SKB41 comments

It's interesting that nose picking doesn't fall under irritating behavior.

Yokohama replaced JET with a private company that has sent only evangelical Christians who refuse to contribute to the school. One said he was imitating Jesus two days before being fired for inviting school girls to his house. At least the JET teachers contributed in school activities.

gaijintraveller, I totally agree Christians and Jewish people must also get priorities straight and recognise violence is unnecessary.

As stupid as she may have been, it's still hypocritical of Muslims. You can't draw a picture but it's ok to murder someone. Muslims need to get their priorities in order.

I never said anything about 'zen masters.' I'm doing my own Buddhism while listening to what practitioners have to say. I take what works and reject what doesn't. Your 9:18 posting was actually pretty spot on, by the way. And no, I'm not new at this, no disrespect taken. Get me a life? You wanna walk a mile in my shoes, mate? I think not. You're right, though, be a seeker. Buddhism is seeking I think... Why such a debate? Christians and Muslims are at each other's throats about burnings; Zen is quite insignificant. Anyway, I hope you'll have peace and prosperity. I'll traverse the zen buddhist path in my own way. Big up.

And no, the Zen masters I've met are not sadists who beat you for not maintaining the lotus position. Practitioners request a wack by bowing. The monk hits muscles so as not to cause damage, it sometimes stings but then goes away. The point is to maintain concentration and not fall asleep or into daydreaming. It's best to try it or don't, but not talk too much about it.

It's rather surprising how many comments this article caused.

May all living beings have peace, employment, housing, healthcare and education. May they live under a benevolent government, be free of natural disaster but have prompt rescue in case of disaster.

That's what Zen has taught me.

Sojiji Temple in Yokohama has English Zazen as well. Tomorrow 11 September at 9:00 a.m will be this month's session. The nearest station is JR Tsurumi. http://sojiji.jp/zenen/sanpai/zazen-english.html