Western Buddhists, modernity and the European enlightenment

[kirtu]

Well, as I've said here before, I think Zen has largely been a literary movement.

Actually, if you think about, there's lot more to Zen than its literature. It has unique ritualistic aspects, organisational forms, etc.

All (ideally) manifestation of Buddha Mind and activity in the world.

Kirt

[kirtu]

Personally, I think Satipatthana is the essence of all dharma paths, both hina and mahayana.

If you go that expansive: not everyone sits. Morality is the apparent essence of all Dharma paths. But of course the real essence is Bodhi Mind.

Kirt

[Sönam]

Morality has no essence, it only answers by yes or no ...

Sönam

[kirtu]

Morality has no essence, it only answers by yes or no ...

Sönam

Not so. Shakyamuni taught morality so beings could accumulate merit and reduce negative karma. But that's just the beginning point.

Kirt

[Beatzen]

Personally, I think Satipatthana is the essence of all dharma paths, both hina and mahayana.

If you go that expansive: not everyone sits. Morality is the apparent essence of all Dharma paths. But of course the real essence is Bodhi Mind.

Kirt

There's more to satipatthana than culturing morality. There's also concentration and wisdom. The three reinforce eachother. Starting with minfullness and enjoyment of the present moment, one arouses the thought of happiness, and this happiness is associated with sati. In the suttas, it is said that happiness gives the mind peace. Many teachers, from ajahn brahma to thigh naht Hahn urge practitioners to develope this ability to create happiness by enjoying the present moment, which in turn gets the mind interested and attracted to meditation.