Recently, someone decided to leave an uninvited comment, questioning my use of quotations in blog posts, and (therefore) my grasp of Zen.
This person has since been blocked.
Every one starts from somewhere, learns differently, and approaches things differently. People make mistakes, but they also grow. Constructive feedback is helpful, but “oneupmanship” is not.
Spock: Has it occurred to you that there’s a certain… inefficiency in constantly questioning me on things you’ve already made up your mind about?
Star Trek, “The Corbomite Maneuver” (s1:ep10), Stardate 1512.2
Discover more from Gleanings in Buddha-Fields
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Gleanings in Buddha-Fields 
This immediately made me think of the infamous Ewk, r/zen, and the hypocrisy, anger, and arrogance that exists in so many online “Zen” circles. Unless you live alone on a mountain and only speak in obscure koans, you’re not “Zen” enough. Smile, block, and maybe send some merit in their direction – it’s the best way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💯 agree. That’s why I avoided Zen for so long, until I started reading Japanese (not English sources) and I realized that that was strictly a Western-online phenomenon.
Japanese Zen, as practiced by people in Japan, is more moderate and reasonable, and more grounded in daily life and conduct (i.e. the Precepts) than “crazy wisdom” and Koans.
The Shushōgi really opened my eyes in that regard.
LikeLiked by 1 person