NY Times – Meditating on War and Guilt, Zen Says It’s Sorry
Traditionally, Zen stresses an inward search for understanding and mental discipline. But Mr. Victoria said that imperial military trainers developed the self-denying egolessness Zen prizes into “a form of fascist mind-control.” He said Suzuki and others helped by “romanticizing” the tie between Zen and the warrior ethos of the samurai. Worse, he charges, they stressed a connection between Buddhist compassion and the acceptance of death in a way that justified collective martyrdom and killing one’s enemies.
A fascinating article on the role of Zen Buddhism in World War 2 Japan and it’s impact on the military and the Japanese populace. It’s more interesting because this role that Zen Buddhism had in promoting the war and anti-Semitism was hidden by the Buddhists during the cold war and was only uncovered by a foreigner/priest, Brian Victoria. It’s telling that the Japanese did not reveal this sordid history themselves.
I am a practicing Buddhist & Buddhist Monk in the Zen Tradition. I am giving a talk on 17 Apr. & would like to read your article in order to include it in my talk: to students, guests & faculty @ Hsi Lsi Univ., Rosemead, Ca.
Thank you for the article.
Ven Thich An Hue
As the Buddha suggested himself, even attachment to buddhism can prevent enlightenment. I have supported the war in Iraq, Afghanistan and the ‘war on terrorism’. I don’t think there is any justifications for what the Buddhsit leaders did in Japan by condoning the Samurai’s and the japanese imperialist army. There is also no justifications for the right-wing attitude of the Sri-Lankan monks. War is hell and I understand that and except a few sadistic individuals in our society no one likes war
But that doesnt mean that some wars are not justified to prevent prolonged sufferings of other people
And this is why i think it is necessary to meditate deeply on these things before making any judgement> this is exactly what the buddha suggested himself>
Re: Zen connection.
I’ve read a lot about Buddhism lately, and some of it was covering this. In m…