Zen Buddhism? - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

ProfessorLepus · 14th Jun 2009, 10:38 PM

Anyone here much into Zen? I'm looking into it now, its ideals seem interesting and actually fairly obvious to me. I've been trying zazen, and I don't think I've ever felt anything better!

So now I'm getting the hang of zazen, what should I do next? Anything I should read?

George · 15th Jun 2009, 02:59 AM

I love the ideas behind nearly all forms of Buddhism, but I doubt I'd be able to live the life of being in that religion.

ProfessorLepus · 15th Jun 2009, 04:21 AM

Well I'm not going to shave my head and be a monk (I enjoy my manly locks) but I am adopting some of the mid-level stuff. The kind of stuff that alters your way of thinking, but allows you to function in society.

15th Jun 2009, 03:10 PM

I took a course in yoga my 2nd year at college and really enjoyed it, I felt great mentally and physically. I have been meaning to get back into because it helped a lot the last time I was really down. Not sure how related the two are, but the meditation and relaxation really helps clear your mind. I also read a lot about Buddhism and the philosophies are great care to share your methods? and what exactly is zazen?

**Lexington** · 15th Jun 2009, 03:24 PM

Zen is a very specific sect of Buddhism which focuses away from texts and other so-called "religious trappings", and more on personal enlightenment via meditation. In short, if you're truly devoted to the cause, you SHOULD read nothing at all.

Lex

ProfessorLepus · 15th Jun 2009, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Confusicus

I took a course in yoga my 2nd year at college and really enjoyed it, I felt great mentally and physically. I have been meaning to get back into because it helped a lot the last time I was really down. Not sure how related the two are, but the meditation and relaxation really helps clear your mind. I also read a lot about Buddhism and the philosophies are great care to share your methods? and what exactly is zazen?

Zazen is Zen meditation. Literally, "seated meditation". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zazen

CrystalCat · 15th Jun 2009, 05:00 PM

The Heart of Buddha's teachings by Thic Nyat Hanh. Anything by him is amazing on a whole. He got me into zen buddhism.

ProfessorLepus · 16th Jun 2009, 01:42 AM

Thanks for your answers everyone!

14th Jun 2009, 10:38 PM	#1
ProfessorLepus Colgate Rabbit Dentist Full Member Gender: Mail Orientation: Ghey Out Status: I don't lie. Location: Austin, TX Age: 20 Posts: 445 Join Date: Nov 2008	Zen Buddhism? Anyone here much into Zen? I'm looking into it now, its ideals seem interesting and actually fairly obvious to me. I've been trying zazen, and I don't think I've ever felt anything better! So now I'm getting the hang of zazen, what should I do next? Anything I should read? __________________ Anonymity I can not run forever Google will find me

15th Jun 2009, 02:59 AM	#2
George Banned Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 19 Posts: 2,387 Join Date: Jul 2007	Re: Zen Buddhism? I love the ideas behind nearly all forms of Buddhism, but I doubt I'd be able to live the life of being in that religion.

15th Jun 2009, 04:21 AM	#3
ProfessorLepus Colgate Rabbit Dentist Full Member Gender: Mail Orientation: Ghey Out Status: I don't lie. Location: Austin, TX Age: 20 Posts: 445 Join Date: Nov 2008	Re: Zen Buddhism? Well I'm not going to shave my head and be a monk (I enjoy my manly locks) but I am adopting some of the mid-level stuff. The kind of stuff that alters your way of thinking, but allows you to function in society. __________________ Anonymity I can not run forever Google will find me

15th Jun 2009, 03:10 PM	#4
Confusicus Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Zen Buddhism? I took a course in yoga my 2nd year at college and really enjoyed it, I felt great mentally and physically. I have been meaning to get back into because it helped a lot the last time I was really down. Not sure how related the two are, but the meditation and relaxation really helps clear your mind. I also read a lot about Buddhism and the philosophies are great care to share your methods? and what exactly is zazen?

15th Jun 2009, 03:24 PM	#5
Lexington The gay gargoyle EC Advisor Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Colorado Age: 42 Posts: 12,371 Join Date: Dec 2007	Re: Zen Buddhism? Zen is a very specific sect of Buddhism which focuses away from texts and other so-called "religious trappings", and more on personal enlightenment via meditation. In short, if you're truly devoted to the cause, you SHOULD read nothing at all. Lex

15th Jun 2009, 05:00 PM	#7
CrystalCat Colour Scientist Regular Member Gender: Genderqueer Orientation: Queer Out Status: Most people and anyone who asks Location: New York Age: 19 Posts: 258 Join Date: Feb 2009	Re: Zen Buddhism? The Heart of Buddha's teachings by Thic Nyat Hanh. Anything by him is amazing on a whole. He got me into zen buddhism.

16th Jun 2009, 01:42 AM	#8
ProfessorLepus Colgate Rabbit Dentist Full Member Gender: Mail Orientation: Ghey Out Status: I don't lie. Location: Austin, TX Age: 20 Posts: 445 Join Date: Nov 2008	Re: Zen Buddhism? Thanks for your answers everyone! __________________ Anonymity I can not run forever Google will find me