[Buddha-l] Zen War Guilt/Zen and the Sword

[Dan Lusthaus]

It's interesting how many people who obviously haven't read either of Brian
Victoria's books have prefab immunization slogans for avoiding the issues he
raised.

While not directly Zen related today, here's something from today's
Washington Post that might help illustrate the problem. The Zen
establishment and rank and file -- from top to bottom, throughout the
country -- were important players in the pre-War and War years in Japan,
encouraging, facilitating, and doing exactly what the Tokyo establishments
are doing to Junior High School Teacher, Kimiko Nezu. And they twisted
Dogen, et al. sayings to do it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/29/AR2005082901865.html

Just as antisemitism has returned to Europe (Western and Eastern Europe -- 
Yeshiva boys were beaten nearly to death in the Ukraine, while offialdom
denies the attack was antisemitic), so has Japanese militarism cum
nationalism cum suppression (which will get a Buddhist rubber stamp soon, no
doubt). The 21st century is shaping up to be a lot like the one we just left
behind.

For those who think militarism and Zen are indelibly linked, I recommend
reading _Empty Cloud: The Autobiography of the Chinese Zen Master_ by Xu
Yun; A leading Chan proponent who lived well over 100 years, he never lost
an opportunity to defuse violent confrontations, even at the risk -- and
sometimes the reality -- of severe personal injury. Compare his story with
any of the pretenders to Zenhood in Japan that Victoria documents, including
our old friend DT Suzuki. Then (for those who have read Zen War Stories)
remind yourselves of what the Chinese Chan monk told the recently
"enlightened" Japanese soldier who happened onto his Chinese monastery.

And back in the US the Religious Right's Jihad to make everything
evangelical is tearing at the military, which is finally beginning to fight
back.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/29/AR2005082902036_2.html

Having lived in the South, including Georgia, I can assure you -- with no
additional information than is contained in this article, that this Canadian
Rabbi was hazed out the chaplancy, as he claims. Time to get Buddhist
chaplain advocacy certifiers...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/29/AR2005082901874.html

Dan Lusthaus