I\u2019ll be breaking the unspoken \u201czip it\u201d rule among teachers when it comes to sharing concerns about dharma practice (although many of us seem to enjoy gossiping about the behavior of others) so I\u2019m edgy about it. But as a wild fox, I tend to yip and yap from the border now and then.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Here\u2019s a little excerpt from the introduction that touches on this second theme:<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
One purpose of this book is to share what it was like to train with one of the first generation American Zen teachers and in so doing I hope to help preserve and revitalize this incredible way. Another purpose is to offer a critique of the current trends in dharma practice contrasted with the perspective of one our Zen pioneers. Katagiri Roshi emphasized zazen as wholehearted surrender rather than using zazen as a means to psychological healing or even to become a Buddha. He lived the precepts as the expression of wonderment rather than moralistic regulations. Roshi emphasized the central role of the teacher-student relationship rather than over-emphasizing the role of the community. And he taught a Zen that offered no sweet cookies rather than a means to build personal or collective fame and fortune.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/span><\/div>\n<\/span><\/span>For me, criticism about the direction of our dharma practice is intended to open up a reflective denominational conversation. I don\u2019t really expect that this book will have that kind of impact but I\u2019m just doing what I can. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Comments welcome, of course.<\/span><\/span>
<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_0uPSljNE9f4\/SMh6tjFydHI\/AAAAAAAAAGs\/CvfogMmoL-c\/s1600-h\/101_0112.JPG\")
<\/a>There are two main themes. The one that seems to stand out to most people who\u2019ve seen it is the teacher-student relationship thread. <\/p>\n