Zen. really?

My first introduction to Zen was the book, The Three Pillars of Zen by Roshi Philip Kapleau. This led to my study with Taizan Maezumi Roshi. Zen Buddhism has become an important part of my life. It’s a very serious thing for many people. It bothers me that the word Zen has become decoration and a marketing hook. Much of what it’s used to describe is good and people connect with whatever it is, but it has absolutely nothing to do with Zen. The word is most often used in complete ignorance of its true meaning.

To practice Zen is to use meditation (zazen) and other methods to develop an understanding of yourself and to seek spiritual enlightenment. I’d think that something as important as that deserves a little more respect. The word Zen is now being used to lend whatever it’s attached to a certain coolness/exoticism or a suggestion of eastern philosophy. It’s overuse in the wellness community is a form of cultural appropriation. I’m sure there are plenty of other words for good, cool, or focused that could be used instead of using Zen.

I see the misuse of the word Zen in the yoga world. Zen and yoga aren’t the same thing. It is possible to combine a practice of asana with Zen/zazen. The asana practice will benefit and goes well with zazen and will strengthen it. My reason for first starting a yoga practice was exactly for this reason – to strengthen and enhance my practice of zazen.

You might read this blog post and say that it’s not the word that’s being overused, but my mind. Maybe.

All of this just makes me sad not angry.