I saw some people on Reddit discussing whether someone was being orientalist, and I agreed they were simply by using the phrase "zen-like concentration". I'm not offended by them using this term, I just find it stupid. "Zen-like" has absolutely no meaning, but gives an air of eastern spirituality and mysticism. I personally think you should only be able to use that phrase if you can give a detailed and verifiable explanation about the differences between zen-like concentration, huayan-like concentration, mahasthabir nikaya-like concentration, and chan-like concentration, as well as recognize that the last one is exactly the same as zen.

And why is it only ever "zen-like"? I'm sure everyone would find it strange if Asians suddenly started to use the terms "seventh day adventism-like" or "independent fundamentalist baptist-like" to refer to the elements of American culture they find exotic.

  • InevitableSwing [none/use name]
    ·
    7 months ago

    To me the most interesting thing about actual Zen is the stick.

    Keisaku

    In Zen Buddhism, the keisaku (Japanese: 警策, Chinese: 香板, xiāng bǎn; kyōsaku in the Soto school) is a flat wooden stick or slat used during periods of meditation to remedy sleepiness or lapses of concentration. This is accomplished through a strike or series of strikes, usually administered on the meditator's back and shoulders in the muscular area between the shoulder and the spine. The keisaku itself is thin and somewhat flexible; strikes with it, though they may cause momentary sting if performed vigorously, are not injurious.

    • Umechan [he/him]
      ·
      7 months ago

      Yet no one ever calls being slapped with a stick a zen-like experience.

      • InevitableSwing [none/use name]
        ·
        7 months ago

        Someone in this thread said...

        I feel like it's a short and convenient loaner word to describe calm/focus/concentration at this point.

        I'm American that's how I think most Americans certainly look at the word/concept. And most Americans never bother to learn anything and have no curiosity so they do and say things without thinking and without caring.

        • Umechan [he/him]
          ·
          7 months ago

          Well I think we should change the definition so that it means being hit with a stick in an unwelcome manner.