Murphy

I have caught him chewing on my robes too. And, he tried to snatch a bite from the whisk.

A third important change... imperative to discourse

In the previous post, I noted two changes, shifts ….that I’ve noticed over the last twenty+ years in teachings offered by zen centers. And in this blog, I add a third. I am speaking mainly about the world of Soto Zen and related sanghas…

A third change, glacial, but so obvious it would be hard to miss… has been the tendency, no, the imperative to speak about the world beyond this one. And in particular to speak about inequality and more recently, specifically racial justice issues. I’ve found this complicated. On the one hand, I appreciate the gesture to think about the world beyond the self. But on the other hand, as a professional sociologist, I cringe. And, turn away. The gestures are sometimes misplaced, and, I occasionally find that the gist or core commentary is historically incorrect, superficial, or, even offensive (in spite of being well- meaning). To me, sometimes, I find, in effort to be relevant, teachers throw the ball in the direction of home plate (and there is no runner on 3rd). Sorry for the sports analogy. But really, what is at home plate? Race identity and racial politics are complex histories…. and sometimes, there is an overreach (after reading a few books).

The imperative—that is the affect and feelings that zen teachers have to be relevant, informed, and to say so from the dharma seat… is probably the most interesting aspect (at least lately, imo). It has become de rigeur in a way, and what that means is that teachers want to be discourse on this even when they do not fully understand the pitfalls of doing so.

First case in point, is the exhortation of good intentions: “I want systemic racism to end, and I want to be part of that.” Sure. And, um, posture much. The very statement betrays a Johnny come lately misunderstanding of the systemic nature of racial politics, histories, etc. Not to mention, by centering the “I” as in “I will” seems so

Second case in point, I recently listened to a lecture offered at Upaya by a much beloved teacher…. indeed this teacher’s work was important to me in my early days of sitting practice. They referenced an interview (NPR I believe) with Isabel Wilkerson. This is a pretty well known interview, on the occasion of her forthcoming book Caste. Wilkerson, when asked “what to do” responded something to effect of “bide your time, make sure to rest”—which the dharma teacher invoked. The dharma speaker did not know who Wilkerson is, nor could they remember her name, but they remembered “rest”. Oooof. Rest is a good advice. But the context for Wilkerson’s answer is crucial. KT used to say, “most of the time you are hearing my words but listening to your own mind.” In this case, Wilkerson is a Pulitzer prize winning author, and her two books have been at top of the NYT bestseller’s list for months. That Wilkerson’s work focuses on black migration and her proposal that racism is essentially a caste system… are timely, provocative, and an important argument that has garnered loads of public attention, discussion, and debate. Said dharma teacher also referenced a Chinese entrepreneur…. lauding his single minded focus, and eventual success…. notwithstanding that said multi billionaire business man fled China, is known for pro-democracy politics, and, also his company manufactures in China (probably under less than palatable conditions for workers).

The above are two of dozens if not more instances that are offensive to me.

I am aware that some of the teachings from the dharma seat are NOT for me. That’s okay… there are times and places for between us (where us is not ALL of us) conversations. Without a doubt, the between us conversations should be happening… among primarily white sanghas and sangha members. But I believe all conversations that are not specifically between us, should be inclusive.