Zen enlightened

[Taro Toporific]

Zen Goes Mainstream
TheLedger.com, March 5
....today American Zen practitioners are a growing influence in religious life...many Zen centers report seeing their membership increase substantially in the last decade, and new centers are popping up across the country.
Much different from the male-dominated, hierarchical and highly monastic zendos in Japan, these centers have blended elements like lay participation, female leadership and social activism to create an American form of an ancient practice....more...

[Socratesabroad]

After an hour and a half of meditation at the Village Zendo one Sunday, O'Hara's students moved their meditation cushions into a circle. They were holding a council, which is a blend of Japanese and Native American traditions. Some incense and a candle were placed in the middle of the circle. A student asked people to share their experiences of generosity with each other. She then passed a stick to her left, and whoever held the stick had the chance to speak. O'Hara sat in the group like everyone else.

Sounds about as close to the real thing as avocado sushi rolls...

Anyone up for a round of Kum Ba Yah?