typically have to wait for annual ceremonies (as you say it takes some planning), and in the Soto school I've been told it requires participation in the Rohatsu sesshin in Eiheiji, which is practically impossible for a householder to attend, so it still takes considerable planning and being in the right place both geographically and in your life. Over time, although I still want to do jukai it's become more of a side note to the business of sitting, an optional extra if you like.
I have to wait for 3 years; the ceremony is held once a year. And I have to study the precepts for two months with classes every week, plus I have to sew my own rakusu which is a test of patience especially if you want it nicely done...
It’s funny. I woke up this morning and my hair looked like I was a stand-in for the Eraserhead set. Yup, I’m going through shukke tokudo in May. However, I’ve been practicing 22 years, and received jukai 9 years ago. Jukai under Mel Weitsman meant a great deal to me and led me to where I am today. However, I do know that I will be a priest in the SF lineage. I don’t necessarily agree with everything they say or do, especially within the last 3-4 years. If a teacher recognizes that I am worthy of shiho, I will be humbled and grateful. Ordinations are just a show of faith in person to go further in whatever tradition; sometimes, there are people that should not have received that recognition. I agree with you, Brad, most of the time. Within this topic, I agree with most of what you said but not all. What’s great about that is that’s the way it should be. Agree, disagree, or meet somewhere in the gray area - it’s all good. Viva Ziggy! Love the music
Hi Brad, i might be a bit late on this vid. Just wondering how you felt about Nishijima and his "legacy" so to speak. Like, do you feel any pressure (if thats the right word) to carry on his flavor of lineage buy passing on Dharma transmission? I guess in a way it would be a shame for Nishijimas lineage to kind of fizzle out. I know thats not a solid reason to ordain and Dharma transmit but i think you may get my point?
This is unrelated to the video but what do you think about Takuan Sōhō and The Unfettered Mind? I remember watching a video of yours about why zen has moral principles and that you said a person who became 'enlightened' without these moral principles could be very dangerous. The Unfettered Mind is pretty much applying zen principles to combat so it reminded me of what you said. Would love to hear your thoughts.
I should never ask what dharma transmission means (to me). Or what Buddhism means (to me). Or what meditation means (to me). If I make all these questions self-referential...me me me...I am only making up my own personal religion.
That's really cool. How was it that you knew that Nisha Gemi Roshi (spelling?) was "you", or knew you, or you knew him, or could "wink knowingly" at each other? Were you completing each other's sentences or something? Also, do you do any events or sitting in Southern California before your European tour?
How do you know you're in love with someone? It's something like that. His name is spelled Nishijima. I don't have any events scheduled for Southern California in the near future. I wish I had a venue to do some.
I really don't know much about what they do. It seems kind of devotional to me. I sometimes wonder if Pure Land Buddhism was influenced by Christianity. Scholars who have investigated this have not been able to determine any definite line of influence, but many have noticed strong similarities. There has always been a good relationship between Pure Land Buddhism and Zen, and many teachers of one form of Buddhism also practice the other. For example, Kosho Uchiyama (a Zen teacher) practiced chanting nembutsu (a Pure Land practice) and Gyomay Kubose (a Pure Land teacher) practiced zazen.
ChatGPT 4 enters the chat. Yes, dharma transmission, or the passing of teachings and authorization from teacher to student, is not unique to Zen Buddhism. It is a common practice in many other Buddhist schools and traditions as well. Theravada Buddhism: In this tradition, dharma transmission is less formalized than in Zen, but still exists as an important aspect of the teacher-student relationship. It often takes the form of a lineage of teachers and disciples, who pass on the teachings, monastic discipline (Vinaya), and meditation techniques. Tibetan Buddhism: Dharma transmission in Tibetan Buddhism is a crucial aspect of the Guru-disciple relationship. It takes the form of "empowerments" (Tibetan: wang), "oral transmissions" (Tibetan: lung), and "experiential instructions" (Tibetan: tri). Empowerments are ritualized initiations that grant permission to practice specific tantric teachings and techniques, while oral transmissions provide the student with a lineage of the particular text or practice. Experiential instructions are teachings based on the personal experience of the Guru, which help the student understand the meaning and practice of the teachings. Pure Land Buddhism: In this tradition, dharma transmission is less about the direct transfer of teachings from teacher to student and more about the collective aspiration to be reborn in the Pure Land, the ideal realm of the Buddha Amitabha. In this context, dharma transmission occurs through the cultivation of faith in Amitabha, recitation of his name, and the practice of mindfulness of the Buddha. Tiantai and Huayan Buddhism: These Chinese Mahayana Buddhist schools also practice dharma transmission through lineages of teachers and disciples, who pass on the teachings and interpretations of their respective traditions. The emphasis in these schools is often on the study of sutras and commentaries and the cultivation of meditative insight. In summary, while the specific methods and rituals of dharma transmission may differ among various Buddhist schools, the underlying concept of passing on the teachings and authorization from teacher to student is a common thread throughout the Buddhist world.
@@HardcoreZen oh wow! that goes wayer back even - didn't know that album at all - thank you ruclips.net/video/IYdy8qEV-Zg/видео.html (looking for your version of it on a future zen vid) nice bass rif...
I start shaving my hair because I was losing it. It wasn't Buddhism, but then I discover it was one more thing to let it go... I wish I have hair like Brad...but... Not even your hair is yours...
Interesting stuff … you definitely sound influenced by some bad experiences. Probably needed better communication and stated guidelines around what being ordained meant … with everyone’s intentions clarified. I think it’s unfortunate that these “bad apples” seem to have soured you on teaching students formally. Despite your assertions, you have a lot to offer sincere practitioners! As an academic, all I ever wanted from my teachers and mentors was to learn and earn their respect. That was priceless to me.
So nice of you to say this, thanks. :) Earn their respect. That's probably the same for me, but I never could nail it down. I just knew I didn't need ceremonies or anything. Even now though, I feel like their respect shouldn't matter to me... but it definitely does (or would or whatever). Thanks for helping me formulate this explicitly for myself. :)
this video left a really weird taste in my mouth, and I'm wondering if BW should have considered a bit more before posting it. I had that sense of "airing grievances" in the form of teaching.
In "Hardcore Zen" Brad explains that just sitting zazen is enough. No gurus, no sacred texts, no mantras or robes or incense or funny hats are necessary AND you don't need anyone's permission. There is NO INTERMEDIARY between YOU and what's real. -NOT EVEN BRAD!!!! And Brad quotes some zen-geezer who said that even if you only sit for a few minutes each day it is enough to send you down the right path. (I misquote therefore I am) 🙃
"Brad explains that just sitting zazen is enough." It wasn't enough for Dogen. He sat for years without awakening until he attained 'kensho'....dropping off body and mind.
Just got to your channel. Never read any of your books yet but I find your style so straightforward and with no nonsense. It is hard to find a Zen teacher where I live with same directness as you. Thank you.
I so appreciate your honesty and integrity regarding the subject of ordination. It never ceases to amaze me how people lack insight that if they are emotionally upset about not receiving such a ceremony, it is a clear indication they are simply not ready for it, most especially at the level of ego.
Western people (even Japanese, from what I see) make everything an achievement or like a career ladder. To Jukai or not is really not that important, especially meaningless if you see it as a qualification yourself or level to be reached. Buddhism without status levels is what is needed. Receiving precepts is less important than actually following them. You can also follow them without receiving them.
actually its a bit weird when you think about, Commodore Matthew Perry's forcing of the opening up of japan in 1853 back-fired in spades with the russo-japansese war and WW2, they would have been far better to let japan find its own pace, the significance of this misjudgement is hugely underrated
I am a member of Taizen Deshimaru's AZI, and he established a "Bodhisattva ordination" in which you get a rakusu and take the 16 precepts, yet you are still a layman - that's my actual status, even though I, among others, learnt to do some "priestly stuff" at the dojo (I can set the altar, prepare the dojo, play the wood, partake in recitations etc. - I might also use the kyosaku, but I have to work on it). It's similar to the Catholic "minor clergy" or "third order", people who enter into an order without becoming either priests or monks (now it's declined as an insititution; but for example, the great Italian writers of the Middle Ages and Humanism, like Dante and Boccaccio, where members of third orders, which brang its share of economic prerogatives etc.). Next step, which I'm probably taking in the near future since the teacher considers me ready, is becoming a monk. No other titles.
I've been watching your recent videos about this subject with interest and I just had an aha moment about what happened to someone I know at an earlier time in their life. They were a member of an organization that was in the habit of handing out credentials to people simply based on how long a person had been around, rather than on any genuine demonstration of their readiness to take on such a mantle.
And this particular person was clearly not remotely ready to receive such credentials. Which meant that when they later left that organization and joined a different organization in the same field, they were told by the leadership of the new organization that they weren't qualified to do the job associated with said credentials.
My heart went out to them because it was obviously extremely painful for them and caused them a tremendous amount of shame. To their credit, they have stuck around at the new organization and have continued to work on their personal growth and learning, and I admire them for that. Not many people can or would do that after taking such a hit to their confidence.
Good!! I took Jukai long time ago, so I'm not only a Buddhist I'm also a monk/priest!!!
Fun fact: you are Buddha.
Thank you for a thoughtful look at ordination and dharma transmission, Brad. I do think that ordination (and Jukai) can be really meaningful for people, including myself, as a ceremony which conveys what is already in their hearts in terms of the intention of how they wish to live, and the path they wish to commit to. John Daido Loori calls all ceremony the art of making the invisible visible and I think you are pretty much saying the same thing here.
But, there are definitely issues with ordination and dharma transmission, in terms of the credentials that are taken to come with them, and the position of authority they can convey on people. Dharma transmission in particular has very little consistency between different sanghas, and some people who can be arguably more suited to be teachers, can fail to receive shiho due to falling out with a teacher or other reasons, but I guess that is true of life. The difference I often make, however, is that when I did my PhD, if I had fallen out with my supervising teacher, the university would have found me someone else in the biology department who was able to continue the programme for me. In Zen, if you fall out with a teacher there is very little recourse and you have to start again with another teacher from square one. The close relationship between student and teacher works very well when it works, and doesn't when it doesn't, to the detriment of the student (but rarely the teacher).
I wonder if you can ever forsee a system in the west whereby shiho is independent of ordination so that people do not have to jump through that particular hoop, and shiho is entirely dependent on their practice and closeness of mind with the teacher? Robes can be a wall between ordained and lay folk that does not have to be there.
Also, would you be able to say what Nishijima Roshi's views were on Hossenshiki as a necessary step between Shukke Tokudo and Shiho?
Nishijima Roshi never mentioned hossenshiki. In Japan, it's degenerated into a ritual in which the questions and answers are memorized and then performed like a stage play. I don't think Dogen wrote about hossenshiki (at least I can't recall seeing anything he wrote about it), so it may have been something that was added later.
@@HardcoreZen Thank you.
I have recieved Jukai, Shukke Tokudo, and Dharma Transmission but still live a normal life just starting at the wall. =)
Keep up the good work!
So, just for interest's sake, the Catholic Church only has three "orders" where someone is actually "ordained": Deacon, Presbyter (Priest), Bishop. Cardinals aren't ordained, they're "created" Cardinals. Monks are "professed" but may or may not be "ordained" as a Deacon, Priest, or Bishop as a parallel path. By Canon Law, Cardinals generally have to be ordained a Bishop prior to being "created" a Cardinal (if they aren't already a Bishop), unless special dispensation from the Pope is granted. There are a lot of other ministries in Catholicism such as lector and acolyte. These are "instituted" not "ordained". Anyway...there ya are!
Thank you! That is really complicated!
The closest thing that the Catholic Church has to dharma transmission is Apostolic Succession. It's passed from bishop to bishop, allegedly going all the way back to St Peter. Much in the same way that the dharma lineage can be traced back to Buddha.
Interesting!
It may take some time and thought, but with the aid of some "translation" work, you may find quite some amazing parallels. For example, you can view the "Eucharistie" as a kind of heart-to-heart transmission - and it even is "public domain", that is, in principle, everybody with "good faith" is entitled to participate and partake of the "holy sacrament". - Just saying, for supplement, as someone who simply is interested in the (as neutral as possible) comparative study of religions.
I don't always have something to say.... But I do usually always like and appreciate your work
Just love ur attitude and humour!👍😁
In Europe I found they were quite reticent in giving jukai, with time spent in a given group (at least a year) being a requirement. Of course I moved for work and family reasons before the year had elapsed and jukai never happened. Even back in Japan you typically have to wait for annual ceremonies (as you say it takes some planning), and in the Soto school I've been told it requires participation in the Rohatsu sesshin in Eiheiji, which is practically impossible for a householder to attend, so it still takes considerable planning and being in the right place both geographically and in your life. Over time, although I still want to do jukai it's become more of a side note to the business of sitting, an optional extra if you like.
I have to wait for 3 years; the ceremony is held once a year. And I have to study the precepts for two months with classes every week, plus I have to sew my own rakusu which is a test of patience especially if you want it nicely done...
"Oooooh! How I would like to be Caliph in the place of the Caliph!"
It’s funny. I woke up this morning and my hair looked like I was a stand-in for the Eraserhead set. Yup, I’m going through shukke tokudo in May. However, I’ve been practicing 22 years, and received jukai 9 years ago. Jukai under Mel Weitsman meant a great deal to me and led me to where I am today. However, I do know that I will be a priest in the SF lineage. I don’t necessarily agree with everything they say or do, especially within the last 3-4 years. If a teacher recognizes that I am worthy of shiho, I will be humbled and grateful. Ordinations are just a show of faith in person to go further in whatever tradition; sometimes, there are people that should not have received that recognition. I agree with you, Brad, most of the time. Within this topic, I agree with most of what you said but not all. What’s great about that is that’s the way it should be. Agree, disagree, or meet somewhere in the gray area - it’s all good. Viva Ziggy! Love the music
Thanks Joe!
9:00
Hi Brad, i might be a bit late on this vid. Just wondering how you felt about Nishijima and his "legacy" so to speak. Like, do you feel any pressure (if thats the right word) to carry on his flavor of lineage buy passing on Dharma transmission? I guess in a way it would be a shame for Nishijimas lineage to kind of fizzle out. I know thats not a solid reason to ordain and Dharma transmit but i think you may get my point?
Thank you, very helpful
This is unrelated to the video but what do you think about Takuan Sōhō and The Unfettered Mind? I remember watching a video of yours about why zen has moral principles and that you said a person who became 'enlightened' without these moral principles could be very dangerous. The Unfettered Mind is pretty much applying zen principles to combat so it reminded me of what you said. Would love to hear your thoughts.
I should never ask what dharma transmission means (to me).
Or what Buddhism means (to me).
Or what meditation means (to me).
If I make all these questions self-referential...me me me...I am only making up my own personal religion.
Fences, walls, tiles and pebbles!
20:00 can I say this. It sounds like a discordian pope. Somebody with a completly wrong idea about it
What was Gregory Bateson
That's really cool. How was it that you knew that Nisha Gemi Roshi (spelling?) was "you", or knew you, or you knew him, or could "wink knowingly" at each other? Were you completing each other's sentences or something? Also, do you do any events or sitting in Southern California before your European tour?
How do you know you're in love with someone? It's something like that. His name is spelled Nishijima. I don't have any events scheduled for Southern California in the near future. I wish I had a venue to do some.
Would you mind sharing your perspective on Jodo Shinshu or Pure Land practices in general?
I really don't know much about what they do. It seems kind of devotional to me. I sometimes wonder if Pure Land Buddhism was influenced by Christianity. Scholars who have investigated this have not been able to determine any definite line of influence, but many have noticed strong similarities. There has always been a good relationship between Pure Land Buddhism and Zen, and many teachers of one form of Buddhism also practice the other. For example, Kosho Uchiyama (a Zen teacher) practiced chanting nembutsu (a Pure Land practice) and Gyomay Kubose (a Pure Land teacher) practiced zazen.
@@HardcoreZen Okay. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Is zazen still boring? Love
Do other Buddhist schools, outside Zen, have Dharma transmission or something similar?
It’s a good question! I don’t know if transmission is unique to zen.
ChatGPT 4 enters the chat.
Yes, dharma transmission, or the passing of teachings and authorization from teacher to student, is not unique to Zen Buddhism. It is a common practice in many other Buddhist schools and traditions as well.
Theravada Buddhism: In this tradition, dharma transmission is less formalized than in Zen, but still exists as an important aspect of the teacher-student relationship. It often takes the form of a lineage of teachers and disciples, who pass on the teachings, monastic discipline (Vinaya), and meditation techniques.
Tibetan Buddhism: Dharma transmission in Tibetan Buddhism is a crucial aspect of the Guru-disciple relationship. It takes the form of "empowerments" (Tibetan: wang), "oral transmissions" (Tibetan: lung), and "experiential instructions" (Tibetan: tri). Empowerments are ritualized initiations that grant permission to practice specific tantric teachings and techniques, while oral transmissions provide the student with a lineage of the particular text or practice. Experiential instructions are teachings based on the personal experience of the Guru, which help the student understand the meaning and practice of the teachings.
Pure Land Buddhism: In this tradition, dharma transmission is less about the direct transfer of teachings from teacher to student and more about the collective aspiration to be reborn in the Pure Land, the ideal realm of the Buddha Amitabha. In this context, dharma transmission occurs through the cultivation of faith in Amitabha, recitation of his name, and the practice of mindfulness of the Buddha.
Tiantai and Huayan Buddhism: These Chinese Mahayana Buddhist schools also practice dharma transmission through lineages of teachers and disciples, who pass on the teachings and interpretations of their respective traditions. The emphasis in these schools is often on the study of sutras and commentaries and the cultivation of meditative insight.
In summary, while the specific methods and rituals of dharma transmission may differ among various Buddhist schools, the underlying concept of passing on the teachings and authorization from teacher to student is a common thread throughout the Buddhist world.
Yeppers
Of course, only Zen has the authentic dharma transmission! (Winky face emoji)
So did i just receive dharma transmission or not?
Hi, Brad! All Dimentia 13 albums have disappeared from RUclips music. Do you know what happened to them?
Yes. The record label who uploaded them went out of business, so all the stuff they uploaded to RUclips and Spotify went away.
They are still on the Tidal app.
A GREAT CD...VAN MORRISON.."NO GURU, NO METHOD, NO TEACHER"
So you no longer vouch for the priests you ordained?
All but two of them ghosted me, so it's hard to vouch for them.
paul williams -(as opposed to carpenters)- awesome songwriter - worth checking out more of his tunes - you may be surprised.
Yes. I figured people would know The Carpenters but not Paul Williams. I especially like his song Someday Man, which The Monkees recorded.
@@HardcoreZen oh wow! that goes wayer back even - didn't know that album at all - thank you ruclips.net/video/IYdy8qEV-Zg/видео.html (looking for your version of it on a future zen vid)
nice bass rif...
15:17
Everything passes. :)
"You are not your bad hair day" 😉
One solution for the hair is not to have hair, like Nishijima or Muho...One less thing to hold onto...
Great point...I started shaving my head during the lockdowns and now I see why it makes so much sense.
Yep! Started shaving mine in my 30’s when I was an athlete and taking 2-3 showers a day … and now I cannot stand to have hair! 😂 Save money too!
I start shaving my hair because I was losing it. It wasn't Buddhism, but then I discover it was one more thing to let it go...
I wish I have hair like Brad...but... Not even your hair is yours...
I look like Nosferatu when I shave my head.
We all look like Nosferatu, Dogen, Nishijima, Muho...After all life is not a beauty contest...
What about Tina Turner
Do you believe in the completeness of your understanding?
No.
The Sawed-Toe Shoe.
Bad Spock was Rinzai ;-)
Good math
I'm just here for Ziggy, but I end up watching the video because you always put him at the end, you rascally rabbit. 😊
I should start putting him earlier.
@@HardcoreZen 😁 I got to learn something and I got to see Ziggy at the end, it's all good.
Brad, the Catholic equivalent would be Apostolic Succession.
Guitar intro sounds a bit oasis-y
Kind of. I didn't intend it that way, but I see how it could sound like them.
do an oasis song!
Interesting stuff … you definitely sound influenced by some bad experiences. Probably needed better communication and stated guidelines around what being ordained meant … with everyone’s intentions clarified. I think it’s unfortunate that these “bad apples” seem to have soured you on teaching students formally. Despite your assertions, you have a lot to offer sincere practitioners! As an academic, all I ever wanted from my teachers and mentors was to learn and earn their respect. That was priceless to me.
So nice of you to say this, thanks. :) Earn their respect. That's probably the same for me, but I never could nail it down. I just knew I didn't need ceremonies or anything. Even now though, I feel like their respect shouldn't matter to me... but it definitely does (or would or whatever). Thanks for helping me formulate this explicitly for myself. :)
Wait. We are love. -bullshit caller. But not in this video
this video left a really weird taste in my mouth, and I'm wondering if BW should have considered a bit more before posting it. I had that sense of "airing grievances" in the form of teaching.
Maybe you should ask Brad. He posts his email address on every video! bw@hardcorezen.info
- Brad
P.S. He did think about it for about five years.
good segue way on the donations, you could go even more aggressive on it: “i’m going to ordain three people a day until i raise $10,000!”
Good idea!
In "Hardcore Zen" Brad explains that just sitting zazen is enough. No gurus, no sacred texts, no mantras or robes or incense or funny hats are necessary AND you don't need anyone's permission. There is NO INTERMEDIARY between YOU and what's real. -NOT EVEN BRAD!!!!
And Brad quotes some zen-geezer who said that even if you only sit for a few minutes each day it is enough to send you down the right path. (I misquote therefore I am) 🙃
"Brad explains that just sitting zazen is enough."
It wasn't enough for Dogen. He sat for years without awakening until he attained 'kensho'....dropping off body and mind.
@@Teller3448 thanks.